10 Best Things to Do in Cork, Ireland

Cork is Ireland’s most southerly county and is one of the best places to visit in the Emerald Isle. If you haven’t traveled to Cork before, or if you’re visiting Ireland for the first time and aren’t sure if it should be added to your travel plans, you’ll find the best things to do in Cork, Ireland to help you make the decision. .

I have visited Cork a few times.So I know some of the best things to see and do in the county. I also explored other activities for an upcoming trip with my family.

So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation in County Cork, read on for the best things to do in Cork, Ireland. Cork is a county I have only recently begun to explore. As Ireland’s largest county, Cork has a lot to offer to travelers, whether they’re from Ireland or not.

In this post, I help you uncover 10 amazing things to do in County Cork that will have you heading south in no time.

Best things to do in Cork, Ireland

Are you trying to find out what to do in Cork? Here’s a list of 10 things to do in the county. Whether you love the outdoors, history, food, or culture, there’s something for everyone.

Cork City

Cork is a vibrant city on the banks of the River Lee. It played an important role in the rebel movement during the fight for Irish independence. There is so much to see and do in Cork City.

Visit several churches and cathedrals such as St. Anne’s in Shandon. This 18th century church is a famous landmark. Its watch was known as the “four-faced liar” because, until 1986, each face showed a different time. You can climb the tower and ring the bell for a small fee. Also worth a visit is the Cathedral of St. Finn Barr.

The Cork Butter Museum is a must-see. In the 19th century, Cork was the world’s largest exporter of butter. The museum tells the story of Ireland’s main food export.

Another highlight is Cork City Gaol. Around a 20-minute walk from the city center, this restored prison houses exhibits about the life of prisoners in the 19th and 20th centuries. There is also a radio museum in the same building. You can book your tickets for Cork City Gaol in advance.

Blackrock Castle and Barryscourt Castle are also great places to visit.

Explore areas such as the Quays, Grand Parade, St Patrick’s Street and the Shandon Quarter. These spots have galleries, antique shops and cute cafes along their squares and old streets.

Discover Cork on a walking tour of the city. For the latest prices and availability, and to book a tour, click here.

Blarney Castle and more

Some of the best places to visit in Cork are the many castles. One of the top things to do in Cork, Ireland is to visit Blarney Castle. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ireland. Every year thousands of visitors come to do one thing: kiss the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone will receive the gift of gab and will never be lost for words. The stone is at the top of the fort, 99 steps up. You sit with your back to it, lean back and kiss it upside down.

But there’s more to Blarney Castle than just stone. The grounds are stunning with a poison garden, a fern garden, two waterfalls, a playground, a fairy garden, and more. My advice is to arrive early, kiss the rock, and spend the rest of your time exploring the gardens.

Blayrock Castle in Cork City is also worth a visit. This 16th-century fort was built as a harbor fort for the city. Now, it houses an observatory and museum with educational exhibits. You can climb to the top and discover the armory on a guided tour.

Barryscourt Castle was the 16th century seat of the Barry family and has been beautifully restored. The tower house stands out because of its 50 m (164 ft) long hall which occupies the west side of the castle. The castle has antique furniture and decorations and the garden has also been restored. The work is not yet complete, so the fort is currently closed to visitors. Keep an eye on the website to see if it’s open when you’re planning a visit to County Cork.

Other castles to visit in County Cork include:

Desmond Castle, Kinsale – A 16th century fortified house once occupied by the Spanish. It has exhibits detailing its history and a small wine museum.

Baltimore Castle, Baltimore – A 13th century stone tower castle that dominates Baltimore Harbor. It has seasonal art displays, exhibits on the history of the town and fort, and battle scenes.

Discover both Blarney Castle and Cobh on a day trip from Cork City. For more information and to book, click here.

Cove

Cobh is one of the best places to visit in Cork. Pronounced ‘Cove’, this charming coastal town in Ireland, is full of colorful houses and is overlooked by the magnificent St Colman’s Cathedral. 

