Cork Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on Cork in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on top attractions, activities, tours, where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Located in the southwest region, Cork is one of the best places to visit while road-tripping Ireland.
With its city center sitting on an island between two branches of River Lee, Cork is a vibrant, culturally rich heritage city that is a joy to explore.
In fact, the city is pretty much on every Ireland itinerary, and after our recent visit, we can really see why.
For starters, there are plenty of things to do and see in Cork that will keep you entertained for quite some time.
From fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and a great food scene, to bustling nightlife, and stunning surroundings, Cork has it all.
Secondly, Cork is full of history, dating back to the sixth century when St. Finbar founded a monastic settlement on this very spot.
Cork is also most famously known as the center of Rebel County, a nickname that goes all the way to the 15th century but is mainly connected with the Irish War of Independence.
Another huge selling point is that the city is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are even more amazing things to see and do in County Cork.
And finally, although Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, it still keeps its small-city laid-back atmosphere with metropolitan amenities and perks.
So here's everything you should know before visiting Cork.
Best Things to Do and See
There are plenty of top attractions within the city of Cork, ranging from a fortress, cathedral, museums, gaol, green parks, lively pubs, and trendy restaurants to charming river walks.
The good news is that most of Cork can be explored on foot.
You can get on foot anywhere in Cork, but you can also use public transport to reach more remote attractions and save time.
Still, the main advantage of Cork over Dublin is that everything is nearby, and you should be less exhausted at the end of the day.
If you have just one day to spend in Cork, you want to make the most of it.
Therefore, this basic Cork walking itinerary follows our footsteps to maximize your time in the city.
Crawford Art Gallery
After finally reaching the Q-Park Carrolls Quay through terrible morning traffic, we couldn't wait to get out of the car and stretch our legs a bit.
We crossed the river via Christy Ring Bridge, so the first stop on our Cork itinerary was Crawford Art Gallery.
There is no entrance fee to Crawford Art Gallery, so it's worth going inside, even if only for a quick tour.
The gallery is fairly small but features a nice collection of historical and contemporary art on display.
Crawford Art Gallery should be at the top of the list if you're looking for what to do in Cork on a rainy day.
By the way, it is situated in a beautiful house, and it's worth seeing even if you don't plan to go inside.
St. Patrick's Street
One of the main streets in Cork, St. Patrick's Street is a central point of the city humming with life.
It is lined with many beautiful buildings and stores, so if you come to Cork for shopping, this is one of the best places to start.
The English Market
Trading since 1778, the English Market is arguably the most famous attraction in Cork.
The iconic market in the heart of the city is fully covered and fairly small.
It has a good range of stalls selling local products such as artisan cheese, fresh meat, homemade bread, local seafood, organic vegetables, and more.
Despite its popularity among tourists, it was still great to see mostly local shopping there.
Elizabeth Fort
We then headed to Elizabeth Fort, which was closed upon arrival. It wouldn't open for another hour, so we first headed to St. Fin Barre's Cathedral and returned later. Anyway.
One of the best things about Elizabeth Fort is that visitors are allowed to explore the walls and walkways that offer fantastic views of the city.
The original structure was built in 1601, though it was replaced by a stronger one in 1624.
The star-shaped fort witnessed several major events troughout the course of time, such as the Siege of Cork and the Irish War of Independence.
However, the fort was also used not only as barracks but also as a female convict jail for prisoners waiting for ships to Australia.
Elizabeth Fort is open daily, and general admission is free of charge, though you can join a guided tour for €5 per adult.
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
One of the most iconic landmarks in Cork, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, rich sculptures, and marble mosaics from the Pyrenees.
The present Neo-Gothic cathedral that stands on the original city's founding spot was consecrated in 1870, but the structure looks like it was built during medieval times.
Furthermore, you can admire the impressive pulpit and ceiling, Ireland's largest pipe organ, or the cannonball that reminds the Siege of Cork in 1690.
The entry fee to St. Fin Barre's Cathedral is €6, but you can enter the grounds, which also feature a small maze and Goldie Angel, for free.
From here, we returned back to Elizabeth Fort, but you can continue to University College Cork, less than a kilometer west of the cathedral.
University College Cork
Even though it's a small campus, it's worth walking through the grounds. By the time we reached the main gate, the dark clouds had rolled over the city, and it started to rain.
Hadn't it been for the downpour, we would have probably enjoyed strolling around the grounds way more.
Still, it's charming (and green) grounds with many old and architecturally interesting buildings around you, are well worth a visit while in Cork.
