County Cork is an unexpected gem in the South of Ireland. It offers plenty of traditional Irish charm without the crowds you find in other parts of the Emerald Isle. Cork, Ireland is a great addition to any Irish road trip!
Make sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Ireland for everything you need to know about visiting this gorgeous country.
How Long to Stay
You can explore Cork City in 1-2 days, but I’d recommend staying for 5 days and taking day trips to Cobh, Kilkenny, and Blarney.
What to Do in Cork City
Though Cork City isn’t always listed as a must-see area in the guidebooks, this quaint city is bustling with local culture. Take some time to explore the area and check out the local hotspots.
Saint Patrick’s Hill
After walking up the steep incline of Saint Patrick’s road, you’ll find the Saint Patrick’s Hill viewpoint. This small park offers a panoramic view of Cork City. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and your camera. This is the best way to get acquainted with the cityscape.
The English Market
If you enjoy shopping with a local ambiance, check out The English Market. This indoor market boasts fresh produce, meat, fish, tea, and more from local vendors. For an authentic souvenir, pick up scone mix and jam at one of the stalls. If you need a bite to eat, head upstairs to their cute cafe for tea and scones.
Saint Fin Barr’s Cathedral
Tucked away in a neighborhood outside the city center is Saint Fin Barr’s Cathedral. Take time to walk around this historic structure and marvel at its proximity to city life. For a small fee, you can also view the modest interior.
University College Cork
The beautiful Quad at University College Cork is definitely worth a visit. This campus looks like it was taken out of a Harry Potter movie! I recommend stopping to soak up the sun and people watch. The nearby student center is also home to an on-campus bar and the university store.
Crawford Art Gallery
When the weather is lousy (as it often is in Ireland), head over to Crawford Art Gallery. This museum has historic sculptures, Irish paintings, and more. When you finish perusing the exhibits, stop into the cafe for some tea and scones. Entry to the museum is free.
Cork City Centre
Cork City Centre is the bustling heart of the city. This was my favorite place to go for shopping and food. Penney’s (also known as Primark in other countries) sells cheap, trendy items. Office boasts footwear with exclusive patterns and colors. There’s also Topshop, H&M, Mark’s & Spencer, and other well-known places. For Irish souvenirs, visit Carroll’s Irish Gift Shop. If you need to pick up some essentials on a budget, head to Dealz. For groceries, my favorite store is Lidl.
Fitzgerald Park
Fitzgerald Park is the perfect location for a sunny day in Ireland. It is home to a variety of outdoor artwork, various ponds, and a hanging bridge. Bring a blanket and your favorite book for a relaxing afternoon outside.
The Shandon Bells
Armed with your noise-canceling headphones, climb the Shandon Bell Tower for a view of Cork City. Along the way, play some fun tunes on the church bells for the neighborhood to hear. Entry is €6 (€5 for students with a valid ID).
Elizabeth Fort
Elizabeth Fort offers great views of Cork City and St Finn Barr’s Cathedral. This attraction is hidden between buildings on Bandon Road and can be tricky to find.
The Lough
For a walk along the pond with some Cork City locals, check out the Lough park.
Where to Eat in Cork City
Cork City is home to some amazing eateries. From traditional Irish meals to burrito bowls, this city has it all.
Franciscan Well Brewery
Franciscan Well is a brewery & beer garden with excellent eating and drinking options. I recommend getting a flight of beers to sample the best options (my personal favorite is the Chieftain). Outside in the back, pick up a wood-fired pizza to complete the experience. They have heaters on the outdoor patio for colder nights. This is one of my favorite spots in all of Cork, Ireland! Franciscan Well is a locally owned and operated Brewery.
Tara’s Tea Room
I recommend checking out Tara’s Tea Room for breakfast or brunch. They offer a variety of Eggs Benedicts and the cheapest traditional tea time in town. Tea is served in porcelain pots with adorable mismatched teacups (available for sale as a unique souvenir). The vintage interior and high-quality food will keep you coming back.
Lennox Fish and Chips
Also known as Jackie Lennox Chipper, this local hub serves up the most authentic Fish and Chips in Cork City. Huge servings are available for less than €10. Make sure you get vinegar on your fries and ask for ketchup. Everything is served to go, but limited seating is available inside and outside. This shop is locally owned.
The Oliver Plunkett
For a traditional Irish meal, visit The Oliver Plunkett. Though it attracts many tourists, the food and live music make it a worthwhile stop.
Holy Smoke Cork
Holy Smoke Cork has a quality selection of pulled pork, brisket, and other smoked or grilled meats.
Boojum
For Ireland’s take on Chipotle, check out Boojum. They offer customizable burritos and bowls.
Con’s Veg
Con’s Veg is the best spot for produce shopping. This locally owned produce shop is tiny and quaint but offers high-quality fruit and vegetable options. Take some time to chat with the lovely owners of this cute veggie market.
Where to Get Tea and Scones
Tea & Scones are a staple in Ireland. Don’t forget to add Irish butter and jam!
Bean and Leaf
Bean and Leaf has great cafe items, as well as grab and go sandwiches.