The cove is famous for its connection with the Titanic. It was the final port of call for the Titanic before embarking on her first and only ferry ride across the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can learn about the Titanic at the Titanic Experience Cobb. Guided tours take you through interactive exhibits and you can stand right where passengers left to board the ship.

Other places to visit in Cobh include the Cobh Museum, which explores the town’s history, and the Cobh Heritage Centre. 

At the Heritage Centre, you can learn about the migration of people during the Great Famine and convicts sent to Australia through interactive displays.

Houses and Abbeys

Some of the best things to do in County Cork are to visit the great houses and abbeys.

Bantry House is a little over an hour and a half drive from Cork City. This historic early 18th-century house has beautiful gardens and is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way. Bantry House has been the home of the White family, formerly the Earls of Bantry, since 1739. They still live there and manage the estate.

The house is filled with art and furniture brought from Europe by the 2nd Earl of Bantry, including tapestries originally made for Marie Antoinette. The gardens are really stunning, the Italian Garden is a highlight at the front of the impressive house. This garden leads to a set of terraces with incredible views.

Bantry House and Gardens are a must-see in West Cork. You can even stay in one of the B&B bedrooms there.

Another great place to visit in County Cork is Timoleg Abbey. Located in Carbury East, this friary was founded in 1240 on the site of a 6th century monastic settlement. If you enjoy church architecture, this is a great place to visit.

As you walk through the grounds you can visit the church, infirmary, walled courtyard and many cloisters.

Islands off County Cork

If you visit this part of Ireland, you must visit the islands off the coast. There are several islands near Cork that you should visit.

In Cork Harbour, you will find Spike Island. It played an important role in the Irish War of Independence and from 1984 to 2004. It was known as “Ireland’s Alcatraz” because of the artillery fort and prison. Today, you can explore the old prison on a guided tour. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy the site.

A 10-minute ferry ride from Baltimore takes you to Sherkin Island. This small island is popular with day-trippers and artists. If you want a quiet cove for swimming, a place to look out over the sea or a place to have lunch, head to Sherkin Island.

Another island worth visiting is Cape Clear Island. The ferry from Baltimore takes 45 minutes. Here, you’ll find private coves, pebble beaches and cliff-top walks. This small island is a Gaeltacht, an Irish-speaking area, and the southernmost inhabited island of Ireland. 

There are walking trails, a ruined 12th-century church, and the ruins of 14th-century Dunamore Castle. You can take a boat tour to see Fastnet Lighthouse, also known as Mizen Head Lighthouse. This rock is called Ireland’s Teardrop because it was the last sighting of immigrants to America. Titanic is also on its way to cross the ocean.

Other Cork islands to visit include:

• Dars Island, a wildlife sanctuary connected to the mainland by a cable car.
• Bere Island, its ruined Martello Tower and a 19km loop of the Beara Way walking trail.
• Garnish Island, also known as Ilnakulin, is a horticultural wonder.

Coastal city

Exploring the charming coastal towns is one of the top things to do in Cork. With a long coastline and being the largest county in Ireland, Cork has many coastal towns worth visiting. While Cobh is a favorite, there are other towns you should also check out.

Another popular coastal town in Cork is Kinsale. It’s a beautiful place with a harbor full of sailing boats and Desmond Castle, a tower house from the early 1500s. Just east of Kinsale, you’ll find Fort Charles, an impressive star-shaped fort from the 1670s, considered one of the finest in Europe. In Kinsale, you can also visit St. Multo’s Church, the Old Market House Museum and Signal Tower, and the Lusitania Museum, which is dedicated to the ship torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915. Kinsale is also a starting or ending point. For the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cork’s coastal town of Youghal is another must-see. Situated to the east, at the mouth of the River Blackwater, Youghal is a picturesque town once ruled by Sir Walter Raleigh, who was mayor from 1588 to 1589. In Youghal, you can enjoy Blackwater walks, boat trips and learn about the town’s history at the Heritage Centre.

