Cork is a small yet vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural charm. Located in the southwest of Ireland, it offers a perfect blend of history, art, and gastronomy, all wrapped in a lively atmosphere. The city’s friendly locals and vibrant street life add to its unique character, making it a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. It’s a must-visit destination on your itinerary. Here are eight of the best activities to do there:
- 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)
1
Visit Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol is a former prison turned museum that operated from 1824 to 1923. During your visit, you can explore the cells, learn about the harsh conditions prisoners endured, and discover the prison’s role in key periods of Irish history. Guided tours with headphones narrating the penal history and prisoner stories are also available at the reception.
Entrance Fee: €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.
Time to Visit: It takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore and enjoy this activity.
2
Explore the English Market
Dating back to 1788, the English Market is located in the heart of Cork. It’s a bustling food market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, and artisanal goods. Known for its lively atmosphere, the English Market is a must-visit if you want to experience the city’s gastronomic diversity.
Here’s a list of some popular stands you can find there: The Chocolate Shop, Maki Sushi Rolls, The Sandwich Stall, and Jump Juice.
3
Walk on St. Patrick & Oliver Plunket Streets
St. Patrick and Oliver Plunket Streets are renowned for their energetic ambiance, attracting both locals and visitors. Lined with an array of shops, cafés, and restaurants, these streets are prime locations to spend an afternoon soaking in the city’s iconic street atmosphere.
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4
Visit St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Like many European cities, Cork has a cathedral that shouldn’t be missed: St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This impressive Gothic structure features stunning stained-glass windows and a unique three-spire design. An entrance fee is charged to help maintain the building.
Entrance Fee: €6 (9$ CAD) for adults, €5 (7.5$ CAD) for seniors and students, and free for children under 16 years old.
5
Discover Crawford Art Gallery
Crawford Art Gallery showcases both contemporary and traditional Irish art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. This cultural activity is perfect for visitors who appreciate art and are looking for a budget-friendly experience.
Entrance Fee: Free admission, and no booking is required.
6
Go to Midleton Distillery Experience
Jameson whiskey is famous worldwide, and in Cork, you have the unique opportunity to visit the Midleton Distillery Experience. The distillery offers an in-depth look into the world of Irish whiskey production. You can learn about the history of Jameson, the whiskey-making process, and even enjoy whiskey tastings.
Although I didn’t visit this distillery since I had already toured the one in Dublin, there are numerous tour options depending on your budget and interests. The most popular is the Midleton Distillery Experience Tour, which costs €26 (39$ CAD) for a 75-minute fully guided tour, including a short film, a tour of the distillery buildings, and a Jameson signature cocktail. Click here to find out more about all the tours offered!
7
Visit Blarney Castle (Day Trip)
Blarney Castle is by far the most popular attraction in Cork, and it was my favorite activity during my visit. The site is massive, with numerous things to see and explore, making it a must-visit destination. Stay tuned for more detailed information about everything the castle has to offer, a complete guide is coming soon!
Time to Visit: Plan to spend a full day thoroughly exploring Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens.
8
Visit Clonakilty (Day Trip)
Clonakilty is a charming small town close to Cork, perfect for a day trip. I visited and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Clonakilty offers a genuine taste of Irish culture, with its warm and welcoming locals, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
To learn more about the activities and how to get there, check out 4 Of the Best Things to Do in Clonakilty, Ireland.
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