If you are short on funds but still want to have an epic time during your vacation in Cork. Then look no further than my detailed list of 14 of the best free things to do in Cork County. I’ve included some of the best forest parks in Ireland, stunning beaches, scenic hikes, and much more! And, of course, nothing on this list costs anything!
Cork is the second-biggest city in the Republic of Ireland, and it welcomes a huge number of tourists annually. It also has a well-serviced International Airport. So, many tourists choose to start or end their Ireland vacation here.
I’m a Cork local, so I’ve tried and tested pretty much all there is to do in Cork. And in this blog, I’ll share with you 14 of the best free things to do in Cork. So, you can decide how best to spend your time here!
Best FREE things to do in Cork!
Contrary to what you may believe, there are heaps of free things to do in Cork, Ireland! Having lived in Cork for most of my life, I’ve written this blog about my favorite things to do in Cork County – and every single one can be done without breaking the bank!
1. St Colmans Cathedral, Cobh
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 6 pm
- Website: St Colmans Cathedral
- Google Maps Location
The Cathedral of St Colman, also known as Cobh Cathedral, is one of the most iconic buildings in Cork County! It’s also known as the tallest church in Ireland thanks to its huge steeple, which stands at a whopping 91.4 meters tall!
It’s such a photogenic structure and is a great example of neo-Gothic architecture, having been constructed in the early 1900s. Take some time to admire the colorful stained glass windows, intricate roof detail, and gorgeous wood carvings inside on your next visit to Cobh!
The cathedral’s tower houses the only carillon in Ireland (a percussion instrument that is played with a keyboard). These instruments typically only have 23 bells, but the one at St Colman’s has 49. Including Ireland’s largest bell, which is a giant of 3.6 tonnes. This is the largest carillon in Great Britain and Ireland.
After you’re done at St Colman’s, be sure to pop over to the “deck of cards,” a row of brightly painted houses a short walk away. Stand in the public garden facing the houses for an epic photo of these houses with the cathedral in the background!
Tour recommendation – You’ll love this guided tour to the iconic Blarney Castle and the colorful coastal town of Cobh. Prices start from only 79 euro pp.
2. Farran Woods
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 9 pm (April to September); 8 am – 5.30 pm (October to March)
- Website: Farran Forest Park
- Google Maps Location
Farran Woods is a small forest park located on the south shore of Inniscarra Lake and is just under a 15-minute drive from the large town of Ballincollig. All around the park, you’ll be treated to lovely views of the lake’s reservoir. If you’re lucky, you might spot a couple of rowers (maybe even some Olympians) training at the National Rowing Center, which is located on the outskirts of the park.
Farran Woods is, in fact, just a small section of the huge Farran estate that was once owned by Captain Clarke, one of the early big hitters in the tobacco industry!
While if you’re keen to get some adrenalin pumping, then Zipit Forest Adventures, a ziplining experience that offers over 800 meters of ziplines, is a must-do! Take in the epic views as you whizz through the treetops on this awesome aerial trail!
The best time to visit Farran Woods is during the deer rutting (breeding) season in autumn and to see the baby fawns in the spring!
There’s also a large kids’ playground, toilet facilities, and an excellent coffee cart next to the car park!
Hiking in Farran Woods
If you love to hike, then there are two excellent hiking trails within the park. The first and easiest trail is the 1.1 km Enclosure Trail which will take most people about 25 minutes to complete. This trail follows around the perimeter of the deer enclosure, where you can see both red deer and fallow deer, and the duck pond.
The second trail here is the Woodland Loop which is longer at 3 km in length and will take most people an hour to complete. It’s the best option if you want to experience the whole park, and the end of the trail takes you beside the lovely Inniscarra Lake. There’s also a smaller trail that branches off the Woodland Loop that leads down to ‘Mallard Cove,’ where you can see fish jumping.
3. Take a scenic stroll in Glengarriff
Glengarriff, aka the Rugged Glen, is heaven for hikers of all abilities. The trails here feature some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. I’ve listed some of the best ones below –
The Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is a stunning mature oak woodland situated in the middle of the old Glengarriff Valley. There are many viewpoints and several picnic areas along the trail. But the best lookout point on the trail, in my opinion, is Lady Bantry’s Lookout, which offers a panoramic view across Bantry Bay and up to the Caha Mountains.
