Top Things to do in Cork
10 Sights & Landmarks in Cork That You Shouldn't Miss
Plan to cross many bridges when in Cork. Ireland's third-largest city began life as an island and now spans both banks of the River Lee, with watery channels running beneath some of its main thoroughfares. The best way to experience this hilly southern seaport is on foot, following the signposted walking tour past St. Finn Barre's Cathedral and the riverside quadrangle of University College up the hill to red and white Shandon Church. Along the way, you'll meet plenty of the city's talkative residents.
Restaurants in Cork
1. Grace Christian Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Grace Church is a contemporary Christian Community who meet Sundays 10 & 12 and Tuesday Nights 7:30. As an Irish Charismatic/Pentecostal church we are Non-Denominational. We love to see new people & consider it an honour to have spiritual seekers journey with us as we discover more about the Living Saviour. You'll be given a warm welcome, a cead mile failte, when you visit Grace Christian Church
2. Blarney Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,308 reviews
Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. LAST ADMISSION IS 60 MINS BEFORE CLOSING TIME/Dogs Not Permitted/Drone Photography Prohibited
Reviewed By rulesnations - Tuscaloosa, United States
Our family had a great trip to Blarney, perfect weather and beautiful grounds are beyond what I expected. I imagine the busy travel season might be tougher on kissing the stone but we only waited 20-30 mins and the walk up is interesting as you read each plaque. The Stone was fine but I never expected the amount of other opportunities to be so good. Kids absolutely loved it, would highly recommend a full day there.
3. Cork City Gaol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,784 reviews
Corks Most Captivating Experience:A step back in time to see what 19th/early 20th century life was like-inside and outside prison walls. Historical experience brought to life with amazingly lifelike figures, furnished cells, sound effects & fascinating exhibitions. This exhibition fascinates visitors of all ages and nationalities and the tour is available in up to 13 languages.
Reviewed By 203sylvanah - Ireland, null
Brilliant activity to do, cool to see the history of the place, very interesting place to see. You are given headphones on this tour so you can take your time looking around pause and play again when ready.
4. Church of Ireland Church
5. Crawford Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Crawford Art Gallery is a National Cultural Institution and regional art museum for Munster, dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary. Admission to the Gallery and to exhibitions is free. The permanent collection comprises almost 4,000 works, ranging from eighteenth century Irish and European painting and sculpture, through to contemporary video installations. At the heart of the collection is a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, brought to Cork in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome. Through its temporary exhibitions, publications and education programmes, the Crawford Art Gallery is committed to fostering recognition, critical assessment, and acknowledgement of historical and contemporary Irish and international art practice. Located in the heart of Cork city, the gallery is a critical part of Ireland's cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming almost 200,000 visitors a year.
Reviewed By John_B503778 - Epping, United Kingdom
Crawford art Gallery is a must go to place off the main shopping area a red brick building with wonderful metal gates , the gallery rooms are full with wonderful works of art and when you are ready a place for tea , breakfast or lunch , plus a well stocked book shop
6. St. Anne's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
One of Cork's most prominent landmarks, you can enjoy the unique experience of ringing the original 18th Century Church bells, view the mechanism of the famous four faced liar clock, climb the tower to experience spectacular views of Cork City and beyond and visit the beautiful interior of St, Anne's church, one of Cork's oldest buildings.
Reviewed By JohnL365 - Dungarvan, Ireland
A unique experience. Ring the famous bells, even play a tune on them…… that is great fun for all ages. The steep climb up the narrow stairs was an adventure and well worth the effort. The views of the city from the top are spectacular. In contrast to the clang of the bells is the silence in the church. A little cameo stained glass window provides a meditative environment. Last, but the not least, were the very helpful staff who made our little group so welcome. To become a true Cork person, you must visit Shandon and ring the bells.
7. St Fin Barre's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
A stately 19th-century cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Cork.
Reviewed By igal27 - Rehovot, Israel
The walk up to the cathedral through the grounds is very impressive -- the cathedral is imposing and the grounds inviting. The kids enjoyed playing in the grass and walking through the maze. The cathedral from the inside is stunning, well worth a visit.
8. University College Cork (UCC)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 938 reviews
University College Cork is one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities. It boasts a vibrant, modern campus with a student experience second to none in Ireland. A learning community where the student is at the heart of everything and the special relationship between student and lecturer is primary to our unique ethos. The campus is located a mere ten minutes walk from the heart of Cork city, a former European Capital of Culture. Cork is listed as a top ten location in the Lonely Planet guide which states it “has always had an unshakeable self-confidence and innate sense of pride”, a description which is equally applicable to the University itself
Reviewed By L7349ADroberto - Green Bay, United States
For the past five years, I've lead a study abroad program in Ireland that involved living and studying at UCC for a week. The summer accommodations on campus are open to the public and are an easy walk to downtown. The Student Center is open Mondays thru Fridays during the summer offering an affordable and pleasant place for breakfast and lunch. We always start our week by taking the campus walking tour provides a good overview of the college and its unique history.
9. Saint Francis Church
10. Holy Trinity Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By mariec8513 - Cork, Ireland
This is an amazing piece of gothic architecture built very slowly using wheelbarrows and painstaking stonework in a time when money ran out and work ceased until it could be resumed. The church has a friary within it and its interior is beautiful, there are windows there by Harry Clarke, which are resplendent and very ornate, The altar is embellished with cloisoinne, and behind it is a window dedicated to James Connolly, one of our brave freedom fighters.
