cork city tourist information office

Cork Kerry Tourism

Travel guide to the South West, Ireland

Tourist Information Offices

The Tourist Information Offices in the Cork Kerry Region are there for your assistance and to help make your stay more enjoyable and informative. Services provided by our Tourist Information Office network include:

Cork Kerry Tourism operates Tourist Information Offices in the Region as follows:

Cork City & County: Blarney Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 21 4381624

Bantry Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 27 50229

Clonakilty Tourist Office (All year) – Tel: +353 23 33226

Cork City Tourist Office (All year) – Tel: +353 21 4255100

Glengarriff Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 27 63084

Kinsale Tourist Office (All year) – Tel: +353 21 4772234

Macroom Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 26 43280

Midleton Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 21 4613702

Skibbereen Tourist Office (All year) – Tel: +353 28 21766

County Kerry:

Caherciveen Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 66 9472589

Dingle Tourist Office (All year) – Tel: +353 66 9151188

Kenmare Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 64 41233

Killarney Tourist Office (All year) – Tel: +353 64 31633

Waterville Tourist Office (Seasonal) – Tel: +353 66 9474646

Cheap Car Hire Comparison – https://www.carhirecomparison.ie/

The Tourist Information Offices in the Cork Kerry Region are there for your assistance and to help make your stay more enjoyable and informative.

Compare cheap car hire Kerry Airport prices before your trip begins so you are well prepared to see all the sights.

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A unique experience awaits

Cork is a place you’ll want to revisit, over and over again..

Cork has amazing magnetism in so many different ways. It’s an immersive experience that will satisfy the needs of any visitor, whatever your interests. As well as visiting attractions or engaging in activities, many get to experience true local life, brought alive by the people that you encounter during your stay.

Nestled in the South West of Ireland between the signature visitor experiences of Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way, Cork offers the history, heritage and landmarks accompanied by artisan food and drink and a strong cultural, musical and artistic vibe. We are a place of dramatic natural landscapes, riverscapes, harbours, bays and seascapes. A place of mountains, river valleys and coastlines.

Cork is distinctive and it offers unmissable experiences that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. The city and county complement each other well; the coastline offers a calm escape or a sporty challenge, the hills and mountains are there to admire or climb and the rich food heritage adds an element of discovery and satisfaction to any day out.

For many visitors who live in other parts of Ireland, Cork is a special place that holds nostalgic memories of their own childhood-family holidays. That’s the magic of Cork that will bring people back time and time again.

Cork’s visitor website

Visit Cork is Cork’s visitor organisation, leading the way in promoting Cork to people who are about to embark on a visit to Cork. Their aim is to educate and enrich the visitor experience and their website  is a central hub to find out more about what Cork has to offer, visitor attractions, places to stay, festivals and events and much more, so please it as a resource to build knowledge or plan your trip.

A place of warm welcomes

The visitor experience in Cork is ‘made by many’. The many different characters that you will meet who will welcome you like an old friend and go out of their way to ensure your stay is a happy one. Our people are characterised by commentators as being amiable, approachable, helpful, open and independent minded. They are free-thinking who will share their stories and their passion for what’s real in life. They will want to connect with you and make you feel at home in a county that they have a deep pride and passion for.

An authentic experience

Many visitors want to immerse themselves in the locality of the place they are staying in. Cork is not manufactured, it is a truly authentic experience that is a rich mix of its traditional past and forward thinking focus. Visitors who have a deep appreciation for locally relevant activities and produce will not be disappointed in Cork. Community focused activities such as visiting local farmers markets, food producers or craft studios are available in most parts of Cork. Walking tours of villages or forests or a river or lake adventure are in abundance. Because of the local knowledge of the people, you will be able to discover the locality of Cork in a true and meaningful way and will never be too far from the next exciting experience.

Cork is Ireland’s Maritime Haven

Cork is a lush coastal playground backed by rolling hills with an endless succession of ports, coves and bays that are a magnet for sailors and those who just love to be by the sea. It has a maritime history spanning over a thousand years, including the most influential periods of European exploration. Here you will discover an immersive and quirky way to experience history and heritage that will stimulate all your senses.

Cork has the longest shoreline of any county in Ireland, the last sunset in Europe and one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. A Maritime Haven is the wild and rugged yet serene coastline that can be experienced through land or sea. See the colourful towns and villages; taste the abundance of local artisanal produce, savour the many stories and traditions from the locals.

Hear the quirky and quick-witted Cork personality with its uplifting tone, with lyrics around every corner, and experience a local creative vibe that stimulates all five senses. It is the layering of these things together that creates a true maritime haven.

The port and the coastal lands of Cork has created a wealth of maritime and outdoor activities, set in a scenic and unique lifestyle setting that allows you to explore the beautiful coastline in a number of different ways.

Creative & Cultural

We are a place that’s culturally rich and vibrant. A place with a wide range of cultural facilities and events as well as a creative flair that contributes to the cosmopolitan feel of the region’s city and towns. There are festivals with an international reputation, all of which add to the quality of life and visitor experience to be had in the region.

There are many authentic experiences on offer, many of which mean exploring something new or unexpected. The storytelling festival on Cape Clear, the story of Cork harbour, the Butter Museum or a trip to Blarney Castle. The stories of anywhere you choose to visit will complement each other and add to overall experience and love for Cork.

Cork’s creativity energy exudes from the people of Cork, inspired by the place of Cork. To get into the mindset of our creative offering, visit the English Market or local farmer’s market and hear of the local stories connected with our artisanal produce. Or why not visit a local craftsperson and hear first hand of the inspiration behind their work; go a step further and engage in a creative workshop to make something, not just buy it. By evening time, you’ll be ready for a live music session, often put together by a group of local people with a passion for the instrument they play.

The Socially Energetic

Whether you are visiting on your own, as a couple or in a group, there are some cool, exciting and energising things to do in Cork. From morning to night, there is enough to do that you will remember for a lifetime. If you are ready to try new things, Cork has a lot to offer; you can explore the city by day, on foot, by bike, kayak or currach and then immerse yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere at night.

Across city and county you will be able to enjoy lots of new, quirky activities such as kayaking at night, Triskel Arts Centre, live music events and water sports.

If planning your visit at festival time, you will get to enjoy the vibe of local and international entertainment in all its glory – street performers, live music, comedy tours and street art. So, if you are coming from afar on a main holiday or another part of Ireland for a long weekend, you won’t be disappointed with what Cork has to offer.

Some key highlights of Cork

It’s impossible to detail all that is great about Cork in one website, it’s the personal experience that matters. But here’s just a quick look at some of Cork’ strongest assets:

• West Cork and the Islands
• Fota Island, Blarney Stone, Ballymaloe, Midleton Distillery
• The Blackwater and Doneraile
• The characterful people and progressive thinking
• Strong tradition of music
• The artisanal producers and the English Market
• Second largest natural harbour in the world
• Marine and coastline accessibility
• High standard of accommodation offered in hotels and guest houses

Business Tourism

Cork is increasingly attracting business tourism as organisers recognise the attraction of hosting their conferences in the region. With world class conference facilities for up to 1,000 delegates, and internationally acclaimed hotels, set against a backdrop of 1,100 km of coastline and internationally renowned golf courses in Ireland’s gourmet capital, Cork offers a compelling location for business visitors.

The Cork Convention Bureau can help event organisers with practical supports and advice to ensure the smooth running and success of their event.

Organisations that support visiting Cork

Stay informed

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 2.3 By train
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.2 By bicycle
• 3.3 By train
• 3.5 By taxi
• 4.1 Further out
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.1 Summer Accommodation
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Cork is the principal city of County Cork in southwest Ireland. Known as "the Rebel City" the "real capital of Ireland", Cork has a strong independence and Corkonians are proud of its role in Irish history. This historic merchant port has a lot of Georgian architecture and lively arts, music and food scenes.

