Cork City is one of the most vibrant cities in Ireland. There’s a lot of things to see, eat, drink and do. We’ve created a list with the best things to do in Cork to make sure you make the most of your stay.
We hope you find this list useful and helps you plan your next holiday or weekend getaway in this lovely city:
You can walk everywhere
It’s a small city and you can walk to anywhere from the city centre. It’s a great city to go to without a map and just get lost. Also, nights can go on as long as they have to because a lot of people continue their individual parties walking back home!
Because, butter
Wherever you go, you’ll find a museum with lots of things to learn from. But we’re sure you’ve probably never been to a museum about butter. Now’s your chance! At the Cork butter museum, you’ll learn all about the history of butter in Ireland: from how it was preserved to the development of the Cork butter exchange.
Fresh produce at the English Market
Cork’s historic English Market is frequented by both locals and tourists because of its fresh produce and wide selection of fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry stalls.
Fitzgerald Park
By the River Lee you’ll find the perfect place to stroll around: Fitzgerald Park. Inside the park you’ll find a Tea house, the Cork Public Museum and at the end of the park and by the river, the University College Cork.
Music festivals
The city is known to be Ireland’s capital of festivals and event. They host more than 24 major festivals and hundreds of smaller events. Our favourites are Indiependence, Live at the marquee, Cork jazz festival and the International choral festival.
Ring the Bells of Shandon
This one’s a classic! You can’t visit Cork without going up the the tower. The first thing you see when you go up are a group of numbered strings to ring the bells and play different kinds of songs. If you continue to go up, you see the majestic bells and the amazing views of the city. Be sure to check their opening hours.
Whiskey tasting at The Jameson Distillery
Yes, you’ll find the Old Jameson Disitillery in Cork!
Visit the historic city jail
The Cork City Gaol was opened in 1824 and it operated for nearly 100 years before closing. The building looks like a Gothic castle and features details like turreted battlements and dripstones. It was first opened as a tourist attraction in 1993 and thousands of visitors have visited this place to learn all about its history and famous occupants.
University vibes
The University College Cork was designed by Sir Thomas Dean, who also designed the Cork City Gaol. It’s full of history and tradition and is one of the most majestic buildings in the city. Before starting your tour, be sure to go to the information desk to get some brochures, maps and souvenirs. You’ll also find the Lewis Glucksman Gallery in the modern building.
Craftbeer at The Franciscan Well Brewery
This pub boasts to be one of the best beer gardens in the city. It’s based on the site of an ancient franciscan monastery that dates back to 1219! It was also the location where they bottled Guinness in the 1940s. You’ll find a large selection of beer, lager and stout.
Drombeg stone circle looks great. Its pretty disappointing to see how houses were allowed to be built so close to it.