The Blue Pools is an easy and short walk from Main Street in the village of Glengarriff. You can enter the path to the blue pool next to Quills. The Blue Pools has many trails and walkways through a magical forested area with epic views of the harbor. If you walk beyond the Blue Pools, you will reach an area known as The Point. Here, there is a diving board and a beautiful sun-drenched bathing area. There’s also a pontoon for you to swim off.
4. Doneraile Wildlife Park
- Opening Hours: Spring/ Summer from 8 am – 8 pm, and Autumn/Winter from 8 am to 5 pm
- Website: Doneraile Estate
- Google Maps Location
Doneraile Wildlife Park is located in the small town of Doneraile in North Cork. It’s huge at 166 hectares and is comprised of beautifully landscaped gardens, a walking trail, a Cafe, and of course, the park’s centerpiece – Doneraile Court! This large manor house dates as far back as the 1720s and was built by Arthur St. Leger, who was the first Viscount of Doneraile.
The kitchen wing of the period home is now the park’s tea rooms and serves up delicious coffee, snacks, and sweet treats! You can also view works of art from the famed Crawford Art Gallery in Cork City within Doneraile Court!
On the easy walking trail here, you’ll be treated to sightings of various wildlife, from squirrels, deer, otters, and herons! You should also spend time in the intricate gardens here, which look their best in spring/summer! The Parterre Garden is the focal point and boasts an intricate pattern of box-hedging, while other gardens to check out are the Pinery-Vinery, the American Garden, and the Walled Garden!
5. Curraghbinny Woods
- Opening Hours: open all-day, every day
- Website: Currabinny Woods
- Google Maps Location
A short drive from Carrigaline, Curraghbinny Woods is one of the most beautifully set woods in Cork County because it is set on a hill overlooking Cork Harbor. From one side of the woods, you can look across to the colorful village of Crosshaven and from the other side to Ringaskiddy and its huge wind turbines.
Although small in size (just over 35 hectares), there are a few great walking trails here. The main trail is the loop trail which you can start from the main car park and takes about 30-45 minutes. The trail is flat and easy for most of the way and boasts views of both Crosshaven and the harbor surrounding Ringaskiddy. Towards the end, though, there is a winding uphill section that takes you deep into the woods and can be muddy after wet weather. It’s at the end of this uphill section that you’ll spot the “giants grave,” a cairn that Irish folklore says to be the resting place of a giant.
There’s also a spur trail off the loop trail which leads to the gazebo; you can access it from two sections – behind the “giants grave” or via a steep uphill path from the lower section of the loop trail.
For an easier/less muddy walk, park at the lesser-known second entrance, which is about halfway along the road to Curraghbinny pier. And walk the flat path to the main car park and back again!
6. Fitzgerald’s Park
- Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm in Winter and 8:30 am – 9 pm in Summer
- Website: Fitzgerald’s Park
- Google Maps Location: see location here
A 20-minute walk from the Cork CBD is the 18-acre Fitzgerald’s Park – home to a colorful rose garden,, tree-lined pathways, and the famed ‘shakey bridge’. Because of its location on the city limits, this park is also known as one of the best free things to do in Cork City!
This park is a firm favorite with locals who come here to go for a walk, picnic, or let their children blow off some steam in the large playground here. The main entrance is via the Mardyke, but you can also access the park from Sunday’s Well, where you will cross over the ‘shakey bridge’ also known as Daly’s Bridge. However, this has recently been refurbished, so you will feel less wobbly walking across it.
You can walk a nice flat pathway through the park, which follows along the River Lee and offers some gorgeous views of the large homes that line Sunday’s Well.
There are also several sculptures in Fitzgerald’s Park, including one of Irish war hero Michael Collins and the very unique Sky Garden which won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. A large central fountain is at the center of the park and this is a great spot to sit and relax as there are several benches here.
There’s an excellent Cafe here – The Natural Foods Bakery which serves artisan bread sandwiches, fresh soup, cakes and pastries. It’s open every day from 9 am – 6 pm.
Related Read: Visiting Fitzgerald’s Park is one of the top things to do if you only have one day in Cork!
7. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way runs from Kinsale in West Cork all the way to Donegal. At 2,500 km long, it is the longest coastal driving route in the world. If you don’t have a rental car for your time in Ireland or simply don’t feel confident driving yourself, you can book this luxury guided tour from Cork City that includes stops in Timoleague, Kinsale, Castlemartyr, and Cobh.
Why not spend a full-day driving some of the route in West Cork, stopping in some gorgeous towns and villages along the way, or even for a memorable whale watching tour! Start with breakfast at the Lemon Leaf Cafe in Kinsale, then drive the short 30 minutes to Clonakilty for a stroll around its quirky shops.
Then, onwards to Rosscarbery, Skibbereen, and Baltimore. Stop for lunch at Bushes Bar in Baltimore. Then, full steam ahead to Schull, Bantry & Glengariff. For dinner, I recommend the Brick Oven in Bantry for the “best pizza in Cork. Spend the night in one of the towns or drive back to Kinsale.
FYI – this private tour is a great option if you don’t fancy driving the Wild Atlantic Way yourself and includes stops in Kinsale, Clonakilty, Drombeg Stone Circle, and more!
8. Visit Roches Point Lighthouse
- Opening Hours: the lighthouse isn’t open to the public, but you can view the exterior any time
- Google Maps Location
Roche’s Point Lighthouse has a prime position at the entrance to Cork Harbour. And the lighthouse here was first set up in 1817 to guide ships into the second-largest harbor in the world (just behind Sydney). The lighthouse is quite a sight at 49 feet high and 12 feet wide.
A fun fact for you – the ill-fated titanic had its last anchor near the lighthouse!
Unfortunately, you can’t enter the lighthouse itself as it’s closed to the public, so spend your time here taking photos of the cute coastguard cottages, strolling the stony beach at low tide, and admiring the stunning coastal views from the “edge of Ireland.”
9. Charles Fort, Kinsale
Just outside the colorful town of Kinsale lies the historic Charles Fort. A 17th century star-shaped fort, associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history.
There is a small visitor’s center here, with audio and visual exhibits for a self-guided experience. Or you can arrange a guided tour which lasts about one hour. The entrance to Charles Fort costs €2.50 per person.
Are you interested in ghost stories? Then watch out for the ghost of the White Lady. According to local legend, a local soldier had to go on patrol of Charles Fort on his wedding night. He arrived at the fort drunk after his wedding celebrations and fell asleep on watch. He was shot for abandoning his post, and his grief-stricken bride threw herself from Charles Forts’ walls when she was informed of his death. She is said to still haunt Charles Fort to this day.
Related Read: Another very popular historic site in Cork is Blarney Castle and Gardens, located just under 15 minutes from Cork City.
10. Take a drive to the scenic village of Ballycotton
Ballycotton is best described as a hidden gem in East Cork, and even though local Corkonians know and love this quirky fishing village, tourists, unfortunately, tend to overlook it in favor of West Cork towns like Kinsale or Clonakilty!
If you love wild swimming, then there’s a tiny beach with a view of Ballycotton Lighthouse next to the pier in the town, or you may choose the “men’s bathing area,” which can be found near the entrance to the Cliff Walk.
And while we’re on the topic of the Cliff Walk, I must mention this is one of the best things to do in Ballycotton. This 5-mile track ends at Ballyandreen beach, and it’s a footworn track meaning it can be uneven in parts and so is not suitable for strollers or bikes; there are also several foot stiles along the trail. The track is so scenic, with meadows on one side and unobstructed ocean views on the other.
After working up an appetite with a walk or swim, check out the great restaurants in town, like Sea Church and Blackbird! You can also grab a great, cheap coffee from the little steel hut in front of the Sea Church.
11. Explore some of West Cork’s best beaches
West Cork is well-known for having the best beaches in Ireland. From the surfing beach of Garrettstown to extraordinarily long Inchdoney beach, there’s certainly a beach in West Cork for everyone.
- Barleycove beach – often named by the media as the ‘most beautiful beach in Ireland.’ Located a 20-minute drive from the town of Schull and backed by numerous sand dunes – Barleycove is certainly a spectacular beach.
- Inchydoney beach – a whopping seven miles in length, Inchdoney is especially popular with overseas visitors. This popularity is probably due to the stunning Inchydoney beach hotel, which overlooks the beach.
