A Locals Guide to the Best Things to do in Cork (2024 Guide)

Why should you visit Cork? Well, I may be biased as Cork, Ireland is where I grew up. But, I’m of the opinion that Cork has it all! From the best beaches in all of Ireland to quirky coffee shops that serve an excellent brew, to its colorful local characters who will welcome you with arms wide open.

As the largest county (by size) in Ireland, as you can imagine there’s loads to do in Cork or ‘the rebel county’ as locals (like me) tend to call it. But, some of my favorite things to do in my home of Cork include wandering the mouthwatering food stalls at the famed English Market and driving the Wild Atlantic Way through West Cork.

Read on to find out why you must visit Cork. Of course, I’ve included the big-hitter attractions like Blarney Castle and Kinsale but I’ve also written about several free things to do in Cork – ideal if you’re on a budget!

You will be adding Cork to your Ireland itinerary in no time.

15 Best Things to Do in Cork, Ireland

Despite traveling the world for the better part of 10 years, Cork still and always will be the place closest to my heart. The quote below is what encouraged me to write this post, even though I’ve been to some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet Cork remains the place I want to be my ‘forever home’.  All together now ‘aw,’ on that note, here are 15 reasons why you must visit Cork ASAP!

“Maybe you had to leave in order to miss a place, maybe you had to travel to figure out how beloved your starting point was” – Jodi Picoult

And the above quote describes my situation now, after traveling the world for over 10 years and living in places like Whistler in Canada, Sydney and Queenstown in New Zealand – I moved home to Cork on July 2020 and couldn’t be happier with my decision.

So, without further delay, let’s dive into what to do in Cork. Here are 15 activities I highly recommend in Cork!

1. Cork has the best beaches in Ireland

Boasting the second-largest coastline in the whole country,  there’s certain to be a beach that tickles your fancy. The beaches in West Cork are the best in my opinion. My personal favorites are Garretstown for surfing and The Dock near Kinsale winning the ‘cute factor’ – it’s teeny-tiny.

Another very popular beach in West Cork is Inchydoney near Clonakilty, which is a whopping 7 miles long! You can stay the night here at stunning Inchydoney beach hotel which overlooks the beach!

I also adore Barleycove beach which is often named by the media here 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.

With Cork being the most Southerly county, the weather is typically the warmest in the country. It’s still Ireland though, so please don’t arrive expecting a Mediterranean climate or anything.

Related Read: You’re reading this blog because you love Ireland, then, why not read my detailed guide on how to move to Ireland

2. The sunsets in Cork are world-class

I’ve been blown away by the sunsets in Cork, I saw three of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever seen and I’ve lived in the sunset capital of the world – Australia.

Be sure to head down to West Cork for the best sunsets in my opinion – particularly at Mizen Head, Galley Head Lighthouse outside Rosscarbery or Sheep’s Head along the Beara Peninsula! A great secret sunset spot is Charles Fort in Kinsale, although popular during the day with history lovers its typically quiet at sunset and offers a great vantage point over Kinsale harbor.

In fact, you can book this highly-recommended tour to Mizen Head, which departs from Cork City and includes visits to Clonakilty, Bantry, Gougane Barra and Mizen Head! It’s a full-day tour (allow around 9 hours) and costs just €78 per person. I think that’s great value, considering all the places you visit!

3. Explore charming colorful Cork towns

Having lived abroad for the better part of 10 years, this is what tourists to Ireland always tell me was their favorite thing about Ireland.  And Cork has some of the most charming and most colorful towns in all of Ireland. Just check out this photo of the coastal town of Kinsale (above). Cobh too, in East Cork is especially vibrant. When in Cobh, you must take a photo in front of the Deck of Cards houses like I’ve done below and visit the magnificent St Colman’s Cathedral.

FYI if I had a spare million I’d move home and buy a house in Kinsale.

Related Read: Our trip to rural and green Ballyhoura in Cork County!

4. Meet the charming local characters

Oh the Irish people. We’re the best aren’t we? Who doesn’t love us. I’ve travelled a lot, and still for me, the Irish people are the warmest and friendliest people in the whole wide world. I know I’m biased being an Irish gal myself. But even my very British husband agrees

5. Cork has too many excellent restaurants

There are way too many great restaurants in Cork to mention here, but personal favorites of mine include – the Bulman an award-winning gastro pub in Summercove, Kinsale; Liberty Grill on Washington Street in Cork City for the best breakfast of your life; Sophie’s in The Dean Hotel for yummy food and even yummier views. And of course you can’t visit Cork city without stopping at the famous English Market!

In fact, this private walking tour of Cork City will give you an insight into the locals favorite restaurants, stop by the famed English Market, as well as teach you about the history of the city! It’s 2 hours long and costs from €236 per group, which can be up to 15 people. So, when you divide the cost between all of you – it’s a great deal!

6. Cork’s coffee would impress even the harshest critic

It really would. I love coffee. So much so, that I plan my whole day around how and when I can get a decent coffee.

Luckily for me, this wasn’t a problem in Cork City. From the locals favorite of Cork Coffee Roasters to Farmgate above the English Market to Three Fools Coffee on the Grand Parade for good coffee with a side of ‘cool’, there’s certain to be something to quench your caffeine fix.

