With popular Ireland favorites like Blarney Castle nearby, Cork City makes for a perfect home base for those looking to explore the many offerings of the county. Visitors of the second largest city in Ireland will land at the heart of the largest county in the country. Often referred to by locals as “Ireland’s real capital”, Cork, Ireland provides endless opportunity for its visitors. What are you waiting for?! Come savor the delights of the city’s incredible food scene and explore endlessly with the easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before you set out on your adventure to the Emerald Isle, there are a few things you should know about the country and about Cork, Ireland specifically. These are our most important pointers for you as you plan your trip.
Getting There
There is an international airport in Cork, making it a convenient gateway to Southern Ireland. If, like us, you are on a road trip that started in Dublin, you can spend the afternoon driving down to Cork, stopping at some hot spots along the way.
Getting Around
Like much of Ireland, there are plenty of options for getting around Cork, Ireland and all its neighboring cities. You can travel either on foot, by bike, by bus, or by car, depending on where you are staying and how far you are venturing out.
Currency & Credit Cards
The euro is used in the Republic of Ireland and credit cards are widely acceptable throughout the city. Heads up! If you are planning to extend your trip to Northern Ireland, the pound is used there, not the euro.
Language
English is the primary language in Ireland, but Irish (Gaeilge) is the other official language of the country. You will probably not come across many people speaking Irish, but you will be introduced to the Gaelic language almost immediately, as all street signs are in both English and Gaeilge. As for the English speaking, just be prepared to hear some interesting slang and thick Irish brogues!
Plugs
Plugs and sockets in Ireland are three-pronged (type G) so you will need an adapter for your trip. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
When To Visit
With its mild and temperate climate, Ireland is a suitable destination for travel any time of the year. They claim to often experience “four seasons in one day” so you can expect to enjoy some rain showers during your trip. Don’t fret though, those rain clouds will part to reveal blue skies! Just be flexible with Mother Nature and be sure to pack accordingly. Keep in mind that the summer months will be busier.
stay
Hotels
Hayfield Manor
Hayfield Manor is a beautiful luxury boutique hotel that is nestled right outside of Cork’s city centre. As you enter the gates of the manor, you become immediately aware of the exclusivity of the grounds. Offering five star accommodations with beautiful bars, gardens, restaurants and an unmatched ambiance, Hayfield Manor is the perfect home base for your stay in Cork.
The Imperial Hotel
If you are looking for a hotel that is right in the heart of Cork’s city centre, The Imperial Hotel is the perfect place for you. Steeped in history and tradition as Cork’s very first hotel, the building is a timeless landmark and the luxury boutique hotel is as beautiful as it is conveniently located. Take a step out the door and you are moments away from all that Cork has to offer.
The River Lee
Another luxury boutique hotel, The River Lee is set right on a picturesque bend of (you probably guessed it) River Lee. It is located just outside of the city centre but only a short walk away from Cork’s most popular sites. With a beautiful restaurant and bar, afternoon tea, and many other amenities, this beautiful hotel has everything you need for your stay in Cork.
eat
Restaurants
Farmgate Café
Nestled beautifully above the food stalls of Cork’s treasured English Market is Farmgate Café, an incredible restaurant that is proudly committed to creating menus that reflect the season and the local region. They serve the freshest ingredients, sourced from Ireland’s oldest covered food market below, and embrace what is unique and traditional to Cork, contributing to its vibrant Irish food culture.
The River Club
At The River Club you will find exciting elegance with a combination of cool New York vibes and the southern charm of Cork. Plop onto a stool at the bar and enjoy a classic cocktail or escape to the Mediterranean in the riverside terrace. A meal in The Grill Room is sure to delight, as they bring the finest ingredients from Cork’s coastline and farmland to your table.
Market Lane
On Oliver Plunkett Street in the heart of the city centre, sits an award-winning family-friendly restaurant called Market Lane that greatly contributes to the reputation for good food in Cork, Ireland. Where possible, the restaurant boasts using ingredients from the English Market and local artisan producers to make up their colorful menu, full of dishes for everyone to enjoy.
The Bulman
A trip to the outskirts of Kinsale is worth it for a meal at The Bulman alone. Situated a mere ten meters from the Atlantic, the restaurant overlooks the harbor and is only a stone’s throw away from the historic Charles Fort. With an incredibly passionate chef, the restaurant serves up some of the best seafood in county Cork with an atmosphere that is unmatched.