- Garrettstown beach – a popular surf beach, you can try your hand at surfing with G Town Surf School . Garrettstown is also very popular with local families, as it is one of the closest beaches to Cork city. Grab some food and refreshments from the food trucks along the beach or walk to Stranded Cafe for a sit-down lunch.
12. Tramore Valley Park
- Opening hours: hours vary by season, see hours here
- Website: Tramore Valley Park
- Google Maps Location
Spanning a huge area of around 160 acres, Tramore Valley Park is interestingly located on a former landfill site that was closed back in 2009!
There is a 2.5km walking loop here, and it’s named after Former World Champion Race Walker Robert Heffernan. The route boasts epic views of Cork City and is flat and easy, so it is popular with a wide variety of people, from families with strollers to cyclists. A section of the trail follows along a wetlands area which is lush and peaceful.
What’s cool, too, is that Tramore Valley Park is the location for Corks Only International Standard BMX Track. So, BMX fans are sure to love this option!
You’ll also find an outdoor gym and a rugby pitch here.
13. Courtmacsherry Coastal Loop
If you love your walks with a side of refreshing ocean breeze and stunning coastal views, then look no further than the Courtmacsherry Fuchsia Loop Trail – an easy 5 km loop trail in West Cork! The trail is easy to follow; just look out for the Fuchsia Loop arrows dotted along the way.
Be sure to snap plenty of photos as you stroll through a mixture of landscapes from bright green forests, a wildflower meadow (in the summer only), and the tiny colorful village of Courtmacsherry!
All in this trail should take over an hour to complete, and with just 300 feet in total elevation gain, it’s suitable for the whole family. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be leashed.
14. Blackrock Castle
The magnificent Blackrock Castle is the oldest surviving building in the entire county of Cork, having been built back in 1582. Throughout the years, the castle has served many different purposes, including as an Admiralty Court, a lighthouse, and a gun battery! It’s now home to an observatory that showcases fun scientific exhibitions and star viewings.
Journeys of Exploration is a new interactive experience offered here in association with Failte Ireland; it tells the story of how the castle helped to defend the city of Cork from attacks throughout the 16th Century.
There’s a great Cafe on-site, within the walls of the castle so it’s very photogenic. You can visit the Cafe for free and take some photos of the exterior of the castle, but there is a fee to visit the exhibitions inside the castle. If you visit the Cafe first you can get 10% off the castle entrance fee!
The Cafe here is open 10 am – 9 pm Wednesday – Sunday, opening hours for the exhibitions in the castle vary
Where to stay in Cork
Cork City and County has plenty of excellent accommodation options for every type of traveler and budget, from hotels to hostels to a cozy airbnb!
- Cork City Center Self Catering Apartment – Located near Cork City Hall and Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral this modern apartment is very centrally located. The one-bedroom apartment is 26m2 and has a kitchen (including fridge, microwave and oven), dining room and separate bedroom. Free WiFi is also included in the rate.
- River View Apartment – A luxurious apartment with river views and a terrace just a few minutes’ walk from the city center. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. This is a quiet part of town.
- Hayfield Manor – this super-luxurious hotel is one of the best in Cork City and is definitely one for the bucket-list. It is located a few minute’s drive from the CBD.
- Montenotte Hotel – this super-cool and quirky hotel has been recently renovated. It has lovely gardens and a cinema!
- The luxurious Kinsale Hotel and Spa has great views over Kinsale and the harbour and is a few minutes from the town
- A firm favorite with locals and tourists the stunning Inchydoney beach hotel overlooks the very long Inchydoney beach and is a short drive from Clonakilty
- The Atlantic Apartments in the village of Schull overlooks the sea and is a great family-friendly option
Thanks for reading!
I trust that my blog covering the best free things to do in Cork County has helped you decide what you’re going to do in the “Rebel County”! I may be biased being a local, but Cork is an amazing place, and I hope you will fall in love with it like I have!
If you liked this blog, you may enjoy my other blog posts including –
Moving to Ireland – Everything You Need to Know
What you need to know about Renting in Ireland
Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by snaphappytravel
Cork County looks like a great place for a little trip.
The country I’m from doesn’t have anything like this, so I’m in awe of some of the historic sites you mentioned.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
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