Best Things To Do in Cork, Ireland

Are you looking for what to do in Cork?

PLACES TO SEE

Cork is known for its historic tourist attractions. A trip here is a trip in Ireland’s historic past!

Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle: The blarney stone is a black limestone installed in the Blarney Castle and is known for its story that whoever kisses the stone will be granted with eloquent words.
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral: Built in 1800s under the supervision and sponsorship of Burges, the Cathedral seeps French architecture - one of his most loved.
Blackrock Castle: Built in the 16th century, the castle’s original purpose was to defend the city. Today the castle houses a visitor centre, restaurant and observatory.
Cork City Gaol: A 19th century prison, the Cork City Goal has witnessed some of the most insane prison sentences for casual crimes as well as crimes high up the radar. In 1993 the gaol was opened as a visitor’s centre and houses an eccentric exhibition of Ireland’s History.
Cork Vision Centre: Located at St. Peter’s, the Cork Vision Centre is a heaven underneath a vaulted ceiling. The place holds exhibitions, archives, seminars and more with the perfect ambience.

NIGHT LIFE AND CLUBS

Nightlife in Cork is one of the most vibrant in Ireland. You will always find a pub to snug in to for a few beers while taking a walk through the city.

City Limits Comedy Club: Located on Coburg Street, City Limits Comedy Club is a must if you want your ribs tickled! The club showcases top stand-up comedians from Ireland as well as feature artists from all over the world.
Ceili by the Lee: A prime attraction at Marlboro street, Ceili by the Lee is known for having good music all year round.
Sin e: Since its establishment in the 1800s the Pub has never stopped entertaining tourists of all ages. Enjoy a vibrant ambience with a pint or two of Guinness after a long day of exploring the city.
Oliver Plunkett: Oliver Plunkett offers breakfast, lunch as well as dinner menu; specializing in burgers, sandwiches and baguettes.
Cork Rebel Pub Crawl: To suit the intense pub thirst in you, join the Cork Rebel Pub Crawl which covers most of the famous and intimate pubs in Ireland.

Below we have a list of things to do in Cork and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Cork getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Cork with confidence.

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Tourist Attractions in Cork

Here is the list of things to do in Cork and tourist attractions in city.

Youghal

Located 50 kilometers to the east of the city, Youghal is known to be a seaside resort for tourists and locals alike. The place is known for its historic monuments and activities like sailing, fishing and sports to name a few. Highlights Include: 18 hole golf Floodlit tennis court Greyhound racing Leisure Centre Art galleries Museum Tourists love to take a 2 day stop at Youghal while visiting...Read more
Blarney Castle
4.6 (1975 Votes)

Originally built in 1200 AD, the Blarney Castle has witnessed a lot of change of reigns and destroyed to be built back in the 1400s. Today the Blarney Castle is nothing less than a medieval marvel. The stories of the castle are fascinating if you don’t mind believing in fiction. The castle itself is sure to give you shivers as it appears a warzone from some places while being magical from...Read more
Cork City Gaol
4.5 (1614 Votes)

The Cork City Goal was built in the 19th century and is one of the most crucial monuments if you want to know about the socio-political life in Ireland during the 1800s. The visitor center was opened in 1993 and is the best way to intimately experience the struggles and legacy of the prisoners. Highlights Include: The writing on the walls by the prisoners consisting of quotes, sketches and poe...Read more
English Market
4.6 (1363 Votes)

A haven for food lovers, the English Market is located on the Grand Parade. Flooded with fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses and wines, it is only expected that the restaurants in the market will serve scrumptious dishes that will make you want to stay here forever. Most of the produce is locally grown and is known for its quality and taste. Start your day here with a hearty breakfast to experienc...Read more
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
4.4 (1352 Votes)

Built in 19th century, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is known as one of the most cathedrals in Cork. The regal structures with gothic architecture are known for its French influences while the statues show just how much the founder Burges adored everything French. The cathedral is now one of three cathedrals in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. The beautiful stained glass, the statua...Read more
Fitzgerald's Park
4.7 (1697 Votes)

If you are in the mood to take in some sun and spend a day in an urban garden, then Fitzgerald Park is the place to go while in Cork. The place is buzzing with artists and comedy performances on some days while on other days you can see families in the park around small picnics baskets. A good place to just soak in the sun on a clear day, the place is sure to charge you up after a day or two of...Read more
Spike Island
4.7 (1018 Votes)

Spike Island is located off the coast of Cobh Harbor and is known as the boarding place of the legendary Titanic. Ferry through the pristine Atlantic to the Island while enjoying a panoramic view of the Cobh Harbour behind and the plush green Island ahead. The Island shows monastic settlements dating back to 635 AD. Highlights Include: Historical Old Fort/ Jail also known as the infamous Purga...Read more
Ballycotton Cliff Walk

Located 25 miles east off Cork city center, the Ballycotton Cliff Walk is one of the prominent light trekking places in Cork. The cliff overlooks a beautiful view of the Atlantic while the fishing harbours and village will get you in touch with Ireland’s local life. A must if you want to experience Ireland in its raw glory, the Ballycotton Cliff walk is sure to give you memories of Irelan...Read more
Church Of St Anne

Built in 1722, the church of St. Anne was known for being one of three churches dedicated to St. Mary all three built after the last one was destroyed. Built with red stones from the original Shandon Castle, the church is known for its eccentric and unique architecture. There are 8 bells installed in the church in the early 19th century which are made popular by songs. Today you can climb up th...Read more
Mizen Vision

Located at the extremity of county Cork, the Mizen Vision welcomes all its visitors to the finest cliff view you will see in a long time! The Mizen Vision in itself is an island at Ireland’s extreme end and for many sea-travellers is the last sight of Europe. The place has a lighthouse, weather station and signal station and- giving the island a truly eccentric raw ambience. A must for ev...Read more
Blackrock Castle Observatory
4.4 (429 Votes)

The Blackrock Castle is a 16th century castle. Known for its authentic Irish stone buildings, the castle was originally built on Queen Elizabeth’s orders after the locals requested her for a fort to protect the city from Pirates. Today the fort has an Observatory on its highest round tower and is known to host some of the most interesting events and workshops for children. The fort is als...Read more
Fort Camden

One of the most popular Forts in Cork, 65 % of the fort lies underground and is one of the most strategically built forts all over the world. The narrow windows, spiral staircase, labyrinth architecture is sure to make you wonder about the fort’s builders and architect. Built in the 1800s, the fort was a prime defense fort for Ireland and sits on 45 acres of land. Highlights Include: Bri...Read more
Crawford Art Gallery
4.5 (404 Votes)

Comprising of over 2000 artifacts ranging from 18th century art to 21st century contemporary pieces, the Crawford Art Gallery is a delight to scan through even on a rainy day in Cork. Highlights Include: 18th century Irish sculptures European sculptors and painting Trending art pieces by 21st century artists Art lovers visit the art gallery to learn more about world art, illuminating Ireland&...Read more
Sin E
4.7 (470 Votes)

If you are looking for a snug little pub which offers good drinks and scrumptious food, then Sin e is your place. The place is known for hosting some of the best evenings in Cork and tourists love the sheer Irish ambience here created every single day. The staff is friendly while the music is sure to make you grove for hours after you have left the bar.
Triskel Christchurch

Located in an 18th century building, the Triskel Christchurch is the prime menu for international films, arts and festivals in Cork city. While in cork you are sure to find documentaries and art films being showcased here regularly. The place showcases some of the finest cinema around the world as well as homegrown movies which are sure to make you want to catch the next show here as well!