Cork is a small, but vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural charm. Located in the southwest of Ireland, it has a perfect blend of history, art, and gastronomy. Also, we can’t forget the lively atmosphere of the city. It is a must in your itinerary. So, here are 8 of the best things to do in Cork:
- Visit Cork City Gaol
- Explore the English Market
- Walk on St. Patrick & Oliver Plunket Street
- Visit St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
- Discover Crawford Art Gallery
- Go to Midleton Distillery Experience
- Visit Blarney Castle (day trip)
- Visit Clonakilty (day trip)
Visit Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol is a former prison turned into a museum. This historic jail operated from 1824 to 1923. During a visit, it’s possible to explore the cells, learn about the harsh conditions prisoners endured and the prison’s role in key periods of Irish history. Guided tours with a set of headphones narrating the penal history and stories of prisoners are also available at the reception.
The entrance fee is €11 (16$ CAD) for adults, €9 (13$ CAD) for seniors and students, €7 (10$ CAD) for children and €34 (50$ CAD) for a family ticket. It takes about 2 -3 hours to see everything and enjoy this activity!
Explore the English Market
Dating back to 1788, The English Market is located in the heart of Cork. It’s a vibrant food market offering a diversity of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, and artisanal goods. Also known for its lively atmosphere, The English Market is a must-stop if you want to experience the gastronomic diversity of the city.
Walk on St. Patrick & Oliver Plunket Street
St. Patrick & Oliver Plunket Streets are renowned for their energetic ambiance, attracting both locals and visitors. Lined with an array of shops, cafés, and restaurants, they are a prime location to enjoy an afternoon and soak in the city’s iconic street atmosphere.
Visit St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
As with most cities in Europe, Cork has a cathedral to not miss: St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This cathedral has an impressive Gothic structure, stunning stained-glass windows, and a unique three-spire design. An entrance fee is charged to maintain the building: 6 € (9$ CAD) for adults, 5€ (7.5$ CAD) for seniors and students and free for children under 16 years old.
Discover Crawford Art Gallery
This art gallery is free to enter, and no booking is required. It showcases both contemporary and traditional Irish art including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. It’s the perfect cultural activity to do in the city + it’s budget-friendly!
Go to Midleton Distillery Experience
Everyone knows Jameson whiskey. Well, guess what? You have a unique chance to visit the Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork. The distillery offers an experience into the world of Irish whiskey production. You can learn about the history of Jameson, the whiskey-making process and have whiskey tastings.
Unfortunately, I didn’t visit this distillery since I had already gone to the one in Dublin. However, there are so many tour options depending on your budget and what you want to do. The most popular one is the Midleton Distillery Experience Tour. It is 26€ (39$ CAD) for a 75-minute fully guided tour, a short film and tour of Distillery buildings, and Jameson’s signature cocktail. Click here to find out about all the tours this activity offers!
Visit Blarney Castle (day trip)
Blarney Castle is by far the most popular activity to do in Cork. Since there is so much information to say about this place, check out Where To Go In Ireland for more information.
*You should plan a whole day to fully explore Blarney Castle and Gardens. *
Visit Clonakilty (day trip)
Clonakilty is a charming small town close to Cork. I went there on a day trip and I loved my time in this place. Clonakilty is the perfect town to have a taste of Irish culture while experiencing the warmth of the people there.