The peninsula

County Cork has several peninsulas, that are worth visiting, and they have some of the best beaches in the region. Peninsulas to check out are Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara Peninsula.

Mizzen Head has Berlicove Beach, which is one of the best beaches in the Ireland. The main town here is Shul, where you can find walking trails, a planetarium and a dive school. The Mizen Head Visitor Center has information about Fastnet Lighthouse.

Sheep’s Head Peninsula has a rocky landscape perfect for hiking, walking, and cycling. The Sheep’s Head Way is a 93km long walking trail around the peninsula.

The Beara Peninsula covers parts of both counties Cork and Kerry. It features the Ring of Beara, a 137 km circular driving route that you can complete in a day. Make sure to drive the Healy Pass Road across the peninsula. At the end of the Beara Peninsula, you’ll find Dursey Island.

Fota Island

Fota Island is located in Cork Harbor, and it is connected to the mainland by a small bridge. This former private estate is a great place to visit with your family. It has Phota Wildlife Park, a resort hotel, a golf course and beautiful gardens.

Phota Wildlife Park is a large outdoor zoo where kids will love many animals like zebras, giraffes, cheetahs and monkeys. Some animals have large enclosures, and some, like cheeky lemurs, even roam free. The park has a small train that goes around the zoo and a large playground for children.

Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens are also on the island. Fota House is a Regency-style house where you can take guided tours. Highlights include the 150-year-old arboretum and walled gardens.

Fota Island Resort is a luxury hotel with three championship golf courses. If you prefer, you can stay in one of the self-catering holiday homes. The resort also has a spa for pure relaxation.

Michael Collins Trail

An interesting thing to do in County Cork, Ireland is to follow the Michael Collins Trail. Michael Collins, born near Clonakilty in Cork, was an important figure in the War of Independence in the early 20th century. He became commander-in-chief of the army of the new Irish Free State in 1922.

In Clonakilty, you can visit the Michael Collins Center to learn about his life and the times in which he lived. From there, you can join a Michael Collins War of Independence tour to visit important sites around County Cork and related to that era. Be sure to pre-book this tour; For more information, visit their website.

You can also visit Michael Collins House in Clonakilty, a museum dedicated to this Irish hero and revolutionary. The museum offers a Michael Collins Trail that you can follow to see significant sites of his life and the War of Independence.

Gourmet Cork

County Cork is becoming a top food destination in Ireland. From food to whiskey, Cork is making its mark on the Irish culinary scene.

Ballymaloe Cookery School is a must visit, thanks to its famous chef owner, Darina Allen. You can take classes from half-day sessions to 12-week courses.

Clonakilty is known for its delicious black and white Irish pudding, a favorite with many. Clonakilty sausages are also a top choice for a full Irish breakfast.

Cork is famous for its cheese, with producing counties such as Mitchelstown and Charleville. Near Shul, Guben Farm Foods makes artisan cheeses, as well as ham, salami, free-range eggs and organic vegetables.

For other artisan products, visit Bellevley Smokehouse, 19km east of Cork. It’s Ireland’s oldest smokehouse, and the owner can give you a tour if you arrange it in advance. They do smoked seafood and cheese and you can buy their products at Cobh and Midleton Farmers Markets and Cork English Market.

For drinks, the Middleton Distillery is Cork’s most famous. You can join the Jameson Experience tour to see how Irish whiskey is made. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance.

The West Cork distillery produces liqueurs, vodkas and a variety of whiskies. They don’t offer formal tours, but you can call ahead and arrange a visit.

Where to stay in Cork

Luxury hotels in Cork

Castlemartyr Resort

Castlemartyr Resort luxury hotel and resort is located 35 minutes east of Cork City. It is one of the best castle hotel resorts in Ireland. If you want luxury, this is the place for you. It offers stunning woodlands, a spa, a golf course and three dining options. For more details and booking, click here.