By the way, we also found out that you can join guided tours to learn more about the college, which we didn't know at the time of our visit.
Fitzgerald Park
From the university, head down back to River Lee to see a large beautiful park and grounds.
With various walking trails, landscaped gardens, seating areas, and a modern playground, Fitzgerald Park is a great place to visit for families with kids and travelers looking for a quiet spot in the heart of the city.
The green oasis in the Mardyke area was named after Lord Mayor Edward Fitzgerald, and even though it's just a park, it was a great place to visit.
By the time we got there, it was still raining pretty hard, so we didn't hesitate to explore the local public museum located on the eastern edge of the park.
Cork Public Museum
This small museum seems to be one of the less visited tourist sites in Cork, and despite the poor weather, there were only a couple of visitors inside.
The museum is home to many archaeological finds from this area and has many artifacts and objects on display.
The museum will walk you through the history of Cork, allowing you to learn about the city's rich heritage.
As there was no admission to Cork Public Museum, we didn't expect much, but to our surprise, we enjoyed the museum immensely.
If you're looking for what to do on a rainy day in Cork, the Public Museum might be a perfect place to visit.
Daly's Bridge
Also known as the Shakey Bridge, this cute pedestrian bridge connects the Fitzgerald with the upper part of Cork.
Walking across this suspension bridge was a great way to leave Fitzgerald Park behind and head to Cork City Gaol.
Cork City Gaol
Visiting a Cork City Gaol and learning what life was like during the 19th century in prison is a remarkable experience.
Exploring the corridors, wandering the grounds, and learning the stories of some of the prisoners and staff is definitely one of the best things to do while in Cork.
One of our favorite things about Cork City Gaol is that you can do a self-guided tour to explore the museum on your own.
A nice little guidebook is included in the admission, though you can get an audio guide for an additional charge.
Obviously, you can also join a guided tour to learn more from knowledgeable local guides.
The entrance fee to Cork City Gaol is €10 per adult, and the museum is open daily, from 10 AM to 5 PM from March to November (and closes an hour early from November to February).
By the way, there is also free parking outside the Gaol for up to two hours in case you don't want to walk there.
Butter Museum
Just before you reach the Shandon Bells, you can make a quick little stop at the local Butter Museum to learn more about the local production of butter and how the industry evolved troughout time.
While this is not exactly one of the must-see sites in Cork, it's fun to spend a little time here and read about the history of Irish butter.
We stumbled upon this museum by accident, and even though there was an admission of €5, it was definitely worth seeing.
Shandon Bells & Tower, St. Anne's Church
Built in 1722, the Church of Anne's Church is one of the most notable landmarks in Cork.
The main reason to visit this site for the majority is not the church itself but the iconic 50-meter tower and the Shandon Bells.
Climbing the narrow 132 stone steps might seem like a daunting task, but the reward of stunning 360 degrees panoramic views of Cork is well worth the effort.
The tower is open daily, and there is an entry fee of €5 per adult. If you don't want to climb the tower or ring the bells, you can visit just the church area for free.
By the way, ringing the church bells to the various tunes was definitely fun.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Located five kilometers east of Cork's city center, Blackrock Castle Observatory is a lovely place to learn more about the stars, planets, and galaxies.
Blackrock Castle Observatory might catch your interest if you have run out of options for places to see in the city center.
It allows you to journey through time and space, learn about the castle's history, or take a guided Star Show tour.
Pubs and Restaurants
At the end of the day, there was only one remaining thing to do. To find out if there's any truth in Cork's reputation of being one the top foodie destinations in Ireland.
We have to admit that after a tiring day walking around the city, we just hit the first place we found near our hotel.
There are tons of great pubs and restaurants in Cork, and it is always difficult to make a list of the best ones.
When it comes to eating out in a new destination, we prefer to be a bit more spontaneous and follow our instinct (and just a very brief look at the Google reviews just to avoid tourist traps).
As we mentioned at the beginning of the post, Cork is often ranked as a city with one of the best food scenes in Ireland.
Therefore, it's straightforward to find a great restaurant here and start exploring the fantastic local culinary scene.
From seafood bars, Chinese takeaways, and vegetarian establishments to award-winning restaurants and traditional Irish pubs, Cork has it all.
If there's one single reason why to stay in Cork longer, it's this one.
By the way, places such as Coughlan's, Mutton Lane Inn, The Hi-B Bar, The Shelbourne Bar, or The Oliver Plunkett are one of the oldest and best pubs and bars in Cork, but that's just a very brief list.
