Best 20 things to do in Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Cork, the city that will make your heart sing, your belly rumble, and your smile widen like a Cheshire cat! Forget about the usual tourist traps, we've got the ultimate list of 20 activities that will make your trip truly memorable. From kissing the Blarney Stone (because who doesn't want the gift of the gab?) to wandering through the historic English Market where food dreams come true, and even hopping on a quirky pub crawl, Cork guarantees a fantastic time that will leave you slightly drunk with happiness and embracing your inner leprechaun.

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1. Cork Public Museum

4.4 (362)

Fitzgerald Park, Mardyke, Cork, T12 V0AA, Ireland

Welcome to the Cork Public Museum, where history comes alive... well, not literally, but you get the idea! Step into a time capsule of quirkiness as you explore this charming museum housed in a Georgian building. Prepare to be amazed and amused by its eclectic collection of artifacts, from ancient weaponry to vintage toys, all vying for your attention like a group of overenthusiastic tour guides competing for the Best Museum Exhibit title! Enter the museum's realm and find yourself immersed in tales of Cork's past, which might not be as thrilling as a Netflix series, but hey, at least it's educational! Delve into the vibrant history of the city, charmingly narrated through exhibits that range from old coins and costumes to archaeological treasures. You'll walk out feeling like the ultimate mix of Sherlock Holmes and Mary Poppins, armed with newfound knowledge and an acutely refined sense of history (or so you'll tell yourself). Make sure to check out the museum's quirky gems, such as the strangely captivating collection of porcelain chamber pots, which will make you ponder the great mysteries of life, like how our ancestors managed to achieve porcelain-on-porcelain aim, and if anyone ever accidentally mistook one of these fancy bowls for a fancy soup ladle. With its peculiar charm and eye-opening exhibits, Cork Public Museum promises to be a wee bit of history served with a side of laughter and a sprinkle of existential wonderment.

www.corkcity.ie

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2. Cork City Tour

4.2 (69)

Centre, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Cork City Tour, where the craic is as mighty as the mighty river that flows through this fair city! Hop aboard our cheeky red bus and hold onto your leprechaun hats because we're about to embark on a journey filled with charming sights, quirky history, and enough friendly banter to make your cheeks ache from smiling! As we chug along, be prepared to witness the heart-wrenching beauty of Shandon Church, affectionately known as the "Four-Faced Liar" (no, it's not about a deceitful pub-hopping poet). Marvel at its vibrant red tower, standing tall like a stubborn Irishman trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive Pooka. Don't forget to participate in the age-old tradition of ringing those melodious bells, just make sure to warn the pigeons beforehand! Now, hold on tight as we veer around the corners of St. Patrick's Street, a shopaholic's dream where you can spend your pot of gold faster than you can say "holy blarney stone!" Be dazzled by the diversity of shops, from charming boutiques to quirky Irish souvenir stores, where you can stock up on leprechaun socks, lucky shamrocks, and woolly aran jumpers big enough to shelter a sheep. As our hilarious tour guide imparts amazing tales about Cork's crazy past, don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing so hard that you accidentally spit out your pint of Murphy's! With a plethora of unique stories to share, like the time Napoleon Bonaparte mysteriously ended up in Cobh, or the time Michael Collins played a prank on the British Empire, Cork City Tour promises both an educational and gut-busting experience. Sláinte!

www.corkcitytours.com

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3. University College Cork

4.6 (795)

College Rd, University College, Cork, Ireland

Looking to immerse yourself in the land of leprechauns and endless green pastures? Look no further than University College Cork, situated in the vibrant city of Cork. This cozy campus will have you feeling like you're studying in a Hogwarts-esque castle, without the pesky magic spells (or maybe a few, if you're lucky!). Prepare yourself for a crash course in Irish weather, where rain and sunshine take turns for the spotlight like a dramatic duo. But fear not! UCC's beautiful grounds offer plenty of sheltered spots to hide from the occasional downpour or find a sunny spot to perfect that Irish tan. Just make sure to bring your brolly and sunscreen – you never know what Mother Nature has in store. Don't be surprised if you start to feel like a character in a fairy tale as you wander through UCC's delightful quadrangles and courtyards. With ivy-covered walls and historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, you'll be half-expecting a knight on horseback to come galloping through. And who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon the secret entrance to a hidden pub where pints of Guinness are bottomless – a true pot of gold!

www.ucc.ie

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4. Blarney Castle

4.7 (9573)

Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland

Nestled in the charming countryside of Cork lies the whimsical Blarney Castle, a fairytale-like fortress that, much to your amusement, promises tourists the gift of gab. Prepare to engage in a comical acrobatic feat as you lean precariously over the edge of the battlements to kiss the famed Blarney Stone, said to magically bestow the power of eloquent blabbering. Be sure to hold onto your hat as you explore the breathtaking grounds and enchanting gardens, where mischievous leprechauns are rumored to hide, ready to splash you with their pots of gold-infused mischief. Overall, a visit to Blarney Castle is an unforgettable opportunity to experience Irish legends and have a memorable banter-filled adventure.