The English Market Farmhouse Restaurant Cafe
Observe the hustle and bustle of the English Market from above in their quaint, second-floor cafe. Make sure you order at the counter for cafe items. There is another area upstairs reserved for Farmhouse Restaurant patrons eating lunch and dinner.
Crawford Art Gallery Cafe
After browsing the artwork, stop in for a cup of tea at Crawford Art Gallery Cafe.
Coffee Station
In addition to their Irish staples, I’m partial to the Coffee Station’s delicious coffee and chocolate croissants.
The Bookshelf Coffee House
The Bookshelf Coffee House is a lovely coffee shop with a cute ambiance.
Where to Drink in Cork City
These are the best places around Cork to find Ireland’s famous beer and whiskey.
Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub
In addition to being a great dinner spot, Franciscan Well is also one of my favorite places to enjoy a pint with friends. This local brewery has some of the best beer in Cork. I recommend coming in and getting a flight to try them all. If you can’t decide, go with my favorite: The Chieftain. If you fall in love with their beer, you can find it in cans at local shops.
Rising Son’s
Another local brewery in Cork is Rising Son’s. This sport’s themed brewpub is filled with TVs and would be a great place to watch a rugby match with your new Irish friends!
An Brog
An Brog (Irish for “The Shoe”) is the place to go for a night out. This bar plays a variety of music and has a young vibe. At An Brog, you can dance or sit and chat with friends. They have good drink specials and on some nights it’s 21+.
The Rock
The Rock is a low-key student pub near University College Cork. They have pool tables and live music. This casual, dimly lit pub is the ideal stop for a beer on a weeknight.
Voodoo Rooms
Voodoo Rooms is the best club in Cork City. It has multiple floors with different DJs. You are guaranteed to have an exciting night dancing to EDM. Pro tips: dress to impress, bring cash for the cover, arrive early to avoid the line, and double-check what the minimum age is for the evening (it can be 20+, 21+, or 23+).
Old Oak
Old Oak isn’t the nicest establishment, but they have 2000s music and plenty of dancing. If all the bars are 21+ for the night and someone in your party is underage, you can always count on Old Oak to be 18+.
Suas
Suas is a tiny rooftop bar with cheap drink specials for students. This place is packed on sunny days! Arrive early to claim a coveted spot on the patio.
An Spailpín Fánach
This is THE traditional Irish pub you’ve been looking for! It’s dark, filled with locals, and home to the best TRAD (Traditional Irish Music) in Cork City. Respect the hushed tones and order a Guinness to blend in.
The New Bar
After exploring the Quad at University College Cork, head to The New Bar for a Guinness on campus.
Day Trips around Cork, Ireland
If you’re staying in Cork City, I highly recommend spending most of your time on day trips exploring the county. These are some must-see options while you’re visiting Cork, Ireland.
Cobh
Cobh is a beautiful coastal town with fun, colorful houses, and a magnificent cathedral. There are a few nice places for a bite to eat, and the cathedral is free to explore. Cobh is also home to a Titanic museum, which I highly recommend. You can take the train from Cork City to Cobh.
Jameson Distillery in Midleton
Jameson Distillery in Midleton is a must-see. They offer a great tour of the premises that ends with an optional whiskey tasting and a free drink. Reserve your ticket online and (during the summer months) take the free shuttle to Midleton from Cork City. If the shuttle isn’t running, you can take the train from Cork City to Midleton. Make sure you pick up some unique Jameson souvenirs before you leave!
Blarney Castle and Blarney Pub
Head to the town of Blarney to explore the famous Blarney Castle. After climbing the castle, kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of gab. You can also explore the well-groomed gardens around the castle. If you find yourself in Blarney on a Tuesday night, check out the TRAD music and Irish dancing in the Blarney Pub. Blarney is a cheap bus ride away from Cork City.
Kinsale
Kinsale is a very small, traditional Irish town on the water. The town itself offers great views of the harbor and a few nice restaurants. Hike up to Charles Fort for a beautiful lookout and learn a bit about Irish history. Kinsale is also a short bus ride away from Cork City.
Ballycotton
The Ballycotten Cliff Walk is a lovely option for a warm day. It offers lush, green landscapes and a beautiful ocean view. Download the hand-drawn map of Balleycotton to guide you through this tiny town. Keep in mind that this day-trip takes some planning. From Cork City, there one only one bus to Ballycotton each morning and one bus back each evening. Plan to spend some time in one of the two pubs in town waiting on the bus back home.
Cork Racecourse Mallow
Cork Racecourse is a small horse track in Mallow. You can take the train from Cork City to Mallow and there is a shuttle from the train station to the race track. At the track, you can bet on horses, have a few beers, grab a bite to eat. This is a small place, but you can still have a fun time with friends.
Fota Wildlife Park
Fota Wildlife Park is an interesting take on a zoo. Many animals roam free, so expect to see lemurs and kangaroos inhabiting your space. They have giraffes and zebras, plus many more. They had decent habitats. You can take the train from Cork City to Fota.
Visiting Cork?
If you’re planning a trip to Cork, reach out to me! I’m happy to offer up some more detailed advice, recommendations, and general tips.