Picking the best restaurants in Cork that would satisfy your taste buds is impossible, but you should definitely check the list of Michelin restaurants in Cork to find more inspiration.
Best Day Trips from Cork
Going on exciting day trips from Cork is easy, especially if you're in the city for a few days.
There are many fascinating places near Cork, so it might be tempting to include at least some of them in your itinerary.
In fact, this historic city makes for the perfect base for exploring some of the most scenic spots in County Cork.
Some of the attractions can be visited by bus, but having a car for exploring the countryside is a huge plus.
Blarney Castle
Probably no trip to Cork would be complete without taking a trip to nearby Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle is about 10 kilometers from the city center, but it's still considered to be one of the best things to do in Cork.
The main reason to visit Blarney Castle is the remarkable 15-century castle ruins, the landscaped gardens, and the famous Blarney Stone.
According to Irish legend, the stone will give a gift of eloquence to those who kiss it, and it's among the most popular attractions in Ireland.
The fascinating ruins are filled with history and will instantly bring you back in time.
And the beautiful and extensive castle grounds featuring theme gardens such as Poison Garden or Fern Garden give you plenty of opportunity to unwind and relax.
Without any doubt, Blarney is one of the most amazing castles in Ireland.
Despite the steep admission, we really enjoyed our trip to Blarney Castle, especially as we were lucky to see the complex without the summer crowds.
Cobh
Known as the last port of call for the Titanic before its maiden voyage, Cobh is one of those small towns bursting with character and charm on every corner.
The seaside town is packed with so much history, stunning architecture, and traditional pubs that many travelers decide even to stay here overnight.
While there, make sure to explore the St. Colman's Cathedral, Deck of Cards, Cobh Heritage Centre, or The Titanic Experience.
Kinsale
With its colorful houses, laid-back atmosphere, great food scene, and upscale stores and art galleries, Kinsale is one of the best day trips from Cork.
The town is also home to a star-shaped fortress and has plenty of beaches within a 30-minute drive.
Plus, it's located in the second-largest natural harbor in the world.
Old Head of Kinsale
Less than twenty minutes south of Kinsale is another must-see site in Cork County.
Old Head of Kinsale features spectacular cliffs, a beautiful walk, and an informative Lusitania Museum together with Old Head Signal Tower.
By the way, there is also an extensive golf course if that's your thing.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Ballycotton Cliff Walk might check all your boxes.
The parking at Ballycotton near the trailhead is 40 kilometers east of Cork, and the easiest way to get there is by car.
You can expect a leisure stroll along the cliffs, soothing sea views, and breathtaking scenery.
Rock of Cashel
On your way in or out of Cork, you will be passing the Rock of Cashel.
It's one of the most stunning castles in Ireland, filled with rich history, a medieval atmosphere, and impressive architecture.
Rock of Cashel is about 90 kilometers north of Cork, so it might make more sense to stop there on your way to or from Dublin.
Cahir Castle
Similarly to the Rock of Cashel, you will also get a chance to visit the nearby Cahir Castle.
It's one of the best-preserved and largest medieval castles in Ireland, still boasting an authentic atmosphere and outstanding architecture.
Once again, if medieval castles are your thing, you can definitely visit Cahir Castle, Rock of Cashel, and Blarney Castle in one day.
Killarney
Undoubtedly, Killarney National Park is one of the highlights of every Ireland road trip.
This area is packed to the brim with top attractions such as Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey, and much more.
Killarney's surroundings are beautiful and offer activities for all travelers, from walking and hiking to cycling, kayaking, and everything in between.
The picturesque town of Killarney is only a 90-minute drive from Cork and can also be reached by bus or train.
By the way, Killarney is also considered to be a starting point of the famous Ring of Kerry.
Simply put, if you're looking for inspiration for the best day trip from Cork, Killarney should be at the top of your list.
Wild Atlantic Way
Without any doubt, Cork is the perfect place to start your Wild Atlantic Way adventure.
This scenic coastal road lines the west edge of the Emerald Isle and makes it one of the best scenic roads in the world.
If you don't want to explore Ireland's west coast at its full length, we recommend you pick at least a couple of peninsulas in the southwest corner to include in your itinerary.
Whether you decide to explore Mizen Head, Sheep's Head, or Beara Peninsula from Cork, you will be rewarded with some of the most scenic drives in Ireland.
Best Tours in Cork
Even though you can explore Cork on your own, guided tours have their own advantages. On a guided tour, you never have to worry about the transport, little details, and even time.