It was already the second-largest city in Ireland when in 2019 its boundaries were extended, to have a population of 210,000. The new boundary includes the town of Blarney , but this is described on its own page; Cobh and Crosshaven downriver remained separate.

Corcaigh is an old word for "salt-marsh" - the River Lee broke up into a wetland delta draining into the drowned valley that forms its natural outer harbour. It was tidal and navigable, and Saint Fin Barre founded a monastery on its south bank in 606 AD, the nucleus of a settlement. The Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries and the Anglo-Normans from the 12th were also attracted by this fertile area, and sought to claim the area as their own. It was under King Henry II that Cork was granted city status in 1185.

Medieval Cork was walled for defence and overcrowded, so several river channels became infilled, the basis of what is now St Patrick's Street, South Mall and Grand Parade. The main north and south channels persisted, enclosing the arrow-shaped island of the city centre. Cork's heyday was the 17th century, when sea trade was booming but ships had not yet outgrown the river - later the port moved downstream to Cobh . Prosperous suburbs such as Sunday's Well and Montenotte were built on higher ground on the north bank, while on the south bank a university campus grew up from the 19th century.

The Cork Tourist Information Centre is at 125 St Patrick's St, corner of Lavitt's Quay one block west of the bus station.

To the city: Buses 225 / 226 run every 30 min between the airport, Parnell Place next to Cork bus station, and the main railway station, taking 25 min to the city. Bus 225 starts from Haulbowline navy base via Ringaskiddy cruiser terminal and Carrigaline, Bus 226 starts from Kinsale . In 2023 an adult single is €2.20 by cash and €2 by Leap card.

The taxi rank is outside Arrivals. A taxi to city centre might be €25 for up to four passengers.

Dublin Airport ( DUB  IATA ) may work out better, for its better range of flights and direct buses to Cork.

Shannon Airport ( SNN  IATA ) near Limerick is a good alternative for transatlantic flights. There's public transport to Cork but you'll be wanting a rental car.

In summer there are car ferries from Roscoff (15 hr) and Santander (26 hr) to Cork once or twice a week, operated by Brittany Ferries . They were suspended in 2020 and the timetable for 2021 has not been announced.

51.833 -8.322 2 Cork Ferry Terminal is at Ringaskiddy, 15 km south east of the city on N28. Bus 223 / 225 runs here, see Get around.

Cruise liners often visit: they may dock at Cobh or at Ringaskiddy, or land passengers by tender for excursions. Many are on round-trip itineraries, but check the upcoming cruise schedule in case a point-to-point journey is possible. For instance transatlantic one-way cruises from New York might let you off at Cork on their way to Southampton.

Trains run hourly from Dublin Heuston, taking 2 hr 40 min to Cork via Kildare , Portlaoise , Ballybrophy, Thurles , Limerick Junction (for Tipperary ) and Mallow . A walk-up single is around €40, see Irish Rail website for timetables, fares and online tickets. From central Dublin, get a ticket from city centre not Heuston, as this includes the tram fare and saves a couple of euros over separate tickets.

From Limerick , change at Limerick Junction. Change there also coming from Waterford , via Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel , Cahir and Tipperary .

From Tralee (via Killarney and Mallow ) a couple of trains are direct, but you normally change at Mallow onto the commuter train.

Commuter trains run from Cobh and from Midleton every 30 min. See Get Around for the suburban stations.

51.902 -8.459 3 Kent Station is the main station,on Lower Glanmire Road, 500 m east of city centre. There's just a coffee shop here but lots of facilities outside on the street, and be grateful that your train isn't going to be hauled by Engine No 36, the Victorian 2-2-2 loco in the main hall. For local buses take the south exit onto Horgan's Quay. The station is named for Thomas Kent or Tomás Ceannt (1865 – 1916), executed for his part in the Easter Rising. He and his three brothers actually stayed home, but when the police came to arrest known sympathisers there was a shoot-out which killed his brother Richard and a policeman.

Buses run hourly from Dublin Airport (3 hr 30 min) and Busáras (3 hr) to Cork, for a single adult fare of around €20. There's competition on the route between Aircoach (Bus 704X), Bus Éireann (Expressway X8) and Gobus .

City Link runs every 3 hours from Galway via Shannon Airport, Limerick , and Cork city centre and airport. The slower Bus Éireann 51 runs hourly from Galway via Ennis , Shannon Airport, Limerick and Mallow to Cork.

Expressway Bus 40 runs hourly from Rosslare harbour (for ferries from Wales and the Continent) via Wexford , New Ross , Waterford , Dungarvan and Youghal to Cork, where it takes a break then continues west to Macroom , Ballyvourney, Killarney , Farranfore (for Kerry Airport) and Tralee .

Bus Éireann 260 runs five times a day from Youghal to Cork; some of them start from Ardmore in County Waterford.

From Dublin take M7 onto M8 and reckon 2 hr 30 min. There are tolls at Portlaoise and Fermoy, €1.90 at each, pay online or by phone. Avoid rush hour in Dublin or Cork if you can.

N20 from Limerick is mostly an undivided road and will take around 1 hr 45 min to Cork. Say an hour from Killarney and 90 min from Waterford.

From Cobh you could cross via 51.861 -8.326 5 Passage West Ferry onto R610.

Try to avoid bringing a car into city centre. If you're day-tripping, use the Park & Ride at Black Ash south side of the city; it's well signposted and cost €5 to park all day, with a free bus to and from the centre. The last outbound bus is at 8PM and the park is locked at 8:30PM so it's not for evening attractions. The University has its own Park & Ride and shuttle bus, but you need to show staff or student ID to use it.

Cork has a small city centre, and most places to stay, eat, drink and tour are within one busy km. So too are the transport hubs.

There are many cycleways, both in-street and segregated, with some contraflow lanes.

The bike share scheme has docking stations across the city centre extending west to UCC. You need to register and pay a deposit of €150. As of Nov 2020, an annual pass is €10 and a 3-day visitor pass is €3. The first 30 min of any journey is free.

Cycle shops offering bike hire are Cycle Scene and The Bike Shed . Kilgrews in city centre sell and repair but don't hire.

Irish Rail commuter trains serve three lines out of Cork Kent station:

• East then south every 30-60 min to Little Island, Glounthaune, Fota (for Wildlife Park), Carrigaloe, Rushbrooke and Cobh , taking 25 min, single fare €5.
• East every 30-60 min to Little Island, Glounthaune, Carrigtwohill and Midleton , for the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, 25 min, single fare €5.
• North hourly non-stop to Mallow , for the racecourse, 25 min. Many of these are inter-city trains to Dublin Heuston or Tralee, but you pay the same commuter fare of around €10 single.

Buses in Cork are run by Bus Éireann, with 22 routes , see map . Apart from three orbital routes that you're unlikely to use (201 north, 219 south and 225 further south), they all run cross-town, with central stops around St Patrick Street, Merchants Quay or Parnell Place main bus station. They run daily 6:30AM-11:30PM, every 10-20 min at peak times, except Bus 220 which runs 24 hours.

• Route 202 from Hollyhill and Knocknaheeney northwest to city centre then Blackrock and Mahon Point southeast.
• Route 203 from Farranree and Blackpool in the north to city centre then Turners Cross and Ballyphehane south.
• Route 205 from Cork Institute of Technology and University College Cork west to Kent Railway Station.
• Route 208 from Curraheen and Cork University Hospital southwest to city centre then Mayfield and Lotabeg northeast.
• Route 213 from Black Ash Park & Ride south to St Patrick Street in the city centre - no Sunday service. The P&R is locked at 20:30.
• Route 214 from Cork University Hospital and Wilton southwest to city centre.
• Routes 215 and 215A from Jacobs Island and Mahon Point southeast to South Mall in the city centre. Route 215 also extends northwest across the city to Blarney and Cloghroe.
• Route 220 runs 24 hours from Ovens and Ballincollig in the west to city centre then Douglas and Carrigaline southeast. Alternate buses continue to Crosshaven .