Also, Starbucks only opened it’s first shop in the city a few years ago, so, that’s a testament to how much we Corkonians support our local coffee shops. Please don’t go to Starbucks, unless you really really need a Caramel Frappuccino, I totally get it.

7. Cork is home to the famous Blarney Castle

You’ve heard of the famous Blarney Castle right? The legendary stone that gives anyone who kisses it ‘the gift of the gab’. American tourists LOVE it. Believe me, I grew up in Blarney and the hundreds even thousands of American tourists who descend on the castle every day is insanity. Especially in the summer.

But, despite the crowds, the castle is well-worth a visit. The grounds are outstandingly lush and green, you could easily spend a full day getting lost here. Be sure to bring a camera,  because there will be lots of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

You can book on a guided tour of Blarney Castle that departs from Cork City, it’s highly recommended!

8. There’s good reason why Cork City is referred to as the ‘real capital’ of Ireland

Corkonians are notoriously patriotic, I don’t even know if that’s the right word, basically we think we’re better than everyone else. We have very unique phrases, that ‘outsiders’ struggle to understand. Even our neighbors in Kerry or Limerick don’t have a clue what we’re saying most of the time.

You can even buy a Dictionary of Cork Slang in most bookshops in the city. There’s also, an online Peoples Republic of Cork store where you can buy all sorts of merchandise to express your love for this glorious county.

9. Visit one of Cork cities’ amazing parks

Fitzgerald’s Park on the outskirts of the City is a favorite of mine, home to the ‘shaky bridge’, with a great little coffee shop, and lots of great photo opportunities. The park also hosts lots of cool free events during the summer.

We also love visiting Bell’s Field when we’re in the city. This 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!

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. My top tip is to try and get here for sunset!

Other great local parks in Cork include the Regional Park in Ballincollig, Farran Woods a short drive from Ballincollig and The Lough a short drive from the CBD. Visiting a local park is one of the best free things to do in Cork City!

10. Wander around The English Market

Opened since 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 the ‘rebel city’, 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. This is certainly one of the top free things to do in Cork City!

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 – with fresh fruit & vegetables, bread, meat, fish, and more all available for purchase. Be sure to stop by the world-famous O’Connell’s fish stall – even Queen Elizabeth has visited! 

My favorite stalls in the English Market include The Alternative Bread Company, and The Real Olive Company.

The English Market is also a great spot for a bite to eat with some of the best ready-made food in Cork on offer here like The Sandwich Stall (from the founders of The Real Olive Company) and Maki Sushi Rolls. For great coffee, you can’t go wrong with Cafe Marius or Coffee Central. 

Or head upstairs to the famous Farmgate Cafe, which I mentioned earlier, for a doorstop sandwich (really thick bread, for those that don’t know) and a delicious coffee. There’s a fantastic view of the market from up here too. 

This guided culinary tour is a great option to see The English Market with a knowledgeable guide and it also includes a pub lunch. You will get to sample heaps of food from the stalls throughout the tour, too. So, you’re certain to finish with a full belly. It’s 3 hours long and costs from €120 per person.

11. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way

Did you know, 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 fancy your chances driving yourself, you can book this luxury guided tour from Cork City that includes stops in Timoleague, Kinsale, Castlemartyr, and Cobh. If you’re not from Ireland, you may find it a challenge to navigate the notoriously winding roads on this route.

Why not spend one day in Cork driving some of the route in West Cork, stopping in some gorgeous towns and villages along the way, or even making the time to do a memorable whale watching tour from the tiny town of Baltimore!

My suggestion for doing this drive is to 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 another great option if you don’t fancy driving the Wild Atlantic Way yourself and includes stops in Kinsale, Clonakilty, Drombeg Stone Circle, and many more!

12. Explore Charles Fort in 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.

13. Visit 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

14. Check out the gorgeous town of 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.

15. Ring the Shandon Bells

The Shandon Bells are an institution ‘Leeside’ (what locals call Cork City), 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! 

It’s a  €5 entrance fee for adults and children aged from 5-15 will be charged €2.  

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Cork City visits the Shandon Bells as well as Cork City Gaol, The English Market, and more! It costs just €22 per person. Which is a bargain!

Another highly recommended tour is this full-day guided tour that takes you around Cork City’s best attractions including The English Market and Shandon Bells before hopping on a private mini-bus to explore the seaside town of Kinsale. Beacuse it’s a private tour you won’t have to share the experience with anyone else and can personalize the tour to your liking. Expect to pay from €220 per person for this full-day tour.

Is Cork Worth Visiting?

Yes, Cork, Ireland is definitely worth visiting! For one, it boasts one of the largest coastlines in the country (a whopping 1,200 km) so, as you can guess Cork is home to some drop dead gorgeous beaches. My favorite is Barleycove Beach. Cork is also where you can start (or end) the famed Wild Atlantic Way Drive. And if you’re a foodie you’re in luck. As Cork is known by many as the culinary capital of Ireland – the English Market is an absolute must-visit if you love to eat!

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 minutes 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 – with 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 Finbarres 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 my blog!

And, that’s it folks. If you’ve visited Cork previously or are a legendary Corkonian like myself is there anything else you would include that I’ve missed? If so, please leave a comment below.

P.S if you’re planning a move to Cork I’ve written a detailed blog post about renting in Cork that you may find helpful!

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Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by snaphappytravel