Top Things to do in Cork
What to do and see in Cork, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips
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. Nano Nagle Place
Overall Ratings
5 based on 112 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 Sarah H
Nano Nagle Place was such a wonderful experience. The grounds are heavenly as is the small cafe situated there. Agnes at the welcome desk was so kind and thoughtful and I can’t thank her enough! The museum was interactive and very engaging. Would highly recommend...MoreSarah - Thanks for the lovely generous review. I'll be sure to pass on your compliments to Agnes. Do come and see us again - we are starting to curate regular cultural events - Concerts, lectures, book launches, Exhibitions etc. Kind regards, Shane Clarke (CEO)
2. Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Lovely walk suitable for all ages. (Children must be accompanied and not suitable for buggies)
Reviewed By bathtravel123 - Bath, Maine
Although not as dramatic as the West Coast of Ireland, the Ballycotton Cliff Walk was easy to find and provided a wonderful venue for an easy walk, on fairly level ground, that wandered above the sea along pastures and cows. A great sunny day activity!
3. Camden Fort Meagher
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By TonyKonTiki - Dublin, Ireland
We visited here today with The Italian Car Club of Ireland on a fundraising trip in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The weather was perfect. The staff there are wonderful, very knowledgeable and so helpful. We'll be back, without the great parking next time! A must see must do visit. Highly recommended.
4. University College Cork (UCC)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 825 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 SunnyHarry - Cork, Ireland
Very peaceful serene Victorian grounds great place to step back in time and getaway from the hussel bussel of the city. Free tours daily.
5. Fota Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Fota Wildlife Park is Cork's most visited Tourist Attraction and has been awarded best family day out in Cork and Munster. The Park is set on 70 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour only 15 minutes from Cork City (top 10 in the best cities to visit in the Lonely Planet guide's 'Best in Travel 2010').The park is not like an ordinary zoo; here you can come face to face with free roaming animals & birds from all parts of the world. So whether it's a kangaroo that hops in front of you or a ring tailed lemur which jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories.In addition to the wonderful array of free roaming animals, visitors also have the opportunity to see highly endangered species such as the Rothschild giraffe, European Bison, Lion Tailed Macaque and Scimitar Horned Oryx, most of them without the obstacle of fenced-in exhibits.This is the most spectacular aspect of Fota Wildlife Park, and is the reason you'll want to spend a full day exploring Ireland's Wildest Attraction.
Reviewed By KarlAndCatherine - Dublin, Ireland
- Great Fun - Well priced - Animal are well cared for - Good viewing opportunities - Nice gift shop - Good kids parks etc
6. Fitzgerald Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Reviewed By cocktailsfor2 - Cork, Ireland
Here is a gem in the middle of the city where you can stroll feed the birds and most of all engage and enjoy the true Cork man or woman at there best they love their city and their sport it’s an educational experience to listen ‘ friendly and sincere I’ll be back BOI ❤️❤️❤️❤️
7. St. Peter and Paul's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By James O - Cork, Ireland
There is something within this most magnificent church for everyone, whether you are religious or not. Firstly on walking through the doors into the dimly lit church the peace and quiet envelopes you, as not a single sound of the external hustle and bustle penetrates into this sanctuary of peace.
For the non religious the stained glass and timber carvings are a sight to behold, and the pulpit is one of the most beautiful timber carvings I have ever seen. The craftsmanship associated with every genre within the church is unsurpassed.
For everyone entering the sense of peace and quiet contemplation is priceless, an oasis of calm for your brain to contemplate anything or nothing as you so wish.
Well worth a visit to recharge your spirit.
8. The English Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By CignoNero - Tarzana
This is a great little market to wander around, shop for some fresh food and enjoy a lovely meal and people watching. The atmosphere at the cafe is bustling and crowded but it’s a fun and lively feeling. We had really great fresh food and coffee. It was a nice visit and I would definitely visit again.
9. Cork City Gaol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 RetiredGent60 - County Meath, Ireland
A little bit like Kilmainham Jail, Cork Jail is a mine of interesting history surrounding the English occupation of Ireland with the extra unexpected little gem that the building also served as the HQ for Cork local radio for many years! If you visit, id recommend getting the extra audio guide for a few euros more. A most enjoyable couple of hours.
10. St. Anne's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 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 Zaney72 - Bangor, United Kingdom
This was such a lovely place. We were able to have a look round the church before climbing the stairs to ring the bells. Several tunes are made out in numbers and 8 bells are numbered. I played Amazing Grace and it was actually recognised by some tourists behind me! Then we climbed up to the viewing balcony for a great view over Cork. There were about 140 stairs and it was very narrow near the top, but worth the exercise. There are a few wooden steps near the very top and you need to be quite agile to cope with these. On our return to the bottom, there was an Infian Orthodox service taking place in the chirch and we were able to stand quietly at the back and watch. It was a very moving experience.
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