Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland, and it’s a city you should not skip over. There’s a lot to see and do in Cork, and it’s a great way to see more of Ireland along with Dublin.
There are many things to do in Cork, including seeing a cathedral and exploring Elizabeth Fort. If you have more than a few days here, take a day trip to Blarney or Killarney. Getting to Cork from anywhere in Ireland is easy, and there are plenty of places to get good Irish food and coffee.
This ultimate travel guide to Cork, Ireland, has all the best things to do in Cork, where to stay in the city, and how to get to Cork. I’ve also listed the best coffee shops and restaurants in Cork and some easy day trips to take from the city.
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Things to do in Cork, Ireland
There are many things to do in Cork, Ireland, and these are some of the best. Even if you only have a day or two to spend in Cork, you should prioritize these things!
Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a 19th-century cathedral dedicated to Fin Barre, the patron saint of Cork. The gothic church is stunning with its three spires, and you should spend some time admiring it.
Outside the cathedral is an area where you can walk and see some tombs of important church members and a labyrinth where you can reflect.
Elizabeth Fort
Right by Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is Elizabeth Fort. Entrance to the fort is free, and it’s a lot of fun to explore. There are also great views of Cork from the fort walls.
If you want a guided tour, you can pay three euros. Check their schedule, so you are there at a time when tours are starting.
The fort was built in the 17th century. It has been used for many things since, including a women’s prison, a police station, and a military fortress. It’s said that one of the military leaders is buried somewhere in the fort, but the exact spot is unknown.
The Butter Museum
Cork’s Butter Museum is one of the most unique places to visit in the city. Cork used to be the largest exporter of butter in the world. Now, Ireland’s most popular butter is Kerrygold, which you can find worldwide, including in the US.
The museum tells the history and stories of Ireland’s butter trade. You’ll also learn about the butter-making process. It only costs a few Euros to visit the museum, and it’s a unique part of the country and the city’s history.
The English Market
The English Market is a food market in the center of Cork. The market opened in the late 18th century, and it’s been a highlight for visitors and residents in Cork ever since. When you visit Cork, make sure you grab some food at the market, especially if you do your own cooking.
View the City from Audley Place
One thing you can’t miss in Cork is seeing the view from Audley Place. You need to walk up a large hill north of the River Lee, but it’s worth the climb, especially if you go in the morning or around sunset.
Walk and Shop on St. Patrick’s St.
St. Patrick’s St. is the main street that runs through Cork. It’s great to walk along if you want to do some shopping or just enjoy a stroll through the city.
St. Patrick’s St. is also a great place to catch a city bus if you leave the city center.
Where to Stay in Cork, Ireland
Cork has some great places to stay, and I’ve listed three favorites that cover a range of budgets. These cover a range of budgets, but if you can’t find one you like, check out Hotels.com for more options!
Budget: Sheila’s Hostel
Shelia’s Hostel is the best hostel in Cork, and I would recommend it if you want somewhere cheap to stay. It can get a little noisy at night (as with many hostels), but the location is great and there are nice common spaces, including a rooftop patio.
But, know that there is a steep hill to get up to the hostel from the city center, and you’ll have to carry your bags up it if you walk to the hostel from the train or bus station. It’s doable for most people, but just a warning 🙂
Mid-Range: Isaacs Hotel Cork City
Isaacs Hotel Cork City is in the Victorian Quarter which means all the best things to do are within walking distance. And, many of the restaurants and coffee shops on this list are very close to the hotel along with many others.
Luxury: Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel is a 4-star hotel and it’s in the perfect location for exploring Cork. You can walk anywhere in the city center in 25 minutes or less, and many big attractions are closer than that.
And, there’s a restaurant, a bar, and a spa, so you don’t even have to leave the hotel to have a good time.
How many days should I spend in Cork?
You should stay in Cork for at least three days if you want to see a decent amount of the city and have enough time to make a day trip to Blarney. Add another day or two, and you can take another day trip to Killarney and explore more of Cork further out from the city center.
How to Get to Cork, Ireland
Getting to Cork is relatively easy, even if you aren’t coming from a large city like Dublin. And if you are coming from a big city, you have lots of options to get to Cork.
If you have a car, you can easily drive to Cork. Check with the place you are staying for parking information. Unless you are leaving the city, you’ll likely be walking everywhere so your car can stay parked.
If you don’t have a car, you can find a bus or train to get to Cork. The Irish Rail system is great for getting around Ireland. Cork’s train station (Cork Kent) is on the east side of the town, and it’s walkable from the city center.
You can find trains to and from Cork here.
Buses are a great option if you aren’t coming from a major city with trains. Bus Eireann is the country’s bus system, and it can help you get to Cork from all over Ireland.
Or, you can use the CityLink buses, which connect Cork and Cork Airport to Galway and Limerick. You can transfer to Clifden, Dublin, and Dublin Airport from these cities.
