Cork: Family Fun, Food, and Adventure!
Discover the magic of Cork - an unforgettable family adventure awaits!
19 July 2023
A family-friendly trip to Cork, Ireland offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visit the renowned Blarney Castle where kids can engage in the thrilling tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone for the "gift of gab", explore the fascinating Cork City Gaol to learn about Ireland's history in an interactive way, and take a relaxing stroll in the picturesque Fitzgerald Park with its beautiful gardens and playgrounds. With its welcoming locals, charming atmosphere, and kid-friendly attractions, Cork promises to be a memorable destination for the whole family.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Morning: Fill your bellies at the quirky Nash 19 Café, a local institution serving delicious Irish breakfast with a side of mismatched furniture and charming chaos.
- Head to the renowned English Market, a labyrinth of culinary wonders. Sample artisan cheeses, devour fresh oysters, and try resisting the enticing aromas of traditional Irish stews.
- Time to channel your inner pirate at the extraordinary Cork City Gaol. Learn about the grim lives of inmates while exploring darkened corridors and eerie cells you might even spot a ghostly figure or two!
- Refuel at Farmgate Café, housed in the Crawford Art Gallery. Savor their heavenly homemade bread, slathered with locally sourced jams and butter, while becoming one with the bohemian ambiance.
- Take a leisurely stroll through Fitzgerald Park, a lush oasis where enchanting fairy creatures frolic amongst the flowers. Don't forget to stop by the stunning Cork Public Museum, a treasure trove of local history.
- Finally, relish a sensory explosion at Market Lane, a family-friendly restaurant with an eclectic menu. Feast on roasted local meats, accompanied by unique craft beers or dance with delight over their legendary desserts.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Cork by plane is to fly into Cork Airport, which has direct flights from many major cities in the UK, Europe, and the US.
Car
The best way to get to Cork by car is to drive on the M8 motorway from Dublin, which takes around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take the N71 coastal road from Killarney or the N20 from Limerick.
Train
There is a train station in Cork, but the best way to get there by train is to take a train to Dublin and then transfer to a train that goes to Cork.
Boat
The best way to get to Cork by boat is to take a ferry from Roscoff or Cherbourg in France to the nearby port of Ringaskiddy, which is just a short drive from Cork City.
Bus
The best way to get to Cork by bus is to take a bus from Dublin or another major city in Ireland. There are many bus companies that offer routes to Cork, including Bus Éireann and Citylink.