Cork is Ireland’s ‘second city’. Second to Dublin in terms of popularity and population. Cork often gets overlooked by tourists who tend to base themselves in the glitzy capital (Dublin) or the quirky city of Galway for their Irish vacation. And many skip Cork City completely!
And that’s a real shame! Cork is an authentic, colorful city with arguably the friendliest locals in Ireland! Now, I may be biased seeing as I’m from Cork but I think Cork is one of the greatest cities in Europe. You just need to know where to look (or who to ask) to have a memorable time here!
That’s where I come in as I said, I’m from Cork, so I’ve tried and tested pretty much everything there is to do in Cork. In this blog, I’ll share with you the best things to do with one day in Cork City. I’ve included tourist favorites like the English Market and Blackrock Castle. But I’ve also highlighted hidden gems like Bell’s Field and the Nano Nagle Centre.
In short, this is a truly unique one-day in Cork itinerary written by a local. And you’re unlikely to find this Cork itinerary anywhere else on the internet!
Is One Day Enough in Cork City?
Having just one day in Cork City will allow you to scratch the surface of what this colorful, authentic Irish city has to offer. With 24 hours in Cork City, you’ll get to tick off the city’s top sights. Places like the world-famous English Market and the Shandon Bell’s (a local favorite spot).
But, you won’t have enough time to check out Cork City Gaol or explore the nearby Blarney Castle and Gardens. Which is why I recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Cork!
However, with one day in Cork, you will have time to squeeze in a visit to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, University College Cork, and Blackrock Castle. That’s because they are all located within the city limits and only an hour or so is needed at these sights to appreciate them.
One Day in Cork Itinerary
Morning – English Market & Crawford Art Gallery
This morning we recommend making a beeline for the world-famous English Market for breakfast and a wander around the lively market. Later this morning, we suggest heading to the Crawford Art Gallery. Which is a short walk away. Here you can view over 3,000 pieces of art!
English Market
Opened in 1788 this is easily one of the most famous markets in all of Ireland. It’s in fact the oldest indoor market in the country and is a must-visit for any visitor to Cork!
Come here on any given day for a true taste of Cork. From the moment you enter the English Market on the Grand Parade, it’s an assault on all your senses. Smell fresh-off-the-boat fish, coffee brewing, freshly baked bread, and listen to the unique Cork twang of the stall holders.
What’s cool about the English Market is that small, new stalls sit next to larger stalls that have been around for generations. You could easily do your weekly shop here. Fresh fruit & vegetables, bread, meat, fish, and more are all available for purchase.
Be sure to pop over to O’Connell’s fish stall – the late Queen Elizabeth visited this stall!
My favorite stalls in the English Market include The Alternative Bread Company, and The Real Olive Company. For great coffee, you can’t go wrong with Cafe Marius or Coffee Central.
But our recommendation for breakfast today is to head upstairs to the famous Farmgate Cafe for a full Irish breakfast. There’s a fantastic view of the market from up here too.
Related Read: Check out the best free things to do in Cork City here!
Best tours of the English Market –
This guided culinary tour is a great option to see The English Market with a knowledgeable local guide and it also includes a pub lunch. The tour is 3 hours long and includes food samples from several of the stalls here. It costs from €120 per person.
Crawford Art Gallery
There are over 3,000 artworks on display in this lovely art gallery on Emmet Place (next to the Cork Opera House). In 2006, it was designated a National Cultural Institution, and it’s a very popular place for tourists to Cork to visit.
On display are historical and contemporary art, including paintings and sculptures – some date back to the early 18th Century! There are also some very cool visual installations.
On-site too is the very popular Crawford Garden Cafe, which has won many awards for its food and specializes in fresh local produce. So, if you didn’t have breakfast at the English Market then we suggest having it here!
Early Afternoon – St Fin Barre’s Cathedral & University College Cork
In the early afternoon, we recommend ticking off two of the most popular attractions in Cork City – St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and University College Cork. Before indulging in a late lunch at the Nano Nagle Centre.
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral is just a couple of minutes walk from the Crawford Art Gallery. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Cork. This three-spire cathedral is hard to miss on the city’s skyline. And it’s French Gothic in style. It was built back in the late 1700s and features a nave made of Bath stone and internal walls made from red marble found locally.
The massive stained glass windows show scenes from the bible and are one of the main showpoints of the cathedral. As well as that there’s a cannonball from the Siege of Cork which dates to 1690 hanging from the roof inside!
There are 1,200 more sculptures adorning the walls and ceilings of the cathedral from gargoyles to huge marble spires. And there’s even a brass-winged dragon that sits underneath the pulpit.
University College Cork (aka U.C.C)
I know it’s unusual to see a University on a one-day in Cork itinerary. But believe me, University College Cork is one of the most photogenic buildings in Ireland. It was founded in 1845 and today over 21,000 students are enrolled here.
