Like the majority of Ireland's cities, Cork is best explored on foot. A wander through Ireland's Rebel City, or "The Real Capital" as the locals call it, is a great way to soak in its true character, and meet its true characters. With a population of just over 222,000 people, Cork City is known for its welcoming atmosphere, great food and historic landmarks — clustered together within easy walking distance of one another. So, if you're looking to take in the highlights of Cork City, in one day, here's our tried and trusted route!
Before the advent of mobile phones, Cork City Hall was the designated meeting point for people coming into the city. Thanks to its central location and historic relevance, it also makes for a good starting point for a walking tour. The structure we see today was completed in 1935 after the original building was destroyed during the Irish War of Independence. You'll find iconic examples of Edwardian architecture dotted throughout the exterior, and inside there are numerous elegant halls, meeting rooms and a reception area. 30 to 40 minutes here will give you ample time to explore. Most areas of Cork City Hall are open to the public during office hours.
A 10-minute walk west from Cork City Hall brings you to St. Fin Barre's Cathedral. Built in honour of St. Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork City, in the 19th century, the cathedral sits proudly on the southern banks of the River Lee. Its Gothic Revival architecture includes complex stonework, elaborate stained-glass windows and three spires. The gardens of the cathedral feature beautifully kept gardens, a graveyard and epic views of Cork City to the east. St. Fin Barre's Cathedral hosts daily worship and Sunday services, and guided tours of the interior are available for a fee.
Heading further west, and along College Road, you'll find University College Cork. College Road is lined with student housing, awash with activity during the school year but relatively quiet during the summer months. First opened in 1845 by Queen Victoria, as one of the three Queen's Colleges (the other two being Galway and Belfast), it has been known as University College Cork since 1908. Today, the college is attended by over 21,000 students, and in 2017 reportedly had 150,000 alumni worldwide. You could easily walk around its beautiful campus all day, taking in the manicured lawns, quaint bridges over gushing streams, and 150-year-old Giant Redwood trees — but going a little more briskly will allow you to see all of its highlights in 40 to 50 minutes.
Heading north, across the road from the main gates of UCC, you'll find Fitzgerald's Park. Located on the banks of the River Lee, Fitzgerald's Park is an 18-acre public park featuring a museum, a cricket club, a skate park and stunning views of some of Cork City's most sought-after houses — located across the river in the Sunday's Well area. For those whose feet might be starting to ache, there is a coffee shop with both indoor and outdoor seating, and during the summer months, there are numerous coffee stalls just outside the park on Mardyke Walk. Insider tip - there is also an ice cream van on the western edge of the park, near the "shaky bridge" the pedestrian bridge that connects the north and south banks of the River Lee. Crossing this bridge, officially known as Daly's Bridge, allows you to explore Cork City's Northside, including Shandon Bells and the Cork Butter Museum. But, with lunch in mind, we're going to head back through the park, heading east — towards the city centre.
Located 20 minutes from Fitzgerald's Park, walking eastwards along Washington Street — which is Cork's hub of restaurants and pubs — brings you to the Grand Parade. Here you'll find The English Market, named by the British government in 1788 to distinguish it from The Irish Market on nearby Cornmarket Street. The English Market is known for its abundance of fresh, local produce, including numerous butchers, delis, coffee shops, fishmongers, bakeries, sushi stalls, ice cream parlours and everything in between. It's the ideal place to stock up on ingredients for your kitchen, but also to grab a lunch of endless variety from one of the stalls offering fresh bread, hot dogs and sushi. Or, to "save the shoe leather", head to the centrally located, sit-down restaurant overlooking the butcher and bakery section of the market.
Heading north along Patrick's Street — Cork's main shopping thoroughfare — you'll find the city's most famous landmark and one that defines its skyline, Shandon Tower. Locally known as Shandon Bells and officially known as St Anne's Church, the tower is a must-see on any visit to Cork and has a unique bond with the city. The Red and White of Cork, worn by its sports teams and proudly featured in flags dotted throughout the city, is said to have originated from the limestone and sandstone used in the building of the tower, circa 1722. You can ring the famous Shandon Bells for a small fee and after a climb of the tower's 132 steps. The views of Cork City from here, at a height of 120ft, are unrivalled. The four clock faces of the tower are also worth an inspection. Known as the four-faced liar, as not one of the clocks is said to tell the same time as the others.
Cork is known across Ireland as a friendly city that prides itself on its food, and knows how to party. You'll find the most popular bars and restaurants along Washington Street and nearby Oliver Plunkett Street. For Cork's Nightlife with all the trimmings, head to Rearden's Bar on Washington Street or An Bróg Bar on Oliver Plunkett Street. And for its best-reviewed restaurants, you'll want to check out Liberty Grill on Washington Street or Market Lane on Oliver Plunkett Street. By the way, booking well ahead of time is a must for both these restaurants. Insider tip - to get a taste of the "Real Cork" nightlife, take a stroll down any of the numerous side streets off Washington Street and Oliver Plunkett Street. A hidden gem is The Castle Inn (no website here, you'll have to ask a local) on North Main Street. If you've ever wondered what it would be like if someone dropped a rural pub from the 1950s into the middle of a present-day city, look no further. By the way, the hunt for the best pint of Guinness in Cork also ends here!
If you're looking to go a bit deeper, or a bit further afield, here are some other Cork attractions that may be of interest.
Found in the shadow of Shandon Tower, the Cork Butter Museum is a fascinating look back at one of Ireland's culinary master strokes — butter!
Located in the centre of Cork City, the Crawford Art Gallery is home to over 3,000 works ranging from the 18th century to the present day.
You'll find Elizabeth Fort next to St. Fin Barre's Cathedral. Built as a symbol of British authority in 1601. Guided tours are available every day at 1 pm, for €5 per person.
A bit of a stretch to include in a tour of the city, Blackrock Castle is about an hour's walk away (hiring a bicycle might be a better option). Worth a visit, for its café alone.
A recent addition to Cork and one that is fondly thought of by its locals, Marina Market is an indoor food hall that features over 30 food vendors and coffee stalls.
Home to Cork GAA (Hurling and Football) teams since 1976, Páirc Uí Chaoimh also plays host to musical acts during the summer months. Well worth a visit, especially on match days!
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Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.
Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.
Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.
Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.
Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
