Top Things to do in Cork
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Cork, Province of Munster
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. Glenview Gardens & Fairy Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
Open end of May 2021 . A beautiful 3 acre garden with amazing designs and fun for all the family in West Cork, including a Fairy Fort and Fairies Trail. This 3 acre garden is full of surprises with each garden style flowing into the next. The front garden contains a sunken white garden, an Italianate canal and a Japanese garden. The boundary wisteria walk opens out into the bog garden and woodland area, from where you can continue to the tea house to enjoy a view of the Mediterranean and tropical gardens. Wander over the birch mound, which is surrounded by the wildflower meadow, into the walled kitchen garden to view the seasonal vegetables. The kids will have great fun visiting the Fairy Fort built right through the birch mound or searching for the fairy houses in the Fairies woods. View the Budgies, Parakeets, Finches, Ducks and Chickens in the Aviary.
Reviewed By Livingfortravel101
Recently I took a trip to glenview gardens and had a fantastic experience. It is not only a great trip for garden lovers but also has plenty on offer for kids. From fairy trails, dinosaurs, teddy bear picnics, birds, goats, fish, rabbits and lots of other surprises along the way. I would highly recommend a trip to see the gardens. Unfortunately it was raining for our trip but that still didn’t dampen our spirts. I can only imagine how beautiful it is on a sunny day.
2. Nano Nagle Place
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 422 reviews
Nano Nagle Place is a restored walled convent with beautiful hidden gardens and graveyards, the fab Good Day Deli garden café and design & book shop in the centre of bustling Cork city. Our state of the art heritage centre tells the extraordinary story 18th century Cork and how Nano Nagle worked tirelessly to educate the poor of the city. History, heritage, culture, great food & coffee, stunning architecture & landscaping and a very warm welcome await! Come and explore all that's good in Cork!
Reviewed By L8627DKchristinet
Just had a delightful visit to Nano Nagle Place. Even though we had to queue for lunch it was so worth the wait. The menu was amazing and the food delicious. Coffee is top class. After lunch we had a guided tour through the fascinating museum and rooms that Nano used to frequent. The interactive slides and videos are very interesting and informative. The gardens hold lots of surprises including water features and beautiful spaces. A lovely, peaceful oasis in the middle of Cork City. Well worth a visit.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The English Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,016 reviews
Reviewed By 602ruairim - Cork, Ireland
The Old English Market is well worth a visit with a huge variety of stalls / stores from the good auld Irish Breakie to the more discerning flavors, for coffee lovers and foodies alike and for the ever changing tastes of Cork. Take a wander down the many isles of this fascinating indoor market or have a cuppa and watch the world go by. Come along you wont be disappointed
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Fitzgerald Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
Reviewed By CharlieCKE - Cork, Ireland
What a lovely treasure this park is! Spacious and picturesque, it is a haven in an urban place. You can come on your own but like me come with grandchildren and oh how fantastic it is! There’s a huge wooden fort with sandpit and other things so you couldn’t ask for more. Plus there’s a lovely pond with ducks! Highly recommended
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