Things to do in Cork

Activities, attractions and tours

Cork
Cork
Cork
Cork
Cork
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Top places to visit

1. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.
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Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

2. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.
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English Market featuring food, markets and interior views

3. Cork City Gaol

Visit Cork City Gaol, where prisoners were held in gruesome conditions for almost a century during the 1800s and 1900s. Learn about this historic prison’s famous inmates, their crimes, escapes and executions while walking between the well-preserved cells. Cork City Goal opened in 1824 and became an all-female prison in 1878. It held a mix of well-known prisoners and poor citizens, many convicted of petty crimes such as stealing clothes and food.
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Cork City Gaol featuring heritage elements, a statue or sculpture and interior views

4. Blackrock Castle

At Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) Blackrock Castle Observatory, you can step 400 years into the past and see light years into the distant corners of the cosmos.
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Blackrock Castle which includes heritage elements, a river or creek and chateau or palace

5. St. Patrick's Bridge

Visit St. Patrick’s Bridge, a centuries-old structure spanning the River Lee. It has played a key role in Cork’s trading heritage. First opened in 1789 but destroyed by flooding that year and again in 1853, the 167-foot-long (51-meter) bridge reopened in 1859. The idea behind St. Patrick’s Bridge was to provide the butter merchants with a convenient link from the north side of the river to the docks and warehouses of the city center.
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St. Patrick\'s Bridge which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and heritage elements

6. Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a landmark blessed with inspiring artistic features and a centuries-old history. It stands on the site of a 7th-century monastery established by Saint Fin Barre, the patron saint of Cork. Today’s Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is the church’s third edition and dates back to 1863. See this impressive work of the celebrated English architect William Burges, who won the right to build it in a competition with over 60 architects.
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St. Finbarr\'s Cathedral which includes heritage elements, religious aspects and heritage architecture

What to do in Cork

Popular places to visit

University College Cork

University College Cork

Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

University College Cork
English Market featuring food, markets and interior views

English Market

Shop for fresh produce from around the world and sample traditional Cork dishes at this historic food market inside a grand Victorian building.

English Market
Cork Opera House

Cork Opera House

Enjoy a show at Cork Opera House, a storied theater in Cork. Discover the lively bars in this walkable area, or seek out the local tours.

Cork Opera House
Cork City Gaol featuring heritage elements, a statue or sculpture and interior views

Cork City Gaol

Experience the harshness of Irish penal life in the 19th century as you wander amid the cells of this architecturally impressive former prison.

Cork City Gaol
Blackrock Castle which includes heritage elements, a river or creek and chateau or palace

Blackrock Castle

Throughout Ireland you can see impressive sites where the ancient and the modern go hand in hand. Nowhere is this combination more striking than at Blackrock Castle, home to Ireland’s first interactive astronomy centre.

Blackrock Castle
St. Patrick\'s Bridge which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and heritage elements

St. Patrick's Bridge

Take in views of the River Lee from this 18th-century bridge and wander through Cork’s city center via one of the city’s most historic streets.

St. Patrick's Bridge
St. Finbarr\'s Cathedral which includes heritage elements, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

With its richly decorated façade and opulent interior designs, this mid-19th century cathedral is one of Cork’s most instantly recognizable monuments.

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Fitzgerald Park which includes a statue or sculpture

Fitzgerald Park

Enjoy picnics on landscaped lawns, visit a city history museum and attend free summer concerts at this attractive riverfront park.

Fitzgerald Park
Oliver Plunkett Street

Oliver Plunkett Street

You can do some window-shopping at Oliver Plunkett Street during your trip to Cork. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Oliver Plunkett Street

Areas of Cork

English Market showing markets, food and interior views

Cork City Centre

Cork is officially Ireland's second city, but it is affectionately known by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland'. It is a city made for discovering 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 the opera house.

Cork City Centre
Glucksman Gallery featuring modern architecture

South Parish

While visiting South Parish, you might make a stop by sights like Elizabeth Fort and Cork City Hall.

South Parish
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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
Blackrock Castle which includes a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Blackrock

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Blackrock. You might want to make time for a stop at Blackrock Castle or Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

Blackrock
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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
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 Butter Museum while in the area.

Shandon
Blarney Castle which includes a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Blarney

Frequently asked questions

Is Cork worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of fun things to do in Cork. Make sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Cork?
Blarney Stone and Fota Wildlife Park are two awesome places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Cork while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cork?
Blarney Stone is one of the top tourist attractions in Cork and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cork?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Blarney Stone, Leisureplex and Crane Lane Theatre with a three-day trip to Cork. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Kinsale.
Is Cork a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Cork is a good destination to visit on foot. Have fun wandering between Leisureplex and Crane Lane Theatre. Then take a stroll through Cork City Centre, located 0.16 kilometers from downtown, and Victorian Quarter, which is roughly 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Cork with kids?
Planning what to do in Cork with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Cork for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Cork for adults including Paul Street and Titanic Experience Cobh.
Are there free things to do in Cork?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Cork. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Leisureplex is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.