Most bus stops have real time displays. You can also plan your journey and check real time arrivals with the TFI website and apps. All buses are low-floor wheelchair accessible.

Cash fares within the city are €2.40-2.80 adult and €1.40-1.70 child, while if paying with a TFI Leap Card are €1.68-1.96 adult and €0.98-1.19 child. On TFI Leap Card, 24 hour, 7 day and monthly tickets are also available.

Fares are nationally regulated and taxis must use the meter. As of March 2021, fares M-Sa 8AM to 8PM are €3.60 flagfall then €1.10-1.50 per km, 8PM to 8AM, and Sunday €4.00 flagfall then €1.40-1.80 per km. In slow traffic or if asked to wait they charge by the minute, 40-50 cents. Fares are negotiable for longer out of town trips. Many drivers also offer fixed priced guided tours.

Taxis look like normal cars with a yellow bar with their licence number and "taxi" or "Tacsaí" printed on it. If the light is on, the taxi is available for hire.

• Red Abbey Tower is off Douglas St just east of Nano Nagle Place. It's one of the few medieval structures remaining in Cork, the bell tower of a 14th century Augustinian abbey: in 1690 John Churchill (later Duke of Marlborough) used its vantage point to blast away at the Jacobites below. The Augustinians moved out in the 18th century and the abbey became a sugar refinery, then in 1799 a fire destroyed everything except the tower. You can't go inside.
• Butter Museum , O’Connell Square, Shandon T23 H004 ( at foot of St Anne's ), ☏ +353 21 430 0600 , [email protected] . Oct-May: W–Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM–4PM; Jun-Sep: M–Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM–4PM . This explores Ireland's long history of butter-making. 1000-year-old bog butter, anyone? Adult €5, students & seniors €4, child €2 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8961 -8.4943 9 Cork Public Museum , Fitzgerald's Park, Mardyke T12 V0AA , ☏ +353 21 427 0679 . Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM . Wide-ranging museum depicts the city's history from prehistoric to modern times. There's a good section on Michael Collins and the anti-Treaty Cork Brigades of the Irish civil war. Free . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Fitzgerald's Park outside the museum is a genteel municipal space on the riverside, laid out in 1902 after Cork hosted an international trade exhibition here. Your only excitement will be from crossing the pedestrian "Shaky Bridge" to Sunday's Well Rd on the north bank.
• 51.89323 -8.49247 11 University College Cork (UCC) main campus is beyond the Glucksman on Western Rd. You can stroll around (see college map ) and take in the variety of architecture, from the modern extension of the Boole Library to the Honan Chapel, completed in 1917 but got up in Celtic-Gothic style to look much older.
• 51.88735 -8.48677 12 Lough park is 1 km south of city centre. The Lough, which gives its name to the neighbourhood, is a small freshwater lake fed by springs bubbling out of the limestone; it's barely 1 metre deep. The Lough is ringed by housing but is a wildlife reserve: waterfowl nest on the wooded island at the south end. The lough shore has a firm track of 1.1 km, popular with joggers and dog-walkers. There are carp, eels, tench and other freshwater fish, and coarse angling is permitted by catch and release. There's a cafe by the north end and a bar with meals at the south end.

Further out

• 51.8999 -8.4029 13 Blackrock Castle Observatory , Castle Rd, Blackrock T12 YW52 ( Bus 202 towards Mahon ), ☏ +353 21 432 6120 , [email protected] . W-Su 10AM-4PM . If pirates ever try to attack Cork from the moon, this place will give ample warning. It was first built in 1582 to defend the harbour and its shipping, but twice burnt down without the help of any marauders. The present castle is a cod-medieval structure of 1828; in 2007 it became an astronomy museum and observatory. Adult €7, conc or child €5 . ( updated Mar 2023 )

• 51.916 -8.175 16 Midleton is a town 16 km west of Cork along the road to Youghal. Its main attraction is the Old Midleton Distillery or "Jameson Experience", with a huge waterwheel and pot still, which produced Jameson whiskey from 1825. It's open for tours daily 10:30AM-5PM (€26 in 2023). In 1975 production transferred to the new distillery alongside; the business is now owned by Pernod Ricard. There are tour buses from Cork to the distillery, and the railway re-opened in 2009, so Midleton has grown into a large commuter town. The Farmer's Market is held on Saturday 9AM-1AM.
• 51.888 -8.589 17 Ballincollig is a small village 5 km west of Cork which throughout the 19th century held a large military-industrial complex, the Royal Gunpowder Mills. These are nowadays just bosky ruins 500 m north of the village in the riverbank park. 500 m south of the village is the Norman stump of Ballincollig Castle, which is on private land.
• 51.865 -8.711 18 Kilcrea Friary is the substantial ruin of a 15th century Franciscan abbey. It came under repeated attack by the English while the Friars holed up in Kilcrea Castle 500 m west: the castle ruin is on a farm with no public access.
• Cobh and Crosshaven are small ports in Cork Harbour, see separate pages.
• What's on? Listen to Cork 96 on 96.4 MHz, C103 on 102.6 MHz, or Red FM on 106.1 MHz.
• Cork City Tours operate a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city, as well as excursions out to the Jameson Distillery, Mizen Head, and Ring of Kerry. These run May-Sep, and in 2023 the city tour is €18 adult, €16 conc, €7 child.
• Cork Arts Theatre is on Carroll's Quay, Box Office +353 21 450 5624.
• Crane Lane Theatre on the block between South Mall and Oliver Plunkett St is a live music venue and bar open to 02:00 nightly.
• Gate Cinema is top of North Main Street by the bridge.
• Triskel Arts Centre on Tobin Street has a gallery, live music, theatre and a cinema.
• Cyprus Avenue is a live music venue on Caroline Street.
• 51.8964 -8.4745 1 Rebel City Tour , ☏ +353 83 363 6990 , [email protected] . 9am-5pm Mon-Sun . Led by Dara, a knowledgeable and passionate local storyteller, you‘ll embark on a journey through the city‘s historic neighborhoods, quaint alleyways, and lively streets. Varies . ( updated Jun 2024 )

• Gaelic games at 51.9 -8.4353 1 Páirc Ui Chaoimh , Ballintemple ( 2 km east of centre ), ☏ +353 21 201 9200 . This 45,000 capacity stadium hosts the biggest games. It's the home ground of Cork GAA, the county team, playing Gaelic football and hurling. They have a secondary home stadium at Páirc Uí Rinn, capacity 16,440, and club games are usually played at this and similar-sized grounds: Nemo Rangers for football, Blackrock for hurling, St Finbarr's play both. The fixture list is posted by the national GAA . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Soccer at 51.886 -8.468 2 Cork City FC , St Anne's Park, Turners Cross T12 Y7D6 . "The Rebel Army" were relegated in 2023 so they now play soccer in the League of Ireland First Division, the Republic's second tier. The playing season is March-Oct and matches are usually on Friday evenings. Turner's Cross Stadium (capacity 7485) is 1.5 km south of city centre. Take a bus to Evergreen Road or walk; you may not walk on South Link Road. ( updated Nov 2023 )
• Rugby Union , 15-a-side: Munster Rugby are one of the four Irish professional teams playing in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro14), the European (predominantly Celtic) league. Their usual home ground is in Limerick, but some home games are at Musgrave Park, capacity 8000 (also known as Irish Independent Park). Junior internationals are also held here. It's off Pearse Rd a mile south of the centre.
• Go to the races but you need to set off early: Cork Racecourse is at Mallow 35 km north.
• St Patrick's Day on 17 March is a big event here, with streets closed off for the parade.
• Cork Midsummer Festival features theatre, music, dance, painting, photography and more. The next is 14-25 June 2023.
• Ironman Triathlon is held between Youghal and Cork in late August. The event offers 40 qualifying slots for the world championships in Hawaii.
• Cork Jazz Festival is held in late October.
• Cork International Film Festival is held in November.
• 2024 Four Nations - Masters hockey , Garryduff Sports Centre,Garryduff, Cork, T12 ER22 . 31 May-2 June . 2024 Four Nations Women's hockey competition. Over 35, Over 40 and Over 45's - Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales teams. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• Shopping areas are along St Patrick's Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Paul Street and North Main Street.
• Farmers' Markets are held at Blackrock (Su 10AM-2PM), Mahon Point (Th 10AM-2PM), Douglas (Sa 10AM-2PM) and Midleton (Sa 9AM-1PM).