blarneycastle.ie

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5. Fota Wildlife Park

4.7 (11466)

Fota Wildlife Park, Fota, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 CD93, Ireland

Welcome to Fota Wildlife Park, where the animals roam free and you can pretend you're on a jungle safari, minus the risk of being chased by a hungry lion. Buckle up your wildlife adventure pants because it's time to witness giraffes elegantly stealing leaves from overhanging trees, cheeky monkeys showing off their best acrobatic moves, and lemurs that'll make you question who is imitating whom with their fur-tastic hairstyles. Get ready for some close encounters with furry friends, and don't be surprised if you find yourself arguing with a parrot about who does the better impersonation of your Aunt Marge.

www.fotawildlife.ie

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6. Cork City Hall

4.7 (266)

City Hall, Anglesea St, Centre, Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Cork City Hall, the giant stone spectacle that proves that bureaucracy can actually be quite entertaining! This magnificent architectural marvel is like the mother of all public buildings, towering over the streets with a grandeur that says, "I might make you wait in line, but at least you'll do it with a smile." Step inside and prepare to be awed by the awe-inspiring marble floors that are so shiny you could probably spot your reflection and contemplate existential questions all day long. Just remember to take a deep breath before entering, as the scent of paperwork and dreams slowly floating in the air might send your imagination to bureaucratic wonderland.

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7. The English Market

4.6 (9400)

Princes St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to The English Market in Cork, a hilariously charming gastronomic wonderland that will make your taste buds tango and your wallet wince! This vibrant marketplace is a foodie's paradise, where you can indulge in delicious delicacies more indulgent than your deepest guilty pleasures. From the bewitching aromas of freshly baked bread to the comedic spectacle of vendors competing for your attention, The English Market is like a slapstick comedy of edible delights that you won't want to miss!

www.englishmarket.ie

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8. English Market

4.6 (9400)

Princes St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to the English Market in Cork, Ireland, where local foodies gather like seagulls eyeing a stolen bag of chips. This lively and historic market offers a feast for the senses, with tantalizing aromas wafting through the air and the sight of locals testing their haggling skills like their lives depend on it. Brace yourself for an adventure where cheese reigns supreme, fishmongers can outwit you with a single wink, and vegetables are as fresh and vibrant as a Leprechaun's lucky charms.

www.englishmarket.ie

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9. Triskel Arts Centre

4.6 (474)

Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Triskel Arts Centre in the delightful city of Cork, where culture intertwines with charm like a beautifully tangled knot of enthusiasm! This lively hub of artistic magic boasts an eclectic mix of cinema, theater, and visual art, leaving you yearning for more cultural adventures. With its captivating blend of contemporary and traditional works, Triskel Arts Centre is the place where creativity flourishes like a rebellious leprechaun on a caffeine high!

www.triskelartscentre.ie

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10. The Titanic Experience Cobh

4.4 (3530)

20 Casement Square, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 DW63, Ireland

Welcome to the Titanic Experience Cobh, where history comes alive and the spirit of the unsinkable ship still lingers! Prepare to be transported back to 1912 as you step aboard this incredible interactive museum that puts even the most seasoned time travelers to shame. Dive into the intriguing story of the passengers, marvel at the genuine artifacts, and try not to get swept away by the captivating tales of Ireland's most famous (although perhaps not their most successful) cruise ship.

www.titanicexperiencecobh.ie

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11. Cork Opera House

4.6 (2573)

Emmett Pl, Centre, Cork, T12 DW6P, Ireland

Welcome to Cork Opera House, the place where music and laughter intertwine like an awkward dance between two strangers. With its majestic architecture, this charming haven has been gracefully hosting world-class performances for locals and bewildered tourists since time immemorial, or at least since 1855. So pack your sense of humor, grab a pint of local brew, and immerse yourself in the delightful mayhem that awaits within these hallowed walls.

www.corkoperahouse.ie

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12. St. Fin Barre's Cathedral

4.4 (2067)

Bishop St, The Lough, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to St. Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork, a whimsical masterpiece that will have you raising your eyebrows higher than the spires! Marvel at this grandiose Anglican cathedral, where architectural styles intermingle like an indecisive chameleon. Prepare to be dazzled by its blend of Classical, Gothic, and even French Renaissance elements - they really couldn't pick just one, could they?

corkcathedral.webs.com

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13. Cobh Heritage Centre

4.5 (2391)

The Queenstown Story @ Cobh Heritage Centre Deepwater Quay Tel 021 4813591 Deepwater Quay, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 CY67, Ireland

Welcome to the Cobh Heritage Centre, a place where history comes alive and leaves you questioning your own existence. Nestled in the scenic county of Cork, this charming center invites you on a journey through time, making you wonder if time travel is actually possible. Prepare to have your mind blown as you immerse yourself in tales of emigration, tragedy, and maritime mishaps that will leave you contemplating whether life is just one big shipwreck waiting to happen.

www.cobhheritage.com

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14. Crawford Art Gallery

4.5 (1282)