Plus, you will be able to reach places that you would have missed otherwise, especially if you don't have a car.
Cork Culinary Tour - This foodie-friendly tour allows you to experience the culinary scene in Cork with a knowledgeable guide.
Ring of Kerry Tour - On this day tour from Cork, explore the famous Ring of Kerry, discover colorful villages, sandy beaches, and sweeping valleys, and also make a stop at Killarney National Park.
Cliffs of Moher Tour - Explore the stunning Cliffs of Moher and the unique landscape of the Burren and enjoy the views along the Atlantic Way.
How Much Time Do I Need
Cork is still a relatively small city, and we believe a full day should be more than enough.
One day in Cork gives you plenty of time to see the main attractions, explore the local food scene, and not feel rushed.
When it comes to traveling, planning part plays a massive role in the success of your trip.
Therefore, we think the best way to see Cork is by staying in the city overnight. This approach gives you enough room to make some spontaneous decisions while maximizing your time there.
If you like Cork more than expected, then go ahead and stay here another night.
Still, it all comes down to your travel style, preferences, and how it fits your travel itinerary.
For instance, if you're really pressed for time, a half-day in Cork might also work for some travelers.
But in this case, we believe you definitely feel rushed and won't have enough time to explore museums, restaurants, etc.
Another example is that three days would probably be too much just for the city itself.
In our case, we wanted to drive around the entire island, so even though we would love to stay longer, we didn't have time to stay two or three days in Cork.
On the other hand, if you've come to Ireland mostly to see cities, staying two or three days in Cork makes definitely a viable plan.
Make sure to include at least one day trip or even a couple (half)-day trips to thoroughly explore this area.
In fact, if you have two or three days in Cork, you should start exploring the countryside and return back to the city at the end of the day.
However, in this scenario, you might be tempted to stay in one of those little towns, such as Cobh or Kinsale, instead.
As you can clearly see, it really is a matter of preferences.
When to Go
The best time to visit Cork is during the late spring, early autumn, and especially the summer months.
This time of the year gives you the best chance of having consistent good weather and plenty of daylight, not just in Cork but across the entire island.
Just be prepared that the accommodation prices are at their highest and some places get crowded during this period.
Before you go, it's essential to figure out when to visit Ireland, as Cork won't most likely be the only place you want to see while there.
This is especially important in the low season, as you need to expect cold weather, short days, and limited visiting hours.
Keep in mind that it is hard to predict the weather in Ireland.
If you do encounter some bad weather in Emerald Isle, the situation will definitely be more bearable in Cork than in places such as Connemara National Park or the Wicklow Mountains.
After all, Cork is all year round destination, and a bit of wet and cold weather will be a part of the experience.
Speaking of which, Cork is a perfect destination to visit in winter as the temperatures rarely drop below 0 Celsius during the day.
If you want to escape the summer crowds, this is a great time of the year to visit not just Cork but also Ireland.
What to Pack
As the weather varies in Cork throughout the year, the key to success is layers and good rain gear. While you might luck out on the weather and visit Cork on a sunny day, it's better to come prepared.
A compact travel umbrella should be fine if you're exploring just the cities. However, we also wanted to explore the countryside, so we also brought our trusty rain jackets.
Make sure you have comfortable shoes and a daypack, especially if you will be on your feet all day.
Also, check the weather forecast. Even though it might not be totally accurate, it will still give you a rough idea of what to expect on your upcoming trip.
Here you will find more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
Don't forget that Cork is a city with tons of stores, so it's extremely easy to buy an extra sweater or jacket in case the weather doesn't cooperate on your visit.
How to Get There
The good news is that Cork is a well-connected city. There's a relatively fast train connection to Dublin, which takes less than three hours.
Alternatively, you can take a bus instead, but the journey takes almost four hours.
Furthermore, Cork is connected to several other cities, such as Limerick or Galway.
Cork also has an international airport, with connections to a number of Irish and European cities.
Finally, it is very easy to get to Cork by car, but the traffic situation in the city center is often pretty bad, so it's better to park your car once you get there and explore the city on foot.
Here you will find more tips on how to get around Ireland.
Car
Cork is about 250 kilometers southwest of Dublin. The cities are connected by major highways (M7 and M8), making the journey fast and easy.
It takes less than three hours to get from Dublin to Cork by car, depending on the current traffic, especially in the cities.