It is sometimes possible to join a free guided tour of the University which starts from the Visitor Centre in the main quadrangle. The tours last between 30 – 60 minutes.
Alternatively, you can purchase an audio tour from the Visitor Center for a small fee. Learn all about the history of one of the best universities in Ireland on this tour. Visit the Aula Maxima (a huge hall that gives off Harry Potter vibes), the Ogham Stone Collection, the University gardens, and the recently updated Crawford Observatory. As well as the beautiful Honan Chapel – the site of many a Cork wedding.
If you’re too hungry to wait until your next stop for lunch you could stop into the newly-opened LÉA’s at The Glucksman. This light-filled spot is easily one of the most photogenic eateries in the city. And its dishes are quirky, fresh, and flavorsome.
Lunch – Nano Nagle Centre
A hidden urban oasis that not many people know about (not even the locals). The Nano Nagle Centre is tucked away off of Douglas Street and boasts a museum, beautiful gardens, a book store focused on Cork, and the amazing Good Day Deli. Which is our recommended lunch spot for today!
The center is named in honor of Nano Nagle, a nun who played an active role in helping the poor and disadvantaged of Cork City. In fact, the order she founded The Presentation Sisters continues to travel across the world to this day to continue her work.
Learn all about life in Cork in the 18th Century at the museum, relax in the beautiful gardens, and explore the historic buildings. Including the 18th-century convent that Nano Nagle built for her nuns.
You can access the convent on a guided tour, which happens every day at 3 pm. On the tour, you can see Nano’s personal objects and see inside her room known as ‘Miss Nagle’s Parlour’.
Late Afternoon – Shandon Bells & Bell’s Field
This afternoon, head for Shandon Bells one of the tallest buildings in the city where you can ring the church bells. Afterward, make the short 10-minute walk to Bell’s Field – which I believe has the best view in the city!
Shandon Bells
The Shandon Bells are an institution in Cork City. Yes, the third tallest building in the city offers you the opportunity to climb to the top for a fantastic 360-degree view of Cork. As well as the chance to try your hand at ringing the church bells on your way to the top.
There are 8 ropes for the 8 bells and you can choose to play the bells to the tune of a song. Don’t worry you will be given instructions. The bells can be heard across the city though so no pressure!
You must climb 135 steps to reach the viewing balcony, so, this Cork activity is not recommended for those with mobility or heart issues!
There’s a €5 euro entrance fee for adults and children aged from 5-15 will be charged €2. Which is very good value for money! In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Cork with kids!
If you wish you can join, this hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Cork City that visits the Shandon Bells as well as Cork City Gaol, The English Market and more! It costs just €22 per person.
Bell’s Field
It’s a 10-minute walk from Shandon Bells to your next stop. Bell’s Field is a large grassy area at the top of Patrick’s hill overlooking Cork City that is known as having the best view in all of the city!
It’s quite a climb to reach it because you will be walking up the steepest hill in the city; Patrick’s Hill has a 25% gradient. The view from the top is worth the climb, though, and you will see all of the Northside of the city, the Shandon Bells, and even St Fin Barre’s Cathedral in the distance.
This is just a short stop, and I recommend spending about 30 minutes here. Grab a takeaway coffee from the Cafe here – Bell’s Cafe and snap some lovely photos of the view.
Dinner – Marina Market
A relatively new addition to Cork City, the Marina Market only opened its doors in September 2020. Since then it’s popularity has soared and it now attracts thousands of visitors weekly and is home to over 40 stalls.
It’s the largest indoor market in Cork and attracts a young crowd (families especially love it here!)
You can try food from all over the world here. From Argentinian steaks to Italian woodfired pizza and Mexican fare, the Marina Market offers one of the most diverse food offerings in Ireland. I can’t mention Marina Market and not mention Guji Coffee Bar the colorful shipping container out the front of the market which has notoriously excellent coffee. Expect to queue for it though!
The Marina Market is located on Centre Park Road, a 20-minute walk from the city center. My top tip is after fuelling up on good food at the market keep walking along the designated walkway to Blackrock Castle (my suggested activity for this evening).
Evening – Blackrock Castle
Get your steps in and walk the 5.6 km along Blackrock Road to the gorgeous Blackrock Castle and Observatory this evening. It will take most people an hour each way.
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.
There’s a great Cafe/restaurant on-site. 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 from 10 am to 9 pm Wednesday – Sunday. Opening hours for the exhibitions in the castle vary.
Related Read: Here are the best free things to do in County Cork!
Where to Stay in Cork City
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!
River Lee Hotel – offering prime views over the River Lee, large bedrooms, and a fantastic on-site restaurant. This is one of the most popular hotels in Cork!
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.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for reading my guide on how to spend one day in Cork. I hope it’s given you some inspiration for your upcoming Ireland vacation!
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Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by snaphappytravel