Things to do
Cork City
So Much to do in Cork
What to do in Cork (Corcaigh)
Cork City is the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland. It is filled to the brim with various pubs, historical landmarks, cultural experiences and many other activities, so visitors are never short of things to do in Cork.
Pubs are a massive part of Irish culture. They are the hub of a community where friends meet to catch up over a pint and listen to some trad music.
Inspired and located in the historic Jewish quarter of Cork is Goldbergs, which prides itself on its ‘New York Meatpacking’ vibe with a local welcome. If you are looking for something cool and different, Goldbergs won’t disappoint.
Crawford & Co on Angelsea Street is the perfect spot for music, tasty snacks or bottomless brunches all in a laid-back, cool atmosphere while Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant and Bar at The Dean offers views like no other
The Idle Hour is known for its lively atmosphere, fantastic music and great pints. Sin É which has been around since 1889, is situated in Cork City’s Victorian Quarter. Known as the home of trad music in Cork, Sin É offers live music seven days a week. Another great pub is The Oliver Plunkett, which is known far and wide for its “craic agus ceol”, as well as the smallest pub in Cork; the Hibernian Bar, known locally as the Hi-B.
Tequila Jacks Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar serves up the best Mexican food and cocktails, bringing the taste of Mexico to Cork.
The famous English Market is an enclosed food market and offers a wide variety of produce, including fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, confectionery and wine. The market, which was established in 1788, is one of the oldest municipal markets in the world.
Or visit Cork’s largest indoor and outdoor market, The Marina Market on Centre Park Road, for a range of food, drink, crafts, clothes and art from over 40 vendors. Situated in the old Ford Factory, The Marina Market is only a five-minute walk from Custom House Quay.
With so many amazing restaurants throughout the city, serving the best local produce, from Market Lane, Isaacs Restaurant, Goldie, The Castle, Orso and some of the best seafood around.
But it is not all about food and drink! Cork has so many activities and sights to see that it is impossible to mention them all. Cork City is home to many cultural and historical experiences.
Cork City Gaol, once a prison and now a museum, gives visitors a fascinating insight into what it was like when it housed criminals and Passage West Maritime Museum captures the rich seafaring history of the area. The Crawford Art Gallery is host to an extensive collection of historical and contemporary visual arts. The work of both Irish and international artists is on display in the gallery.
Dating back to 1582, Blackrock Castle is a science centre and observatory. The castle is the oldest surviving structure still in use in Cork and offers multiple science exhibitions and events. Travel back in time at Elizabeth Fort – Cork’s 17th-century star-shaped fort and enjoy stunning views of the city while walking its walls.
Check out Fota Island, Ireland’s only wildlife park that offers a great day out for all the family, as well as the historical Fota House and gardens, which is now a luxury five-star hotel, golf and spa resort.
To see the best attractions in Cork City, you could take a sightseeing bus tour with Cork City Tours or, to see the city from the water, hire a boat from Cork Harbour Cruises.
Cork Harbour Boat Hire, based in Cobh, is perfect for all ages, with their self-drive boats, letting you explore the lower harbour. Zipit in Farran Forest Park is Ireland’s largest high-ropes course offers a unique outdoor high-ropes experience for everyone to enjoy
The Butter Museum
This charming museum tells the story of Ireland’s butter trade, which was once a huge part of the local economy and helped make Cork one of the most important trading cities in the 19th century.
Titanic Museum Cobh
This is the Titanic-related visitor experience in Cobh, the historic harbour town in County Cork, where the RMS Titanic made its last port of call on April 11, 1912, before its tragic sinking.
Spike Island is a unique heritage destination in Cork Harbour, rich in over 1,300 years of history — from monastic settlement and fortress to one of the world’s most notorious prisons.
A fun evening full of laughter, food, and history — you won’t want to miss Hysterical Histories!
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cruises & tours
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cork city
Cork City
Custom House Quay
Cork
T12 YC81
Crosshaven
COBH
Parking
- Arrival Early: boarding 15 min before departure. No parking on the piers.
- Port of Cork: City Hall car park on the overflow carpark in the train station.
- Wheelchair and buggy accessible.