The Black Pig
Did you know that Kinsale is considered the gourmet food capital of Ireland? And housed on a backstreet in an 18th century coach house is The Black Pig, a restaurant and wine bar that has become the hottest place in town for a sophisticated bite. One glance at their menu and you know you are in for a treat, so reserve a table in their indoor dining room or cobbled courtyard and be ready to indulge!
Cafés
SOMA Coffee Company
Soma Coffee Company is a leader in specialty coffee in Ireland. They are passionate about their suppliers and all their coffee is single-origin, traceable and ethically sourced. The sleek and simple exterior opens up to a delightful interior that instantly embraces you with the aromas of their brewing beans. Pro Tip: Don’t leave without snagging one of their delectable pastries.
Alchemy
Heart and soul is proudly poured into the coffee at Alchemy. This café and bookstore is bursting with personality and is the perfect place to settle in for a cup of coffee on an overcast morning in Cork, Ireland. With somewhat of a spooky history all around it’s location on Barrack Street (a few steps from Elizabeth Fort), the owner has created a unique and vibrant ambiance where Cork’s caffeine lovers can come to get refueled.
Cork Coffee Roasters
With a commitment to keeping things simple, traditional and small, Cork Coffee Roasters has become known for specializing in small batch, perfectly prepared cups of coffee using methods honed over centuries. With four locations across Cork City, you are sure to find your happy place amongst the relaxed and welcoming coffee culture atmosphere.
O'Herlihys Kinsale (OHK Cafe)
First established as The Harp & Shamrock pub in 1864, the OHK Café was opened by 5th generation O’Herlihys sisters in their family’s old home. The incredibly adorable café features a menu championed by the best of Cork’s local produce and their morning ritual states that it all starts with breakfast; strong coffee, eggs, toast and damn good pastry. Fun Fact: You can book OHK House guest accommodation on the upper floors of the café!
drink
Pubs
Sin é
Sin É is widely viewed as the best traditional pub in Cork and is the long-established home of Irish traditional music in the city. With sessions 7 nights a week, this pub is a must for any music fan. Wondering what Sin É means? In reference to the funeral parlor next door, the Irish name literally translates to “That’s It”. Since its opening in 1889, the pub has served plenty of perfectly poured creamy stouts to its patrons.
The Oliver Plunkett
The Oliver Plunkett, featuring the notorious Frisky Whiskey Bar, is a traditional Irish pub, famous for an atmosphere built on live music and dance. The interior of this pub is impeccably embellished with relics of Cork’s history, photographs, quotes and other Irish references. Come for a bite, enjoy a pint, and stay for a sweet session of live music within the walls of this establishment.
Mutton Lane Inn
Consistently voted as one of Cork City’s best pubs, Mutton Lane Inn is also one of the city’s oldest. Nestled on Mutton Lane, an alleyway leading into the English Market, this pub is a cozy, candlelit establishment that makes it easy to lose track of time while leisurely pounding pints. Don’t forget to marvel at the mural painted along the alleyway as you make your way down Mutton Lane, it tells a few stories.
J.J. Walsh's
Traditional Irish pub meets chic cocktail lounge at J.J. Walsh’s. As you step into the pub, you will immediately be surrounded by history in a room decked out with unique antiques, original photographs and documents from Walsh’s time. Moving through the pub, you will soon be transported to an art-deco oasis in the adjacent stylish cocktail bar. The venue also has an outdoor covered courtyard for those who fancy a bit o’ fresh air.
Bars
Bloom
Situated in the stunning courtyard of Hayfield Manor Hotel is Bloom, the glamorous glass cocktail bar with botanical libations that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds. Entirely made of glass, with a retractable ceiling and walls, this offers a breath of fresh air and lets the outside in, even on a rainy winter day. Enjoy an elderflower spritz or a spicy margarita and stay for brunch to enjoy some impeccable treats.
Conway's Yard
Hidden away from the public eye, Conway’s Yard is a unique and quirky late-night venue for those who seek an eclectic experience. The bar is a tropical oasis and boasts a decor of hanging gardens, rustic furniture and some whacky chachkies. Try out one of their tropical cocktails, book a brunch with bottomless mimosas, or order an artisan pizza from local legends Oak Fire Pizza.