Eating places and bars are everywhere, but especially on MacCurtain Street, Washington Street and Oliver Plunkett Street.

• 51.8991 -8.4742 1 Dukes Coffee Company , 4 Carey's Lane T12 YY89 , ☏ +353 21 490 5877 . M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM . Big portions, slick service. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• My Goodness , Unit 2, English Market, Princes St T12 W9XP ( in Market Hall ). Vegan cafe. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Kellys Restaurant , 64 Oliver Plunkett St T12 K5FH ( upstairs, opposite English Market ), ☏ +353 21 427 3375 . Tu-Su 12:30-5PM . Inexpensive trad fare. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• O'Flynns Gourmet Sausage Co , 14 Winthrop St T12 A367 ( corner of Plunkett St ), ☏ +353 21 427 4422 . M-Th 9:30AM-5PM, F Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM . Hotdogs, sit in or take away. They also have a stall within English Market. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8978 -8.4763 2 Amigo's , 7 Washington St T12 Y75F . M W-Fnoon-9PM, Sa noon-11:30PM, Su 1-8PM . Burritos and kebabs. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8988 -8.4777 3 Tony's Bistro , 69 North Main St T12 H61W , ☏ +353 21 427 0848 . Daily 8:30AM-5PM . Irish breakfast and similar trad fare. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.898 -8.4698 4 Jacques Restaurant , 23 Oliver Plunkett St T12 A5D7 , ☏ +353 21 427 7387 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 5-9:30PM . A long-established Irish restaurant. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8971 -8.473 5 Clancys , 15 Princes St T12 V6FH , ☏ +353 21 234 4455 , [email protected] . M-Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-11PM . Trad Irish pub but nowadays primarily a restaurant. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8984 -8.4681 6 Market Lane , 5 Oliver Plunkett St T12 T959 , ☏ +353 21 427 4710 , [email protected] . Daily noon-9:30PM . Bustling two-storey Irish restaurant and bar near English Market gets great reviews for its food and has a GF selection. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8978 -8.4781 7 Liberty Grill , 32 Washington St T12 T880 , ☏ +353 21 427 1049 . F Sa 9:30AM–2:30PM & 5-8PM, Th Su 9:30AM–2:30PM . New England style bistro with good all-day brunch, licensed. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8987 -8.464 8 Café Gusto , The Boardwalk, Lapps Quay T12 WY42 , ☏ +353 21 422 4099 . M–F 7AM-3PM . Good for a quick bite and coffee. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Another Cafe Gusto is at 3 Washington St.
• 51.8778 -8.4341 9 East Village Hotel , East Village, Douglas T12 Y688 ( next to Douglas shopping court ), ☏ +353 21 436 7000 . M–Th 6-9PM, F 5-10PM, Sa 1-10PM, Su 1-9PM . It's a mid-range hotel but most reviews rate it for food and drink. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8964 -8.4721 10 Jacobs on the Mall , 30 South Mall T12 NY22 , ☏ +353 21 425 1530 , [email protected] . Tu–Sa 5-10PM . Modern gourmet cuisine, lots of veggie choice, the set menu is especially good value. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.9002 -8.4723 11 Luigi Malones , 1 Emmet Place T12 VF43 ( next to Opera House ), ☏ +353 21 427 8877 . M-Th noon-8PM, F Sa noon-9PM Su 1-8PM . Long-established popular Italian place with Art Deco interior. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Nash 19 , 19 Princes St T12 W718 ( next to Clancy's off Oliver Plunkett St ), ☏ +353 21 427 0880 . Tu–Sa 9AM-4PM . Bright modern cafe, good choice for lunch. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8995 -8.4767 12 Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega , 44 Cornmarket St T12 W27H , ☏ +353 51 427 3756 , [email protected] . Daily 10AM–20:00 . Cafe/bar in a nicely refurbished industrial building with a good all-day brunch. The bar has a formidable selection of whiskey and at weekends they have a late-night club. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.8955 -8.4749 13 Quay Co-op , 24 Sullivans Quay T12 X867 , ☏ +353 21 431 7026 . M-Sa 8AM-18:00 . Vegetarian restaurant (lots of vegan and GF choice) within a health food store. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.89855 -8.46993 14 Scoozi , 2-5 Winthrop Lane T12 DE6W ( off Winthrop St ), ☏ +353 21 427 5077 , [email protected] . M-W 09AM-8PM, Th-Sa 09AM-9PM, Su 1-8PM . Lively family-oriented place with standard Italian fare. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Farmgate Café , English Market, Princes Street T12 NC8Y ( within Market Hall ), ☏ +353 21 427 8134 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 9AM-4PM . Erratic quality, pricey for what you get. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8772 -8.4361 15 Barry's of Douglas , Douglas East T12 YV08 , ☏ +353 21 489 1370 . M-Th 9:30AM-11:30PM, F Sa 9:30AM-12:30AM, Su noon-11PM . Slick modern place, value for money food and drink. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8971 -8.4825 16 Café Paradiso , 16 Lancaster Quay T12 FKE1 , ☏ +353 21 427 7939 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 5:30-9PM . This upscale creative vegetarian restaurant gets rave reviews even from committed carnivores. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Greenes Restaurant , 48 MacCurtain Street T23 F6EK ( opposite Metropole Hotel ), ☏ +353 21 455 2279 , [email protected] . W-F 5:30-9:15PM; Sa Su 12:30-2PM, 5:30-9:15PM . Upscale innovative Med cuisine, the tasting menu is especially good. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• An Bróg , 74 Oliver Plunkett St T12 FP28 ( by English Market ), ☏ +353 21 427 0074 , [email protected] . M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa Su 2PM-2AM . Lively bar, popular with students. Bróg means shoe but one woozy regular is beginning to suspect they don't sell shoes. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8966 -8.4766 1 An Spailpín Fánach , 29 South Main St T12 DYX9 , ☏ +353 21 427 7949 . M Tu 5-11:30PM, W-Su 7-11:30PM . It's Irish for "the migrant labourer" and has trad music most nights and a great atmosphere. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• The Oval , 25 South Main St T12 Y15D ( by An Spailpín Fánach ), ☏ +353 21 427 8952 . Su-Th 4-11:30PM, F Sa 4PM-12:30AM . Great pub with trad decor and welcoming staff, quiet music that you don't have to yell over. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• The Pav , 13 Carey's Lane ( corner with St Patrick's St ), ☏ +353 21 229 6785 . M-W 2-11:30PM, Th-Su 2PM-2:30AM . Pav is a two-level bar in a converted cinema. The downstairs Intermission Bar is cosy, the upstairs Pavilion is arty. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9015 -8.4767 2 The Bierhaus , 28 Popes Quay T23 AE79 ( at Shandon footbridge ), ☏ +353 21 455 1648 , [email protected] . M–Th 3-11:30PM, F 3PM-12:30AM, Sa 1PM–12:30AM, Su 1-11PM . Great selection of beers, new offerings monthly. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Cask , 48 MacCurtain St T23 F104 ( opposite Metropole Hotel ), ☏ +353 21 450 0913 , [email protected] . Su-Th 4-11:30PM, F Sa 2PM-12:30AM . Cocktails and tapas, pricey but good quality. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8975 -8.4789 3 Chambers , 26 Washington St T12 KC52 , ☏ +353 86 703 7018 , [email protected] . Th-Sa 5PM-2AM, Su 2PM-2AM . LGBT bar and dance club. Gay Bingo? Hey, whatever. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8974 -8.4802 4 Costigan's Pub , 11 Washington St T12 N768 , ☏ +353 21 427 3350 , [email protected] . M-Th 4-11:30PM, F 2PM-12:30AM, Sa Su 12:30-11:30PM . Lively pub, gets busy but there's enough room to watch TV sport or avoid it. Big selection of whiskey and other spirits. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Edison ( formerly Long Island Bar ), 11 Washington St T12 YK63 ( next to Amigos ), ☏ +353 21 427 3252 , [email protected] . W 6-11PM, Th-Su 5-11PM . Cocktail bar with an extensive menu and loads of variety. Try the whiskey toddy on a drear winter night. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9011 -8.4821 5 Franciscan Well Bar & Brewery ( Fran Well Bar ), 14B North Mall T23 P264 , ☏ +353 21 439 3434 , [email protected] . M-F 4-11:30PM, Sa 1PM-midnight, Su 1-11PM . Pub with large beer garden on north river bank, serving pizza from Pompeii Pizzeria next door. Brews its own range of beers and has a fine section of foreign bottled beers. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Rising Sons Brewery is on Cornmarket opposite Tesco. The bar is open Su-Th noon-11:30PM, F Sa noon-12:30AM and serves food.
• The Poor Relation is on Parnell Place 100 m south of the bus station. They serve Rising Sons ales and are open M-Th 10:30AM-11PM, F Sa 10:30AM-12:30Am, Su noon-11:30PM.
• Arthur Mayne's Pharmacy , 7 Pembroke St T12 VR62 ( flanking Imperial Hotel ), ☏ +353 21 427 9449 . Daily 10AM-2AM . Atmospheric wine bar in a Victorian apothecary shop. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.898 -8.4707 6 The Hi-B Bar , 108 Oliver Plunkett St T12 E6CX , ☏ +353 21 427 2758 . M-Th 3-11:30PM, F Sa 2PM-12:30AM, Su 5-11PM . Small quirky bar up old creaking stairs, named for the former Hibernian Hotel. It often has live music, but no TV and definitely no mobile phones. Its legendary grumpy owner died in 2019 but his successors have retained the ambience. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Long Valley Bar , 10 Winthrop St T12 NW64 ( off Plunkett St ), ☏ +353 21 427 2144 . Daily 10AM–12:30AM . Busy central pub does good filling sandwiches. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Mutton Lane Inn , Mutton Lane, 3 St Patrick's St T12 RV07 ( by English Market ), ☏ +353 21 427 3471 . M-Th 10:30AM-11:30PM, F Sa 10:30AM-12:30AM, Su 9AM-11PM . Dark and comfortable with candle lit tables and trad sessions on Monday night, and no TV. Nice selection of foreign and local beers. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8936 -8.4783 7 Pigalle , 111 Barrack St T12 FK75 , ☏ +353 21 432 3214 , [email protected] . W–Sa 6-11:30PM . French cafe-bar with great selection of French wines and continental beers. They still do good cocktails but now major on their restaurant offerings; on warm nights, eat in the courtyard. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Tom Barry's , 113 Barrack St T21 RT44 ( next to Pigalle ). Su-Th 4-11:30PM, F Sa 4PM-12:30Am . Trad Irish pub with great pizza. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9017 -8.4711 8 Sin é , 8 Coburg St T23 KF5N , ☏ +353 21 450 2266 . Su–Th 12:30–11:30PM, F Sa 12:30PM–12:30Am . Trad pub since 1889, when there was a funeral parlour next door; Sin é means "that's it." In the 20th century the pub was the queue for the barbers shop upstairs. It's kept its atmosphere and has live trad music every night. No food served, but you can bring in cold bites, no hot food allowed. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8979 -8.4727 9 Thomond Bar , 2 Marlboro St T12 NF84 , ☏ +353 21 427 9747 , [email protected] . M-Sa 10:30AM-11:30PM, Su 12:30-11PM . Great pub for TV sports, food served till late. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Summer Accommodation

