County Cork Local Expert: Find Things To Do in County Cork

A coastal town with houses, boats, and a prominent cliff.

A stone bridge with ornate metal railings, a historic building with a pointed roof, and lush green trees.

A bustling street lined with shops and colorful flower arrangements.

A historic town with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by residential buildings and lush greenery.

A historic building with red brick and white stone, surrounded by a formal garden with geometric hedges and mature trees.

Things to do

Blarney Castle and Kinsale Tour from Cork

HK$537

per adult

Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs from Kenmare, Sneem etc.

HK$1,138

per adult

Morning Blarney Castle & Kinsale Half Day Tour from Cork

HK$428

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

HK$537

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

From Cork: Full-Day Guided Tour to Dingle Peninsula

HK$537

per adult

Rebel City Distillery Tour

HK$255

per adult

Kinsale Sea Safari: Old Head of Kinsale Rib Tour

HK$683

per adult

Cork: Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience

HK$254

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

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Top places to visit

1. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.

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A historic castle with a tall tower, surrounded by lush greenery and a field of yellow flowers.

2. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.

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An arched stone corridor with a tiled floor leading to a park.

3. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.

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The English Market in Cork, featuring brick architecture and a crowd of people.

4. Blackrock Castle

Visit Blackrock Castle for an in-depth discovery of the universe in which we live and the chance to hear the stories of Cork’s ancient royal rulers. Officially the Blackrock Castle Observatory, The Space for Science, it has educational and historical exhibits suitable for all ages. Established as a stronghold in 1582, Blackrock Castle was later the seat of Cork’s maritime courts. It reopened as a science museum in 2007.

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A historic castle by a river with lush greenery and a distant view of a town.

5. Cork City Gaol

Visit Cork City Gaol, where prisoners were held in gruesome conditions for almost a century during the 1800s and 1900s. Learn about this historic prison’s famous inmates, their crimes, escapes and executions while walking between the well-preserved cells. Cork City Goal opened in 1824 and became an all-female prison in 1878. It held a mix of well-known prisoners and poor citizens, many convicted of petty crimes such as stealing clothes and food.

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A multi-level atrium with stone walls, a central staircase, and a chandelier.

6. Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.

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A group of giraffes standing close together in a fenced enclosure with a grassy area and trees in the background.

What to do in County Cork

Stay near popular County Cork attractions

Blarney Castle

9.4/10 (445 reviews)

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.

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Where to stay in County Cork

Find the best County Cork areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about County Cork

An indoor market with various stalls selling organic foods and fresh produce.

Cork City Centre

Travellers come to Cork City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like St. Patrick's Street and Crawford Art Gallery while you're in town.

A historic church with a tall spire and stone walls.

South Parish

If you're spending some time in South Parish, Cork City Hall and Elizabeth Fort are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent church spire.

Victorian Quarter

Victorian Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Everyman Palace Theatre and Leisureplex while you're in town.

A historic stone castle with a tall tower, a paved walkway, and a cannon.

Blackrock

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Blackrock. You might want to make time for a stop at Blackrock Castle or Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

A narrow street with historic buildings, a clock tower, and parked cars.

Shandon

Shandon is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bells of Shandon or Butter Museum.