Top Things to do in Cork
Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks 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. 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
2. 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.
3. St. Peter's Cork
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
St Peter’s Cork is situated in the heart of the Medieval city and is Cork’s oldest church with parts of the building dating back to 12th century. Though no longer a religious venue, the building is still open to the public and is a wonderful place to visit, an oasis of culture and heritage in the centre of the city. The venue can also be hired for corporate events, private receptions and even wedding ceremonies! St Peter’s offers a fantastic introduction to Cork culture with a central exhibition, A City by the Sea, telling the story of Cork from early settlers to modern day. Our friendly staff will be happy to show you around the venue and offer further information on the latest exhibitions and events in St Peter’s and around the city.
Reviewed By 498frankyc - Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland
A great place to visit if you love history as there is always an interesting exhibition to see there .Friendly and helpful staff ,wonderful coffee and scones and a great outside garden .
4. Blarney Stone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
Reviewed By AllanH328 - Bethesda, United States
Everyone says this is the most touristy thing to do in Ireland, but it was one of the funnest things we did. The castle and grounds were picturesque. You wind your way up the castle as you wait in line to kiss the Blarney Stone. Our wait was about 20 minutes which wasn't bad. It looks like on peak days could be over an hour. Once you get to the top you can watch others kissing the stone which was also fun. When it is your turn it goes very quickly so have your cameras ready!!! They also take a photo which you can buy.
5. Ballynatray House and gardens
6. Saint Fanahan's Well
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By kayrenh2017 - Mitchelstown, Ireland
Saint Fanahan is the patron saint of Mitchelstown. 1400 years ago this warrior saint built his abbey in Brigown (literally “Smith’s Hill” which is quite near where the well is located).. The Holy Well is situated where three streams meet, which was considered a very sacred space in pre-Christian times. Therefore, it is reasonable to suppose that prior to Saint Fanahan’s tenure in the locality, it was a place of Water Worship. The well is accessed primarily from Mulberry Lane, by a three step stile. Half a mile (approx) of a path, straight as a die, on a double banked ditch leads you to the bridge. At this juncture you turn left and the Holy Well is clearly seen. There are many traditions associated with the well. In decades gone past, cures were associated with the healing properties of the water. Saint Fanahan is revered in the locality. His feast day, 25th November, is observed as a special day. The novena prior to this feast day is observed by many faithful in the area to this day. Rosary is recited at the well at this time and an annual mass is celebrated in early summer. The path is lit up until midnight for a couple of weeks around his feast day. There is a horseshoe shaped path around the well. Traditionally people “did the rounds”, travelling around the path near the well three times, praying each time between rounds at the well. If you are in the locality this is a very special place where peace and tranquility are evident, every season of the year.
7. Elizabeth Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Elizabeth Fort is an early Seventeenth-century star-shaped fort in Cork City. This fort is steeped in history and the walls of the fort offer a fantastic view of the city below. Opening hours (October to April) Tuesday to Saturday; 10am - 5pm Sunday; 12noon - 5pm. Guided tour every day at 1pm, no booking necessary.
Reviewed By pucfada - Ennis, Ireland
Went on a visit to this of the path gem. If it is closed you ring and the onsite caretaker will let you up. It has great views over the city and is a nice time out, you will probably only need 30 to 40 mins to see everything but it has been restored and is worth a visit
8. Waterloo Round Tower
9. Michael Collins Monument
10. Gateway Pub
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