The Shelbourne Bar
Proudly claiming the title of “The Whisky Experts”, The Shelbourne Bar is a sophisticated Irish pub nestled in the heart of Cork City’s famed Victorian Quarter. With a staff that always has time for a chat, you are sure to feel right at home amidst the friendly atmosphere and cozy surroundings. Take a peak at their collection of over 500 whiskies or order a pint of Beamish, the Irish Stout that is brewed in Cork, Ireland, for a taste of local flair.
explore
Tours
Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral
On the site where Cork’s patron saint founded his first church and school, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral serves as a distinctive landmark of the city. The three spire 1870s cathedral was designed by the notable architect, William Burges, and the Gothic stands out incredibly against the backdrop of the city streets. Take a stroll through the labyrinth or simply set your eyes upon the 1,200+ extraordinary carvings, including the cathedral’s most iconic feature, the gilded Resurrection Angel.
Jameson Distillery
Visitors and superfans of Irish whiskey can discover the heart and soul of the amber liquid at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton. A tour of the distillery in County Cork, Ireland will immerse you in the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and stories of Jameson, and you can also set your eyes upon the world’s largest pot still. Sip and savor in the distillery where, to this day, every drop of Jameson around the globe hails from.
Blarney Castle & Gardens
If you are planning a trip to Ireland, you have surely heard of the Blarney Stone, but what you may not know is that the grounds of Blarney Castle & Gardens have much more to offer than the kissing of a stone. A walk inside the walls of the castle, built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, will transport you back to a far away time. Set aside a few hours to get lost in the dungeons and many gardens (fern, poisonous and carnivorous) and take a walk out to Blarney Lough, stopping at the magnificent Blarney House along the way. And it’s all only 10km outside of the city centre of Cork, Ireland.
Charles Fort
Out on the edge of Kinsale Harbor is a star-shaped military fortress that has stood firm for centuries. As one of the country’s largest, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history, like the Williamite War and the Irish Civil War. Walks through the magnificent fortress offer incredible views of the picturesque town of Kinsale and the fantastic scenery of the sea.
Titanic Experience Cobh
Did you know that Cobh, a harbour town in County Cork, Ireland, was the infamous Titanic’s last port of call before setting out across the Atlantic on its ill-fated maiden voyage? At the Titanic Experience Cobh, visitors will learn about the excitement and tragedy of those aboard the ship by retracing the steps of real passengers who boarded the Titanic from Cobh.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Once a 16th century coastal defense fortification built to protect Cork’s harbour, Blackrock Castle Observatory is now home to an award-winning science center with a live astronomy show. Take a tour inside the castle walls, learning of its history, and stop for brunch at the Castle Café and enjoy one of the current exhibits on display. Learn about science, engineering and technology, all through the medium of astronomy.
Cork City Goal
Cork City Goal is the perfect place to visit if you fancy finding out what used to happen to prisoners during the days of old in Ireland’s Rebel County. Wander through the wings of the Goal, where inside the prison cells, you will find graffiti on the walls that reveals the prisoners’ inner most thoughts. A tour of Cork City Goal gives visitors insight into what life was like in a 19th century prison and you can even get locked into Countess Markievicz’s cell.
Sights
Newman's Mall
The adorably colorful houses and buildings in many of Cork’s surrounding cities make beautiful backdrops to memories and photographs aplenty. The creme de la creme of them all has got to be Newman’s Mall in Kinsale. You’ve likely seen photos of the brightly painted storefronts, but they truly come to life in person.
Deck of Cards Houses
If you search “Cork, Ireland” on Google, you will surely see the iconic scene of the Deck of Cards houses in Cobh with St. Colman’s Cathedral and the Cork harbour in the background. Looking to snap your own photo of the colorful row of residential houses? Head up Spy Hill and reach your camera over the stone wall, which overlooks West View Park.
Outdoors
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
If you have ventured out to Cobh or Midleton, you may want to head southeast a bit more to check out the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. Located near a picturesque little fishing village, sitting on a rocky-ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay, the walk will treat you to views of the rugged beauty of the Atlantic on one side and rolling green farmland on the other. The scenic 7km walk is quite the hidden gem of east Cork, Ireland.
Fitzgerald's Park
Fitzgerald’s Park offers a serene retreat for those looking to momentarily escape the hustle and bustle of Cork City. Just a short walk from the city centre, visitors can enjoy a plethora of wonderful moments amongst the 18 acres of the park. Tree lined avenues, beautiful sculptures, rose gardens, and more. Just walk through the park or stop and enjoy a picnic along the River Lee.