Cork is a University City, so students have time-off during the summer. These beds offer great value, location and convenience to the summer visitor.

• Summer Beds . Summer Beds or Summer Accommodation offers self-catered, centrally located and great value for money lodging in the city. Wi-Fi. Self-catered. TV. Washing facilities. ( updated Jun 2024 )
• 51.9014 -8.4661 1 Bru Hostel , 57 MacCurtain St T23 CD00 , ☏ +353 21 455 9667 , [email protected] . Hostel with bar, open all year. Live music and a lively pub most nights, so not for light sleepers. Prices include breakfast, wi-fi internet, bike and luggage storage. Dorm bed €35 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Kinlay House , Bob and Joan's Walk T23 CK10 ( east side of Shandon Bells ), ☏ +353 21 450 8966 . Small hostel by Shandon, nowadays housing Ukrainian refugees. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Sheila's Hostel , 4 Belgrave Place, Wellington Road T23 XF95 ( facing Auburn House, below ), ☏ +353 21 450 5562 . Clean well-run hostel open all year with free wi-fi. Reception is 24 / 7. Dorm from €28, double room €80 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Camping: the closest campsite is near Blarney 8 km northwest and open Apr-Oct.
• 51.9022 -8.4662 2 Auburn House , Garfield Terrace, Wellington Rd T23 FD27 , ☏ +353 21 450 8555 , [email protected] . A smart welcoming B&B near the railway station. B&B double €110 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.904 -8.4242 3 Clayton Hotel Silver Springs , Tivoli T23 E244 ( N8 two km east of city ), ☏ +353 21 450 7533 . Good mid-range place with leisure centre and large conferencing and banquet facilities, free parking. Assistance dogs only. B&B double €110 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9017 -8.4681 4 Hotel Isaacs , 48 MacCurtain St T23 F6EK , ☏ +353 21 450 0011 , [email protected] . Excellent stylish hotel, with quality beyond its price range. B&B double €110 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8995 -8.4639 5 Leonardo Hotel ( formerly Jury's Inn ), Andersen's Quay T12 DCR9 , ☏ +353 21 494 3000 , [email protected] . Reliable central 3-star chain hotel, close to bus and railway stations. The 133 rooms have wifi and satellite TV. There is also a bar and restaurant. Charges for the small hotel car park. B&B double €130 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9027 -8.4744 6 Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City , John Redmond St T23 A9TF , ☏ +353 21 452 9200 . Clean well-run chain hotel north of river. With leisure centre and pool. B&B double €190 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9013 -8.4676 7 Metropole Hotel , MacCurtain St T23 PX44 , ☏ +353 21 464 3700 , [email protected] . Welcoming helpful central hotel. 112 modern rooms with free wi-fi. No hotel parking. B&B double €150 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9058 -8.3578 8 Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa , Ditchley House, Little Island T45 WF53 ( jcn 2 of N25 ), ☏ +353 21 429 7000 , [email protected] . Modern hotel on a retail park east of city, gets mostly good reviews for service, comfort and food. B&B double €130 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8793 -8.4252 9 Rochestown Park Hotel , Rochestown Road, Douglas T12 AKC8 ( 5 km east of centre ), ☏ +353 21 489 0800 . Smart midrange place at southeast edge of city. B&B double €120 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8723 -8.4702 10 Travelodge Cork Airport ( 2 km north of airport ), Kinsale Road Roundabout, Frankfield Rd T12 E2XY , ☏ +353 21 431 0722 , fax : +353 21 431 0723 , [email protected] . Reliable chain hotel. On drab commercial estate with no eating places beyond hotel. Pets accepted. Free parking during stay. No availability in 2020 . ( updated Oct 2020 )
• Airport: Cork International Hotel , Cork Airport Business Park T12 H516 ( 200 m from terminal ), ☏ +353 21 454 9800 , [email protected] . Great scores for comfort and service, a short walk to terminal. B&B double €150 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8653 -8.0734 11 Ballymaloe House , Shanagarry, Midleton P25 Y070 ( On road to Youghal ), ☏ +353 21 465 2531 . This is a long way out but worth a splurge. A top-rank country hotel in a Georgian mansion with outstanding restaurant. B&B double €300 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8985 -8.4652 12 Clayton Hotel Cork City ( formerly Clarion ), Lapps Quay T12 RD6E , ☏ +353 21 422 4900 , [email protected] . Slick modern hotel, very central. B&B double €190 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.9004 -8.2926 13 Fota Island Resort , Fota Island T45 HX62 ( From N25 jcn 3 follow R624 south ), ☏ +353 21 488 3700 , [email protected] . Plush but family-friendly hotel with 123 en-suite rooms, 8 suites, several restaurants and a spa. It's set amidst 3 golf courses and extensive wooded parklands; gets great reviews. Fota Island is a peninsula in the estuary reached by public road. B&B double €190 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.891 -8.4897 14 Hayfield Manor , Perrott Avenue, College Rd T12 HT97 , ☏ +353 21 484 5900 . Charming upscale hotel hidden away in grounds behind UCC campus, great comfort and service. B&B double €250 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.897 -8.4701 15 Imperial Hotel Cork , 76 South Mall T12 A2YT , ☏ +353 21 427 4040 , [email protected] . This grand 200-year old hotel earns great reviews for comfort and service. B&B double €180 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8937 -8.5085 16 Kingsley Hotel , Carrigrohane Rd T12 P680 ( opposite County Hall and Library ), ☏ +353 21 480 0500 . Pleasant hotel on the riverbank, with spa, fitness club and pool. B&B double €180 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 51.8729 -8.4216 17 Maryborough Hotel & Spa , Maryborough Hill, Douglas T12 XR12 , ☏ +353 21 436 5555 . Upscale hotel in 18th century mansion at the leafy south-east edge of city, highly rated for comfort and service. With Bellini restaurant, fitness centre and spa. B&B double €200 . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Cork is mostly safe, but show usual caution around rowdy drunks.

