Cork City Centre

Cork

English Market showing markets, food and interior views
Cork City Centre
Cork City Centre
English Market showing markets, interior views and food
Cork City Centre

Corkis officially Ireland's second city,but it is affectionately known by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland'. It is a city made fordiscovering on foot, thanks to the River Lee which flows around its centre,creating a compact island that is jam-packed with grand Georgian streets,intersected by medieval alleys and modern architectural triumphs such as theopera house.

Exploring Cork on foot will open out to you interesting waterways,lively traditional bars, modern art centres, historical buildings, fascinatingindependent shops and some of the best restaurants that Ireland has to offer.

Shopping inCork

Corkis a shopper’s delight, not least because it still has a number of thrivingindependent traders that help set its shopping district apart from theinterchangeable chains that dominate many other cities. Taking a stroll throughthe winding alleys around Grand Parade and Patrick Street you will discovermany quirky independent retailers offering vintage clothes, handmade crafts andbespoke jewellery. When the shopping becomes too much there are also plenty ofatmospheric cafes to relax and discuss your purchases in.

Restaurants inCork

Corkhas the best foodie scene in the country and lovers of fine foods are spoiltfor choice when it comes to eating out. It’s not just in restaurants, however,where Cork’slove of gastronomy comes to life: a trip to the EnglishMarket on Princes Street is enough to work up a hearty appetite initself, with beautifully presented local produce (cheeses, ham, salmon,buttered eggs, sausages and artisanal breads) mingling with quality importslike olives and wines.

Views of Cork

Some of the finest views of Cork can be enjoyed fromtwo historic buildings: Elizabeth Fort and CorkCity Gaol. On Sundays the ElizabethFort Market Festival will reward you with more than stunning views: Irishcrafts, gourmet food and entertainment are also hosted within its historicwalls. The views of the west of the city, including Cork’s university, fromthe old Gaol make it well worth the bus or taxi ride out to it.

Sport in Cork

PáircUí Chaoimh is a 50,000 capacity stadium in Ballintemple. It is the home of the Cork Gaelic AthleticAssociation, so you can always catch live football here on match days or enjoya tour of the grounds every Monday and Wednesday.

Nature in Cork

With the tranquil River Lea never far away Cork provides manychances to get away from it all, whilst never being too far away from theamenities of the city. FitzgeraldPark offers tranquillity and natural beauty in the heart of Cork, whilst Lough Park is set around a freshwaterlimestone lake teeming with wildlife just one kilometre south-west of the citycentre.

Enjoy Cork

With a warm welcome on every corner, modern artgalleries, cosy pubs, great restaurants, historic buildings, regular festivalsand shops with a difference, Corkhas certainly claimed its place as the ‘real capital of Ireland’ in the hearts of its manyvisitors.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Cork City Centre

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

4 out of 5
Southmall, Cork, Co. Cork
The price is P8,880 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P8,880
P10,079 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice food options within the property, plus it’s very convenient to pedestrian Oliver Plunkett Street with an abundance of food, entertainment, and shopping options."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
The price is P13,437 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P13,437
P15,251 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cork. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Rooms and entire property was absolutely lovely. The decor was beyond beautiful. She gave us the wrong parking gate code which was a pain but easily fixed. Mistakes happen"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Imperial Hotel
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
The price is P7,582 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,582
P8,606 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blarney Castle and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (251 reviews)
"Good quality basic accommodation"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Clayton Hotel Cork City

Clayton Hotel Cork City

4 out of 5
Lapps Quay, Cork, Cork
The price is P10,989 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P10,989
P12,472 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"The bed was very comfortable and felt high-quality."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Clayton Hotel Cork City
Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

1 out of 5
Washington St., Cork, County Cork
The price is P8,399 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P8,399
P9,533 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Blarney Castle ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (113 reviews)
"Great place very clean and convenient. Would suggest letting people know there parking options before arrival but was a very good place with helpful staff."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Destiny Student - Broga House Cork
Leonardo Hotel Cork

Leonardo Hotel Cork

4 out of 5
Andersons Quay, Cork, Cork
The price is P7,887 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P7,887
P8,952 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Good place"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Leonardo Hotel Cork
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Cork City Centre

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Huguenot Quarter

If you're spending some time in Huguenot Quarter, St. Patrick's Street and Paul Street are top sights worth seeing.

Huguenot Quarter
St. Anne\'s Shandon Church showing a city

Shandon

Shandon is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Bells of Shandon and Murphy's Brewery while in the area.

Shandon
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Victorian Quarter

Victorian Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Everyman Palace Theatre and Leisureplex while you're in town.

Victorian Quarter
Glucksman Gallery featuring modern architecture

South Parish

While visiting South Parish, you might make a stop by sights like Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and Elizabeth Fort.

South Parish
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Fairhill

Though Fairhill might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bells of Shandon and Murphy's Brewery.

Fairhill
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Wilton

When in Wilton, you can plan a visit to Musgrave Park and Turners Cross, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wilton

Cork City Centre