Shops
Stone Mad Gallery
Nestled in the colorful Newman’s Mall in Kinsale lies a quirky boutique called Stone Mad Gallery, who proudly boasts that entering the store is like stepping into a tiny jewelry box, filled with beautiful sparkling adornments. If you are in Kinsale, a perusing inside Stone Mad is worth the stroll.
English Market
A trip to Cork should always include a visit to Ireland’s best covered market, the English Market. Packed to the brim with fresh fish, local produce, and a rich history, this market is a buzzing hotspot in the heart of Ireland’s second largest city. Stroll through the food stalls and pick up all the fixings for an epic picnic, or grab a cup of coffee then venture upstairs to Farmgate Café.
Enibas
Kinsale’s enibas is a family-run business, where jewelry designer Sabine Lenz and her daughter work together in the little Irish town by the sea where Sabine began making jewelry over 30 years ago. They claim that deep connection runs through everything we do, and you can see that passion in all of their pieces. Their Claddagh stacks are truly breathtaking and will surely catch your eye as you stroll along Main Street.
Weavers of Ireland
Looking to take home some traditional Irish tweed or an aran sweater? If you are in Kinsale, pop into Weavers of Ireland for the finest collection of woven goods from household weaving names to firm Irish favorites. Weavers of Ireland celebrates this colorful craft beautifully by representing all of the best Irish craftsmen. There are several other locations outside of County Cork, Ireland, too.
day trips
Tipperary
With Cork City as your home base, a trip north to County Tipperary is easily accessible and highly encouraged. Wander inside the walls of the majestic Rock of Cashel, visit the mighty Cahir Castle, stroll through the ancient underground passageways of Mitchelstown Caves, stop for a bite at Mikey Ryan’s and learn about its legendary ties to Guinness’ original hops, step into a fairytale at The Swiss Cottage, ramble through the Glen of Aherlow, enjoy a peaceful moment at St. Patrick’s Well (Ireland’s largest holy well), or pull up a stool at McCarthy’s, where they will “wine you, dine you, and bury you”. Pick one or many of these things to do in County Tipperary, or stop for other sights along the way there.
Mizen Head
The trip to Mizen Head, know as the most southwesterly point on the infamous Wild Atlantic Way, is well worth the trek from your hotel in the city of Cork, Ireland. Surrounded by pounding waves, Mizen Head is one of the most spectacular headlands on Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard, where visitors are sure to be humbled by the display of nature’s raw power. After exploring Mizen Head, you can go relax on the gorgeous golden sand dunes of Barley Cove Beach, ferry out to explore the rare beauty of Garnish Island, head off on a drive around the wild Ring of Beara, step back in time at the beautifully manicured Bantry House and Garden, embrace your inner Claire Fraser at the Drombeg Stone Circle (dated between 153BC and 127AD), and stop at West Cork Distillers on your way back to Cork City.
Waterford
Located east of Cork, Ireland, along the coast of Ireland’s Ancient East, County Waterford showcases beautiful stretches of rugged coastline and keeps history alive with Waterford City, founded by the Vikings back in 914AD, making it Ireland’s oldest. Take a tour amongst the sparkling crystalline beauty at House of Waterford, cycle the breathtaking Waterford Greenway, walk through medieval chambers at the Medieval Museum, step back into Victorian Waterford at Bishop’s Palace, experience Viking history at Reginald’s Tower, dip your toes into the Atlantic at Ardmore Beach, or pop in for a pint at J & K Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer. On your way back to Cork, route your drive through Lismore and stop at the elegant Lismore Castle, explore the Lismore Castle Gardens, and step off the beaten bath with a walk through the picturesque Ballysagartmore Woods to the abandoned structures of Ballysagartmore Towers (the history of which is worth the read). There is much to do on a day trip out to County Waterford.
Whether you are simply staying in the city, or venturing to the surrounding towns and beyond, there truly are endless possibilities for your trip to Cork, Ireland. During our trip, we packed a ton in (both near and far), but we know we will be back to explore more of what County Cork has to offer. Exploring the offerings of Cork, Ireland seems like it will forever be on our bucket list. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
xoL&M
Over To You
Are you ready to book your trip to Cork, Ireland now? If so, what spots are at the top of your list to visit? Have you been to Cork before? Tell us if anything on our list made it onto your trip itinerary. Let us know about all things Cork, Ireland in the comments below, we want to hear from you!