As of March 2023, Cork and its approach roads have 5G from all Irish carriers.

• Blarney 8 km northwest has the castle, gardens and of course the Blarney Stone — it's very touristy.
• Cobh , reached by local train, was the port for Cork in the age of the great ocean liners. It's an agreeable colourful place often visited by cruise ships.
• Crosshaven is a pleasant seaside town with clean beaches and clifftop walks.
• Kinsale is an attractive seaside town with water sports and the impressive Charles Fort.
• Further west beyond Clonakilty the coastline becomes rugged, with stony hills surrounding small towns such as Skibbereen and Bantry .
• Lismore in County Waterford has a fine castle, gardens and cathedral, and several mansions and gardens in the countryside around.
• Cahir in County Tipperary has a castle on a river island and the playful Swiss Cottage.
• Killarney in County Kerry has the Killarney lakes, castle and wildlife park.

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Visit Cork and you’ll find a true blend of old and new. Contemporary art in historic buildings, chic cocktails in the Victorian Quarter and people of all ages revelling in the atmosphere.

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16 Best Things To Do In Cork City In 2024

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 17, 2024

The best things to do in Cork City are, in my opinion, Blackrock Castle, Cork City Gaol and the Shandon Bell Tower, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg!

Ireland’s second larges city is often overlooked, with many that visit the county heading straight for West Cork or the likes of Cobh and Kinsale .

The city, which was founded by Saint Finbarr in the 6th century, is steeped in history and it boasts a bustling food and pub scene.

In the guide below, you’ll discover what to do in Cork City at any time of year. Enjoy!

The best things to do in Cork City

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll find many of the most popular places to visit in Cork , like Elizabeth Fort, right in Cork City centre.

While the city is very walkable, some attractions, like Cork Gaol, are a little outside the city centre.

1. The English Market

Photos by Chris Hill via Tourism Ireland

Even if you’re not in need of a feed, the city’s English Market is worth nipping into.

Although there has been a market running on this site since 1788, the current building dates to the mid-19th century.

Admire it from the outside, first and then pass beneath its impressive, ornamental entrance before taking in an eyeful of stained windows and the magnificent archways.

If you’re here in the morning, you’ll get some of the best breakfast in Cork from the O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company!

The name: Before the arrival of the English Market, the nearby St. Peter’s Market went by the nickname ‘The Irish Market’ . This market was given the name ‘The English Market’ to avoid confusion!

2. Cork City Gaol 

Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Others: Shutterstock

If you’re wondering what to do in Cork City when it’s raining, head out to Cork City Gaol and take the guided tour.

A visit here offers an insight into what 19th and early 20th-century life was like in Cork, both inside and outside of the prison walls.

The exhibition takes visitors through furnished cells and delves into the day-to-day life of the prisoners and those that worked at Cork City Gaol.

Although it’s the stories that shine bright, the building, which opened in 1824, is a marvel both from inside and out.

Get the bus: Cork Gaol is around a 30-minute walk from the city centre. If you’re stuck for time, the 202, 202A, 208, 40 buses all stop nearby!

3. The Shandon Bell Tower

Photos courtesy Catherine Crowley via Tourism Ireland

You’ll find one of the more unique things to do in Cork City in the 17th-century  Church of St. Anne .

The tower here is 170 feet high and its walls are an impressive 7 feet thick.

After you’ve trudged up the tower’s 132 steps (yes, 132…), you’ll be treated to a 360 view out over Cork City.

Keep an eye out for the fish-shaped weather vane when you visit. It’s known locally as the ‘Goldie fish’ and it’s over 4 meters long and painted in fancy gold leaf.

The vane symbolises the salmon fishing industry, which was hugely important in Cork at the time.

Ring the bells: This is one of the only churches on earth where you can ring the bells unaccompanied. You grab the clapper (the rope) and it bounces off the bell!

4. Blackrock Castle

You’ll find one of the most impressive castles in Ireland standing proudly over the River Lee around 2km from the centre of the city.

Blackrock Castle started its life in the 16th century as a coastal defence against potential invaders.

Like most castles, it encountered plenty of action during its lifetime, including a fire in 1827 that destroyed many of its buildings.

Much of the castle that stands today was rebuilt by 1829.

Fast-forward to 2024 and Blackrock Castle now houses an astronomical observatory and a museum, both of which are worth visiting.

Fancy a ramble? You can set-off on a 8km/1.5-hour looped walk that follows a former railway line. When you finish, you can enjoy one some of the best  brunch in Cork at the Castle Cafe!

5. St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral

You don’t need to be a seasoned admirer of architecture to appreciate the beauty of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral .

As you approach the cathedral, you’ll start to see the distinct features that don its exterior, such as spires, gargoyles and other elaborate sculptures.

When you enter the building, you’ll see mosaics on the floor, a bright chancel ceiling, and a bishop’s throne.