Emmett Pl, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to the delightful Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, where masterpieces from across the ages come together to form an artistic smorgasbord that will make your eyeballs do a happy dance! Marvel at the timeless beauty of oil paintings, sculptures, and installations that are so hip, you'll be tempted to ask them out for a coffee afterward. Immerse yourself in the galleries' tranquil ambiance, which is perfect for contemplating the profound meaning of that abstract piece you're pretty sure resembles a flamingo doing yoga.

www.crawfordartgallery.ie

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15. Blackrock Castle Observatory

4.4 (3127)

Castle Rd, Blackrock, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to the magnificent Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, a place where history and science come together like peanut butter and jelly, or chips and dip (depending on your preferred analogy). Nestled on the banks of the River Lee, this 16th-century castle turned futuristic observatory is a bizarre fusion of old-world charm and cutting-edge technology – truly a mind-boggling experience for those who appreciate the odd and extraordinary. Whether you're a space enthusiast seeking to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos or simply a poor soul desperately in need of a change of scenery from the usual black hole of daily life, this quirky attraction promises to bewitch and intrigue you in ways you never thought possible.

www.bco.ie

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16. Lough Hyne

4.9 (164)

Lough Hyne, Co. Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Lough Hyne in Cork, the ultimate destination for those seeking a combination of tranquility and quirkiness. Picture this: a saltwater lake nestled snugly between mountains, where you can enjoy a peaceful swim surrounded by jellyfish that are strangely mesmerizing instead of terrifying. Embark on a magical journey as you navigate through this unique ecosystem, keeping an eye out for its elusive resident, the legendary "barking" otter that's known to serenade visitors with its peculiar vocal talents.

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17. Garnish Island

4.8 (177)

Garnish Island, Ireland

Nestled in the scenic waters of Cork, Garnish Island welcomes you with open arms, or rather, open blooms! Prepare to be enchanted by this quirky horticultural haven that proudly boasts more plants than your uncle's overgrown backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the island's loveliness as you spot vibrant flowers, mesmerizing stone structures, and maybe even a few mischievous leprechauns hoping to join in on your adventures (just remember to keep an eye on your lucky charms!).

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18. Spike Island

4.7 (398)

Spike Island, Co. Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Spike Island in Cork, the charming little piece of land where history and humor intertwine like a quizzical Irish dance. Once a fortress, later a prison, and currently a popular tourist destination, this island has seen more adrenaline-pumping action than a leprechaun chasing a pot of gold down a rainbow slide. Bask in the breathtaking views of the sea, soak up a dose of spooky tales, and keep an eye out for mystical creatures that could be hiding amongst the ruins – who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of a sneaky pixie trying out an invisible grand escape!

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19. Cork City Gaol

4.6 (2512)

Convent Ave, Sunday's Well, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Cork City Gaol, where the misery of prisoners and the charm of history intertwine like cell bars in a Tango. Step inside this former prison turned museum, and let the jailhouse rock your world... in a purely educational way, of course. Discover the tales of daring escapes, if you fancy yourself a real-life Houdini, or indulge in the exquisitely haunting backdrop that will make you thankful for your freedom to roam the city streets.

corkcitygaol.com

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20. Mahon Point Shopping Centre

4.3 (7639)

Mahon Link Road, Mahon, Cork, T12 X7HK, Ireland

Welcome to Mahon Point Shopping Centre in Cork, where retail therapy meets its match! Prepare to embark on a shopping adventure that will leave your wallet weeping and your wardrobe rejoicing. With its vast expanse of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, this haven of consumerism will have you questioning whether you truly needed that 10th pair of shoes or not.

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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.

More guides

Cork City on a Budget: 5 Days of Adventure

Explore the vibrant city of Cork on a limited budget with a range of free walking tours and attractions. Discover the rich cultural heritage with a visit to Cork City Gaol and the famous Blarney Castle. Experience a night out in one of the city's many traditional Irish pubs for a true taste of Ireland.

Cork Delights: A 3 Day Family Adventure

Cork, Ireland, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes. Explore the iconic Blarney Castle, where kids can kiss the Blarney Stone for the "gift of gab," or visit the renowned Cork City Gaol to learn about Ireland's fascinating past. Enjoy leisurely walks along the scenic River Lee or take a short drive to Fota Wildlife Park, a thrilling adventure for young animal lovers.

Cork on a Budget: 3 Days of Irish Adventure!

A trip to Cork, Ireland on a limited budget can be an exciting experience. Visitors can explore the charming city center, take a stroll by the River Lee, or visit the famous Blarney Castle. Budget-friendly accommodation and dining options are also available for travelers looking to save money.

Corkin' Around: The Ultimate 2-Day Family Adventure

A trip to Cork, Ireland is perfect for a family-friendly getaway filled with fun and adventure. Explore the charming streets of Cork City, where you can visit the famous English Market and take a stroll along the scenic River Lee. Don't miss the opportunity to venture outside the city and discover the breathtaking landscapes of County Cork, including the stunning coastal drives, picturesque villages, and historic attractions like the famous Blarney Castle.