7 fun things to do in Cork, Ireland, that you’ll love
From kissing the Blarney Stone to exploring the beautiful, rugged coast, discover the seven best things to do in Cork, Ireland, and how you can experience them on tour.
Follow along with this map of County Cork and Cork city center to see where each of these iconic locales fall within this historic and beautiful area.
County Cork, Ireland, is a spellbinding place with rocky coastlines, wildflower-studded mountains, and stones with magical properties. Known as the “Rebel County,” County Cork is the largest and southernmost county in Ireland and is home the country’s second-largest city (also named Cork). It’s a can’t-miss destination on any of our tours of Ireland.
Cork has many gifts to offer its visitors. Firstly, it’s a foodie haven. Known as the culinary capital of Ireland, Cork is home to markets full of delicious artisan bites like cheese, butter, and chocolates. Second, the city is filled with charm from cobblestone streets to colorful row houses—not to mention the breathtaking sights to be seen along the coast. And lastly, it’s steeped in rich history and local legends, like receiving Ireland’s famed “gift of gab” upon kissing a stone at Blarney Castle. Discover the best things to do in Cork, Ireland, and experience them for yourself on one of our tours of County Cork.
1. Shop (and snack) like a local at the English Market
One of the best things to do in Cork, Ireland, is to get a feel for how the locals live—which means shopping like one of them. The English Market is one of the oldest covered markets in Europe and a perfect place to sample some of the best foods and drinks of Ireland. Here, independent sellers offer up traditional foods, seasonal produce, spices, and more. Stop in on our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour to grab lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants, or sample snacks and pastries from the stalls while exploring the 18th-century market. The building has been updated over the years after withstanding wars, floods, and fires, but it remains in its original location.
Insider tip: If wining and dining are two of your favorite activities while traveling, you can’t miss the town of Kinsale, an emerging Ireland foodie destination south of Cork. You’ll have free time to bop around and cozy up in the many cafes and pubs before joining your group for dinner in a traditional Irish restaurant on the Kinsale extension on our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour.
2. Kiss the Blarney Stone and receive Ireland’s greatest gift
Blarney Castle might be the most iconic location in Cork County, Ireland—or all of Ireland, for that matter. Located just five miles outside of Cork City, the Blarney Castle is a tower fortress surrounded by lush gardens, including a water garden and gardens dedicated to carnivorous and poisonous plants. You’ll also find the Rock Close, a group of stone formations thought to be a site of ancient Druidic worship and rumored to be enchanted. “I particularly liked Blarney Castle and its beautiful grounds,” said traveler Tara. Climb to the top of Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, the legendary stone of eloquence said to grant the “gift of gab.” It’s a must-see stop on our Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle tour. Traveler Trudy said, “I always dreamed of kissing that Blarney Stone and finally did it!”
Insider tip: Pack comfortable shoes—some of these sites are best seen after a climb of over a hundred uneven stone steps. The Blarney Stone is located 85 feet off the ground on a battlement wall and requires a climb of more than 100 stairs to reach it.
3. Spend an afternoon on St. Patrick’s Street
A stroll down St. Patrick’s Street (known as Pana to the locals) is an absolute must if you’re trying to figure out what to do in Cork, Ireland, on a free afternoon. It’s a busy shopping avenue that runs through the city center. Hunt for souvenirs at one of the local shops, sing along with a street musician, or pop into a cozy pub for lunch and a pint of Murphy’s or Beamish—both stouts are brewed in Cork.
Insider tip: Speaking of St. Patrick, if you’ve always wanted to don your best green apparel and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland like a local, there’s no time like the present. Join in the revelry of the epic St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, plus, see the wondrous landscapes of the Emerald Isle, on our A Week in Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day tour. If you want to spend a few more days exploring, take our St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle tour. You’ll also visit the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.
4. Immerse yourself in history in Cobh
Cobh is a small town on an island in Cork Harbor. Millions of Irish people emigrated to North America through Cobh’s port, and it was the last port of call for the RMS Titanic. Discover the Cobh Heritage Centre on our Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle tour or our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour and learn about the many people who passed through Cobh on their way to new beginnings or tragic endings. “Visiting Cobh Harbor and the Cobh Heritage Center where my three-great grandfathers left Ireland for America was enlightening,” said traveler Rebeccah.
Insider tip: Before you leave Cobh, make your way up West View to snap a picture with the Deck of Cards, a kaleidoscope of brightly colored houses stacked in a row along the hill—it’s one of the most photogenic spots in all of Cork County, Ireland.
5. Ring the Shandon Bells
On our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour, you’ll have a mix of guided activities and free time to explore your own interests. While exploring the city at your leisure (either with your new travel mates or savoring some alone time), you’ll probably catch a glimpse of St. Anne’s Church. The church tower is the third-tallest building in the city and home to the famous Shandon Bells that have been immortalized through songs and poems. You’ll get the chance to ring out a tune on the eight bells, but remember—the whole city can hear you, so make it a good one!
Insider tip: If you’re feeling up for a climb, you’ll be treated to spectacular 360-degree views of the city at the top of Shandon Tower.
6. Take an audio tour of University College Cork
University College Cork’s 170-year-old campus is open to the public year-round and is one of the most impressive places in Cork, Ireland. It’s a great way to spend some free time on one of our tours of Cork. Pick up an audio tour from the visitors center and explore the college’s monumental stone buildings and manicured gardens. You’ll see trees like the great sequoia and wollemi pine that were planted in 1849 when the college was founded. You’ll also get to view UCC’s collection of Ogham Stones—evidence of early Irish writing that dates back 1500 years.
Insider tip: Want to dive even deeper into Ireland’s rich history? Step back in time on our Grand Tour of Ireland to experience the vastness of the island’s Celtic past and bright (green) future.
7. Discover the beauty and bounty of the land in West Cork
If you’re looking for County Cork destinations outside the city, consider visiting West Cork—one of the 7 hidden-gem places to visit in Ireland. The region stretches from Kinsale, a town south of Cork City, to the tip of the Beara Peninsula on Ireland’s West Coast, and is known for wild plant life, rocky coastal beaches, and vast farmland punctuated by charming towns. “Everything about Ireland is beautiful! Luscious green landscapes, cliffs, rolling hills, castles, quaint towns, so much history. So picturesque. My favorite town was Cork. Quaint and so beautiful,” said traveler Alicia.
While you explore the beautiful wilderness of West Cork, be sure to sample the land and its bounty of organic produce, artisan cheeses, and locally raised meat and fish. On our Ireland: A Feast of Culinary Flavors & Local Traditions tour, you’ll have the opportunity to tour an organic farm and participate in a seasonal activity like jam making or blueberry picking. For stunning views of Sheep’s Head Lighthouse and Dunmanus Bay, add our Sheep’s Head Peninsula & Bantry House Tea excursion where you’ll explore part of the coastline on foot before ending the day with a traditional tea service at the stately Bantry House and Garden.
Insider tip: Visit one of the many farmers’ markets or grab a bite at a restaurant to savor some of the region’s abundant produce. On our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour and our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour, you’ll have the option to visit West Cork and enjoy a traditional meal on our Evening in Kinsale excursion.
Ready to plan your Ireland tour? Check out our incredible trips to Cork!