When you visit the cathedral, keep an eye out for the cannonball.

It arrived at the cathedral in 1690… when it was fired from the nearby Elizabeth Fort during the siege of Cork.

6. Elizabeth Fort

Photos by Eileen Coffey via Failte Ireland

One of the more overlooked places to visit in Cork City is the imposing Elizabeth Fort – a 17th-century star fort.

Named after Queen Elizabeth I, the forth was built in 1601 to act as a defensive fortification outside of the city walls.

Over time, as the city expanded, it started to grow around the fort, making it redundant. This resulted in the fort being used as a military barracks and then a prison.

Visitors to Elizabeth Fort can enjoy a fantastic view from the fort walls while also diving into the history of where and how the city was developed.

Feeling hungry/thirsty? Elisabeth For is a short ramble from Tom Barry’s where you’ll find great pizzas, pints and a roaring fire during winter!

7. Traditional pubs

Top right: The Irish Road Trip. Others via Mutton Lane on FB

Speaking of feeling thirsty! Cork City is home to a plethora of wonderful, traditional-style pubs that make perfect little stop-offs when you’re in need of a rest.

While there are  many pubs in Cork City , the ones that I find myself returning to are Costigan’s, the Shelbourne Bar and Hi-B Bar.

Another lovely pub, especially in the colder months when it feels that-bit-cosier, is the candle-lit Mutton Lane Inn – one of the city’s oldest pubs.

The pub is situated on one of the alleys that leads to the English Market and it’s said that it was through this alley that farmers would pass with their sheep.

Need a place to stay in the city?  Check our our Cork City hotels guide or our Cork bed and breakfast guide.

8. The Cork Butter Museum

Yes… a butter museum. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cork City, the Cork Butter Museum is worth a nosey around!

But first, some context – between 1770 and 1925, the Cork Butter Exchange was the largest exporter of butter on earth!

From the Exchange, butter was exported right the way across Europe and the world, with the likes of the West Indies and Spain benefiting.

Tens-of-millions of pounds worth of butter were traded from this corner of the city each year.

You can discover the very interesting history from the Butter Museum, which is located inside a building that dates to 1849.

9. The Rising Sons Brewery

Photos via Rising Suns on FB

Time for another pit-stop, this time on Cornmarket Street!

If you’re wondering what to do in Cork City with a group of friends, the award-winning Rising Sons Micro-Brewer y is well-worth considering!

There’s a very reasonable €15 tour on offer here that’ll take you through the history of the brewery along with the beer-making process.

You’ll sample 2 or 3 beers while learning everything there is to know about the Rising Sons.

You don’t need to do the tour: If you just fancy a drink and a bite, you can head into the bar area

10. The Crawford Art Gallery

If you’re looking for things to do in Cork City when it’s raining, the Crawford Art Gallery at Emmett Place is well-worth seeing.

This is a National Cultural Institution and regional art museum that’s dedicated to the visual arts.

The collection here boasts over 4,000 works, ranging from 18th-century Irish paintings and sculptures to a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts.

The best part of all? Admission to the Gallery is free!

11. The guided cycle

Photos via Beyond The Glass Adventure Tours on FB

If you fancy an active morning out, there are several different cycle tours you can tackle with James from Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours .

The City Cycle Tour is a relaxing ride that takes those that join through the city’s rich and vibrant past.

The Greenway Cycle Tour (the more scenic of the two) follows a route along Cork harbour and a disused railway line while taking you past the Marina, the home of Cork GAA and the impressive Blackrock Castle.

12. University College Cork

Photos via Ireland’s Content Pool

UCC is arguably one of the most popular places to visit in Cork City, and you don’t need to be a student to explore the grounds.

University College Cork was founded in 1845 and opened 4 years later in 1849 with 23 professors and 181 students.

One of the reasons a visit to this place tends to be regarded by many as one of the best things to do in Cork City is that it’s home to plenty of things to see and do.

The campus is packed with a number of interesting buildings and features, from the highly recommended Lewis Glucksman Gallery in the Lower Grounds of the campus to the Stone Corridor of the Main Quadrangle.

If you’re planning to drop by when you visit Cork, nip into the Visitors’ Centre on campus.

It acts as a central point of information for those visiting and it’s from here that you can join an audio tour that take visitors through the history and culture of the University.

13. Cork Public Museum

Next up is Ireland’ s oldest Local Authority museum.

You’ll find Cork Public Museum in the middle of the gorgeous Fitzgerald Park, where it has been exhibiting Cork’s rich heritage since 1945.

The museum’s exhibitions offer an insight into Cork’s extensive civic, political, military, and cultural histories that make the county what it is today.

Visitors to the museum can marvel at archaeological exhibits that trace 7,000+ years of human settlement in Cork and delve into historical exhibits that tell the stories of many prominent people from the county.

Visiting the city in December? You’ll be able to ramble around the Cork Christmas market

14. The Everyman Theatre and Crane Lane

If you’re wondering what to do in Cork City at night that doesn’t involve pubs or food, carve out some time to visit the Everyman Theatre .

On a mission to bring the best or Irish and international performances to Cork City, the Everyman is a fine spot to soak up a bit of culture.

It also helps that the 123 year-old theatre is also stunning on the inside, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

Another to consider is the Crane Lane Theatre  located inside a swanky old Gentleman’s Club in the centre of the City.

Since opening its doors, it’s hosted the biggest names in blues, jazz and indie music. Here’s what to expect:

• Live music 7 days a week
• Decor from the 20’s 30’s and 40’s
• 4 bars to choose from (along with a beer garden)
• Theatre performances

15. Tramore Valley and Fitzgerald Park

Photo via Shutterstock

You’ll find Fitzgerald Park a handy stroll from University College Cork. This is the perfect place for those of you looking to escape the city for a while.

Those that head for a wander here can expect gorgeous, tree-lined avenues, finely-manicured flower beds, a number of statues and a large fountain.

The park covers an impressive 18 acres and it’s also home to a playground and a cafe. Grab a coffee and head for a ramble here to clear the head.

Another good option if you’re after short walks in Cork is Tramore Valley Park off the Link Road.

It’s located in Cork City, but it’s off-the-beaten-path enough to make you feel like you’ve ventured out to the countryside.

16. Attractions under a 35-minute drive

Cork City makes a great place to explore a good chunk of the county from and there’s heaps of beaches near Cork City and places to explore close by. 

Here’s a few places to visit near Cork City worth considering:

• Cobh (30-minute drive): Home to Spike Island , Titanic Experience and Fota Wildlife Park
• Midleton (25-minute drive): Home to the Jameson Distillery and clost to Roches Point Lighthouse
• Kinsale (35-minute drive): Home to the Scilly Walk , the Old Head of Kinsale and more
• Blarney Castle (20-minute drive): One of the most impressive castles in this part of Ireland

Explore beyond Cork City

Now that I have what to do in Cork City tackled, it’s time to focus on the wider county.

There are endless things to do in Cork – here are my favourites:

• West Cork : A breath-taking region with beaches, cliffs and historical sites
• The Ring of Beara : A scenic driving route around the Beara Peninsula
• Kinsale : A beautiful town home to plenty to see and do
• Cork’s beaches : The county is home to some of Ireland’s best

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Eileen Wray

Wednesday 17th of November 2021

Great info. Thanks a million

Explore Cork City

Last Updated: 1st June, 2021

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C ork City is Ireland's Second largest city, with Dublin the capital being the largest. Despite this Cork is referred to as the "Real Capital" by Corkonians and is know as the Rebel. County.

"A Cork man with low self esteem is a Cork man who thinks he is just the same as everyone else"

Cork has always been an important seaport. It began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee (the name Corcaigh means a marsh), and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side.