By the way, there are plenty of great stops along the way, such as the Old Military Road, Glendalough Monastic Site, Powerscourt, or Kilkenny.
These are just examples, but you will definitely find more exciting places yourself. If you have time, it's definitely worth making a few detours to explore at least some of them.
Limerick is 100 kilometers north of Cork and can be easily reached via N20.
Galway is another 100 kilometers further up north (200 kilometers from Cork).
However, we strongly suggest visiting the Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, or Three Peninsulas first before venturing north.
Here you will find more tips on tips for driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
We'd advise leaving the car parked at the hotel or one of the garage parking. Street parking in Cork can be tricky to come by, and fees can add up.
We had to leave our car at Q-Park Carrolls Quay, and it was not a budget-friendly solution.
On the other hand, the main upside was that the parking garage was secure, and we didn't have to worry about the car.
To save money, try finding a hotel with free on-site parking.
Train
The train is the fastest and most convenient option to get from Dublin to Cork when using public transport.
Heuston Station - Kent Station is one of the most traveled railway routes in the country, so it's also very safe.
The train service is mainly popular with locals and international travelers who are not renting a car.
Bus
The 245X route connects Cork with Dublin and offers four bus services a day. The main advantage of this option is that the bus also stops at Cahir and Cashel.
The bus leaves from Busaras Station in Dublin and drops you off at Parnell Place in Cork.
While the bus service is slower than the train, it's also cheaper, meaning this is the best option for people visiting Ireland on a budget.
Plane
As we've already mentioned, you can also get to Cork by plane (mostly Aer Lingus and Ryanair).
Cork Airport is only eight kilometers south of the city center, so getting from the airport to the city center is very easy.
You can take a taxi from there or hop on the 226 bus operated by Bus Eireann that connects Cork with Kinsale and runs every hour.
Alternatively, you can also rent a car directly at Cork Aiport.
Tours
As Cork is about a three-hour drive from Dublin, most of the tours also include multiple stops along the way.
One of the most popular Cork Tours from Dublin also includes Blarney Castle and Rock of Cashel.
Get Around
Cork is an easy city to get around, especially the area along the river, although it does also have a hill or two.
However, the attractions and must-see sites we've put together can be easily explored on foot.
Obviously, Cork has a good public transport network that will take you to most points of interest scattered across the city.
Where to Stay
Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and has lots of accommodation options. Just keep in mind that hotels in Ireland are expensive, and Cork is no exception.
It's also recommended to book early to secure the best deals.
The accommodation in Cork ranges from basic hostels to boutique hotels, pretty much something to suit every budget.
However, if you're looking for a five-star luxury, you will need to search the countryside. Otherwise, it makes sense to stay in a centrally located area to stay close to the action.
Here we selected the best hotels in Cork.
Budget | Sheilas Tourist Hostel - Located in the heart of the city, Sheilas Tourist Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in Cork. The hostel features all types of rooms, from bed dorms to private en-suites, great facilities, a shared kitchen, an in-house sauna, and lockers.
Mid-range | Imperial Hotel Cork City - Featuring boutique rooms, a fantastic location, and delicious on-site dining options, Imperial Hotel Cork City is a top accommodation in the city. Simply put, it is a great value for your money.
Luxury | Castlemartyr Resort Hotel - If you're looking for a five-star hotel in the Cork area, Castlemartyr Resort Hotel has all the bells and whistles to impress every traveler. Set in a grand 17th-century country manor house near the ruins of an 800-year-old castle, this hotel boasts stunning rooms, the ultimate wellness experience, a golf course, and multiple on-site dining venues.
Staying Safe
Cork is generally a safe place to visit, and we never felt unsafe while there.
On the other hand, it's the second largest city in the country, and large cities usually do have their share of issues.
Even though crime is generally low in Cork, you should use common sense to stay safe while there.
Cork is a great city for walking as there are many things to see and do. But with so many people around, you should take a few smart precautions.
For starters, keep your belongings close and pay attention to your surroundings. At night, stick to well-lit, populated streets and main pathways.
And never leave valuables inside your car.
Here you will find tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Cork Worth Visiting?
It comes as no surprise when we say that Cork is definitely worth visiting while in Ireland.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Cork, and you can easily spend a day or two here.
Furthermore, the city is a perfect place to base yourself not only when exploring Cork County but the whole of Ireland's southwest region.
The main advantage of Cork is that the city is well-connected with the rest of the country, but especially Dublin.
Therefore, Cork is a fantastic place to visit, even for travelers who prefer public transport instead of a rental car.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