Cork Airport is four miles (6.5 km) south of the city. All the flights to and from Cork Airport are within Europe. So, if you are flying from the United States or another non-European country, you’ll have to fly into Dublin and then take ground transport to Cork.
Places to Eat in Cork, Ireland
Cork has a lot of great food, and there’s no shortage of places to eat when you visit the city. You’ll find some traditional Irish options and some places that are unique to Cork.
The Fish Wife
The Fish Wife was the overwhelming favorite of everyone in my group when we visited Cork. They have a variety of fish, and they come with chips (which means fries :)). If you don’t want fish and chips, they have burgers and other side options.
They only offer takeout, so grab a box of food from The Fish Wife after a long day of exploring and take it back to your hotel, or walk up to Audley Place and enjoy dinner while you watch the sunset.
Address: 45 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 DVY3, Ireland
Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub
Franciscan Well is a brewery founded in Cork in 1998. This adorable brewery and beer garden is made from the walls of an old monastery that dates back to the early 13th century.
They have a good variety of beers, as well as wines, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic options. You can also order a delicious woodfire pizza prepared on-site by Pompei Pizza.
You’ll find their beers at bars and restaurants all over the city, but spending some time drinking at the brewery is well worth it.
Address: 14 N Mall, Sunday’s Well, Cork, T23 P264, Ireland
Gallagher’s Gastro Pub
Gallagher’s Gastro Pub is a charming little pub in the Victorian Quarter. The vibe here is nice for a lowkey meal, and all the food is delicious. They also have a good wine and cocktail menu.
Address: 32 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 Y07X, Ireland
Popsicle
Popsicle is a little dessert shop that sells dipped popsicles. You choose your popsicle flavor, and they cover it with the toppings you choose. They also have ice cream and waffle pops.
There are two Popsicle shops in Cork, and both are right off of St. Patrick’s St.
Address: 18 Castle St, Centre, Cork, T12 VP2X, Ireland
Address: 2 Winthrop St, Centre, Cork, Ireland
Cafes in Cork, Ireland
I love trying coffee and cafes when I travel to Europe, and Cork, Ireland, was no exception. There’s a lot of good coffee in Cork, but these are three of my favorites.
Cork Coffee Roasters
A vintage coffee shop in the Victorian Quarter. They have their own house blends plus a variety of espresso drinks. You can also get delicious mini cakes that pair perfectly with a coffee.
Address: 2 Bridge St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, Ireland
5 Points
5 Points is another great coffee shop in the Victorian Quarter. They have excellent breakfast and lunch sandwiches to pair with great drinks. It’s a great place to stop on your way to the train station or a nice walk if you are staying in the neighborhood.
Address: 59 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 F9DT, Ireland
Bean & Leaf
I like Bean & Leaf for its location. It’s in the center of the city, and you can get to most of the great places to visit in Cork within five minutes. They also have a great selection of pastries.
Address: 29 Grand Parade, Centre, Cork, T12 EP99, Ireland
Day Trips from Cork, Ireland
If you’re spending more than a few days in Cork, you should consider a day trip out of the city. There are two easy-to-get-to towns that I highly recommend for a trip out of Cork: Blarney and Killarney.
Cork to Blarney, Ireland
A stay in Cork isn’t complete without a trip to Blarney to kiss the Blarney Stone.
And, you don’t need a whole day in Blarney since it’s only 20-30 minutes by bus or car. It’s easy to get to from Cork, and you should take half a day away from Cork to visit.
The Blarney Stone is the highlight of a trip to Blarney. The stone is at the top of the castle, built into one of the walls. Legend says that anyone who kisses the stone gets the “gift of the gab,” aka becomes highly flattering.
To kiss the Blarney Stone, you need to lay on your back and kiss it upside down. There’s a guide there to help you and bars to hold onto, but you do have to reach your body quite far over a ledge if you want to actually reach it.
But don’t get so focused on the Blarney Stone that you don’t explore the rest of the castle and gardens. There are 60 acres to explore full of beautiful gardens and cool sites like Wishing Steps and a Poison Garden.
For the rest of the castle’s highlights, make sure you grab a map at the ticket window. There’s a lot to see, and the grounds are so big that you’ll miss some good stuff and probably even get lost without a map.
Cork to Killarney, Ireland
Killarney is another fantastic city near Cork. There’s a lot to do in the city, but the highlight is Killarney National Park. You can make a day trip from Cork to Killarney or head to Killarney after your stay in Cork and spend a few nights there.
I have a complete travel guide to Killarney, Ireland, with everything you need to know, including how to get to Killarney from Cork, where to stay and eat, and what you should do in the town.
Have fun in Cork, Ireland!
Cork, Ireland, is a town you shouldn’t miss, and I’d even recommend it over Dublin if you can only choose one of the two cities.
If you have any more questions about visiting Cork, leave a comment below! And be sure to check out some of my other European travel guides:
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