Fota Island Resort

This 5-star hotel and resort is a peaceful haven outside of busy Cork City, on its own island. The resort has a luxury hotel, self-catering holiday homes, three golf courses, a spa and many activities. It has plenty of dining options and is ideally located for exploring Cork and Cove. For the latest pricing and availability, click here.

Hayfield Manor

This 5-star luxury hotel is in Cork City, perfect if you want to stay in the heart of the city. This family-owned, boutique hotel is often voted among the best in Ireland. It offers walled gardens, luxury accommodation and a relaxing spa, all within a 15-minute walk of the city centre. For luxury accommodation in Cork City, Hayfield Manor is for you. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices and availability.

Budget-friendly hotels in Cork

Jury’s Inn Cork

Jurys Inn is one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Cork City. Located at Anderson Quay, it offers comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. The hotel is centrally located and has an all-day coffee bar, a bar menu and a seasonal restaurant serving food after 6pm. Click here for the latest prices and availability.

Quality Hotel Youghal 

Note: Contact the hotel directly to see if they are taking bookings for 2022. If you want to stay in the east of County Cork, the Quality Hotel in Youghal is an excellent choice. It offers both hotel rooms and self-catering accommodation, making it perfect for couples or families. There is a bar, restaurant and leisure centre. For more details and latest prices, click here.

Casey’s of Baltimore Hotel

If you prefer to stay in West Cork, check out KC in Baltimore. Located an hour and a half from Cork City, this hotel offers luxury accommodation at an affordable price. It’s off the Wild Atlantic Way and has easy access to a variety of accommodation options, a restaurant and many activities in the area. Learn more and check the latest prices here.

Things to Know About County Cork, Ireland

If you don’t know much about County Cork, here are some interesting facts to help you before you visit.

Where is County Cork?

County Cork is located in the south of Ireland, in the province of Munster. It has a coastline on the Celtic Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean to the south of Ireland. Cork borders Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

County Cork Information:

• In Irish, cork is “corcaigh,” which comes from “corcach,” meaning “marsh.”
• The county covers 7,500 square kilometers (2,900 sq mi) and has a population of about 543,000.
• Cork is one of the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland.
• Cork is Ireland’s largest county by area and third largest by population. Cork City is the second largest city in Ireland after Dublin.
• Cork has two Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) regions.
• Cork has a mountainous region, the Sheehy Mountains, which forms part of the border between Cork and Kerry. The highest peak is Knockboy 706 m.
• Rivers flowing through County Cork include the Lee, Bandon and Blackwater.
• The Old Head of Kinsale is the starting or ending point of Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way coastal route.
• Notable towns and cities in County Cork include Cork City (the only city), Bantry, Middleton, Youggle, Blarney, Cove, Mallow, Clonakilty, Charleville and Skibbereen.

Weather in Cork

Cork’s weather is similar to the rest of Ireland. Summers are warm, and winters are mild and wet. In summer, days are long with high temperatures around 19°C (lows of 11°C). In winter, days are short and dark, with high temperatures around 8°C (lows of 3°C). It rains throughout the year, with April being the driest month. Always bring a raincoat and umbrella when you visit Cork. For more details about the weather and the best time to visit, read this post.

Famous People from Cork

Cork has produced many famous people, including:

• Michael Collins (revolutionary leader)
• Sonia O’Sullivan (athlete)
• Jack Lynch (former Taoiseach)
• Micheál Martin (Taoiseach)
• Roy Keane (footballer)
• Graham Norton (TV personality)
• Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (actor)
• Cillian Murphy (actor)

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Cork, Ireland

If you’ve been wondering about the best things to do and see in Cork, I hope this guide has helped. From castles to islands and more, these are the top things to do in County Cork, Ireland.