Today the river flows through Cork city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges and hence Cork City's coat of arms bears the motto 'A Safe Harbour for Ships'.

Some of the main streets are built over channels where ships nuzzled their anchor-chains a century ago. Along the South Mall, you will see large gateways at street level, under steps leading to a higher main door. These were once boathouses, when merchants arrived at their warehouses by water.

As the hilly streets go up and down, so do the voices of the citizens. They have a characteristic sing-song cadence, beloved of national comedians, and Corkonians are regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish.

St. Finbarr is the founder and patron saint. He founded a monastery in the seventh century where Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral now stands, and it grew into an extensive and wealthy establishment. It attracted the attention of the Viking sea-pirates who raided and burned the infant city, but returned in later years to settle and trade. The Anglo-Norman invasion in 1172 resulted in both the Danish lords and local McCarthy chiefs having to submit to Henry II, but Cork has always had a reputation for independence and stubborn resistance: it came to be known as "Rebel Cork".

The best way to see the city of Cork and sample the flavour of its life, is to walk. There is a signpost Walking Tour, so get the accompanying booklet and set off to explore the hilly streets and meet the people.

St. Finn barre's Cathedral is a splendid triple-spired example of French-gothic architecture. It stands where the saint established his monastic school about 650 AD. Among its most striking features are the fine rose window, the mosaic pavements and the elaborate carving throughout.

Walk along the Western Road to Tudor-Gothic University College with its attractive riverside quadrangle, and visit the Honan Chapel there. It is modelled on Cormac's Chapel at Cashel, and has a superb interior including stained-glass windows by Sarah Purser and Harry Clarke.

Make your way up the North Main Street where the Cork Vision Centre is located, then over North Gate Bridge and climb up Shandon Steeple , the tower of which you will have noticed dominating the north side of the city from its lofty hill-top position. Two sides of the tower are faced with red sandstone, two with white limestone - "Partly coloured like the people, red and white is Shandon Steeple" goes an old doggerel. Its peal of eight bells, cast in Gloucester in 1750, have become famous, and you may play them yourself, from "music" cards supplied. Your rendering of Danny Boy or Ave Maria will drift gently down the hill and over the river, to be heard all over the city. Corkonians depend on Shandon clock for their time, and its fish weather-vane for their weather forecast.

Visit a few of the churches: St Mary's Cathedral, north of Shandon, with its notable carvings; the graceful Father Matthew Memorial Church, St. Mary's Dominican Church where is preserved the "miraculous" statuette of Our Lady of Graces.

Walk up a bit of Patrick' s Hill, if you have the legs for it, just to feel the steepness. Then maybe up Summer Hill or Wellington road which runs parallel till you come to St. Luke's Cross and Montenotte, the latter the former residential area of the Merchants of Cork, from here you can look down over the port and harbour, and the river widening away to the south passing Blackrock Castle and on towards the sea.

Back on "the flat" of the city again, See the City Hall, a fine modern building nicely reflected in the river. Visit the Markets, The English Market with openings off Princes Street, Patrick Street and the Grand Parade, a covered market for fish, fruit, meat and vegetable, on the Coal Quay (pronounced Kay), the open-air market which is as much part of the folk-culture of Cork as is Shandon.

The Crawford Gallery in Emmet Place houses an interesting sculpture collection, including some Rodin bronzes and a fine collection of paintings. In the Grand Parade you will find the Berwick Fountain, The National Monument, and Bishop Lucey Park, which you enter through magnificent gates, which have been relocated from the old entrance to the Corporation yard in Anglesea Street. Exit the park at the South beamish-crawford.jpg (24153 bytes) Main Street. Here you will see Beamish & Crawford Brewery where Beamish Stout is brewed and exported all over the world.

You will hear Corkonians refer to "the statue" (it may sound like "de statcha" in some voices). They will be talking about the monument to Father Theobald Matthew , 19th century Apostle of Temperance. Unpopular as you might expect his cause to be in a place like Ireland, in fact it became a national crusade. His status at the end of Patrick Street, near Patrick's Bridge, is Cork's best known landmark

The Old Gaol in Sunday's Well has been restored and is one of the many Visitor Attractions in Cork. It tells the story of the everyday life in the Gaol in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the original cells have been restored and an Audio Visual programme has been provided.

Looking for Night Entertainment try the Cork Opera House for a wide range of Music Events and Plays and also the Everyman Theatre on MacCurtain Street or for more information on nights clubs and take in some of Cork City's traditional Irish pubs here and Cork City Live Gig venues.

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Cork City FAQs

Is cork city safe for tourists.

Yes Cork city is considered a safe city. There has been very few reports of muggings or pickpockets compared to other e European Cities. Use public transport if travelling outside the city centre late at night

Is Cork city expensive to visit?

Cork City is a lot cheaper than Dublin. B&B is can be found for less than Eur 30, Hotels from Eur 40 per person per night. Restaurants offer early bird 3 course set menu for Eur 20 to Eur 25

What can I do in Cork city in a day?

There is so much to see & do in Cork see here are a few highlights Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, Shandon Steeple, Butter Museum, Blackrock Castle, See & Do in Cork city

Is Blarney Castle in Cork City?

Blarney Castle is situated 10 km from Cork City. The number 215 bus operates every 30 minutes during peak times Bus Timetable

What can I do in Cork for 3 days

Cork is the largest county in Ireland and has so much to offer the visitor. Most popular Cork towns are Clonakilty, Bantry, Kinsale, Schull, Youghal Cork towns

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Best Cork Hotel Deals

Cork Car Hire

Are you planning on renting a car in Cork? We will compare the best car hire companies to get you the best price and overall deal. One way Car Rental is available. Rent a car at Cork Airport, and drop it off at Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport or Belfast, we will give you an all inclusive quote.

With free cancellation and no credit card fees you can book well in advance and lock the best price in.

Accommodation in Cork City

See & Do in Cork City

• Cork City Map
• Cork Art Galleries
• Attractions
• Cork City Bridges
• Cork Cinema
• Cork City Clocks
• Cork City Entertainment
• Cork City Festivals
• Cork City Museums
• Greyhound Racing
• Cork City Nightclubs
• Cork City Parking
• Cork City Pubs
• Cork City Restaurants
• Cork Racecourse
• Cork City Shopping
• Cork City Theatre
• Cork City Photo Gallery
• Walk The Marina
• Cork City Weather

Places to Visit

• Blackrock Castle
• Cork Butter Museum
• Cork Public Museum
• Cork City Gaol

Elizabeth Fort

English Market

• Fitzgerald's Park
• National Monument
• Rory Gallagher Monument
• Shandon Steeple
• St Finbarrs Cathedral
• University College Cork (UCC)

See & Do in County Cork

Cork City Best Hotels

Corks Ancient East

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Rediscover Cork

25 June 2024

Book of Condolence opened for the former Lord Mayor of Cork

A Book of Condolence will also be opened by the Lord Mayor at City Hall at 2.30pm on Monday to mark the passing of the former Lord Mayor.

21 June 2024

Councillor Dan Boyle Elected as the new Lord Mayor of Cork

The new Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle was elected at the Annual Meeting of Cork City Council.

17 June 2024

Construction to begin of Morrison's Island Public Realm and Flood Defence Scheme

Construction will begin in the coming weeks on another transformational scheme in the city centre, the Morrison’s Island Public Realm an...

11 June 2024

Training for Cork City Heritage Groups to take place in Cork City Hall.

Training for Cork City Heritage Groups to take place in Cork City Hall on June 26.

Latest News

Construction will begin in the coming weeks on another transformational scheme in the city centre, the Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence project

29 May 2024

Glanmire to City Cycle Route Phase 2 public consultation launched

Cork City Council has unveiled details of the next phase of the transition to improved walking and cycling options in the city.