Top Things to do in Cork
What to do and see in Cork, Province of Munster: The Best Sightseeing Tours
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. Cliffs of Moher Private Tour from Cork
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that captures the hearts of up to 1 million visitors each year. The Cliffs rise up to 214 (700 feet) at the highest point and range for 8km over the Atlantic Ocean on the Western seaboard of Co. Clare.
Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By XO2travel2
My husband and I have traveled to Europe over a dozen times in the last twenty years. We’ve always traveled independently doing our own research and making our own reservations. We’re very comfortable taking public transportation in Europe and have also driven rental cars. A few years ago, we started purchasing small group or private tours for day trips and museum tours. We find them to be a great value for the personalized experience you receive. The key is doing your research ahead of time and finding the right tour company for you. For our trip to Ireland in August 2019, I found several highly-rated companies that offered day trips in southern Ireland. We ended up selecting MunsterBus Tours and had a fantastic experience. We booked with MunsterBus Tours because of their good customer reviews and excellent customer service in planning the trip – specifically my interactions with Linda Conway. Linda and I emailed back and forth to plan our two day trips for 4 adults. She was very responsive and professional (with a nice sense of humor). She took the time to really think about the information I sent her and then responded with detailed information and personalized itinerary options for us to consider. I also emailed Linda while in Ireland for advice with something not related to our day trips and she responded immediately with very helpful suggestions. Great customer service! We were also delighted to find the actual day trips were very enjoyable. Our driver and guide for both days was Craig. He was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and a very good driver. He did a great job balancing informing us, entertaining us (we had fun singing Irish songs) and giving us quiet time. Craig made our time in southern Ireland even more enjoyable. When we return to continue our exploration, we will definitely use MunsterBus Tours!!
2. Blarney Castle, Cork City and Cobh Private Tour from Killarney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Explore southwest Ireland with a personal guide on this private, full-day tour of timeworn castles, rugged coastlines, and cities steeped in history. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, visit Cork, and see where the 'Titanic' set sail from Cobh. Pricing is per group, based on a maximum of nine people on this day trip from Killarney.
Inclusions: Private guide, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By XO2travel2
My husband and I have traveled to Europe over a dozen times in the last twenty years. We’ve always traveled independently doing our own research and making our own reservations. We’re very comfortable taking public transportation in Europe and have also driven rental cars. A few years ago, we started purchasing small group or private tours for day trips and museum tours. We find them to be a great value for the personalized experience you receive. The key is doing your research ahead of time and finding the right tour company for you. For our trip to Ireland in August 2019, I found several highly-rated companies that offered day trips in southern Ireland. We ended up selecting MunsterBus Tours and had a fantastic experience. We booked with MunsterBus Tours because of their good customer reviews and excellent customer service in planning the trip – specifically my interactions with Linda Conway. Linda and I emailed back and forth to plan our two day trips for 4 adults. She was very responsive and professional (with a nice sense of humor). She took the time to really think about the information I sent her and then responded with detailed information and personalized itinerary options for us to consider. I also emailed Linda while in Ireland for advice with something not related to our day trips and she responded immediately with very helpful suggestions. Great customer service! We were also delighted to find the actual day trips were very enjoyable. Our driver and guide for both days was Craig. He was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and a very good driver. He did a great job balancing informing us, entertaining us (we had fun singing Irish songs) and giving us quiet time. Craig made our time in southern Ireland even more enjoyable. When we return to continue our exploration, we will definitely use MunsterBus Tours!!
3. Ring of Kerry Private Tour from Cork
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 16 reviews
The Ring of Kerry (or Iveragh Peninsula) is the Kerry tourist trail and part of the mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question, part of the Wild Atlantic Way in the Southwest region a 112 mile drive out into the Atlantic on a peninsula.
Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private tour, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By XO2travel2
My husband and I have traveled to Europe over a dozen times in the last twenty years. We’ve always traveled independently doing our own research and making our own reservations. We’re very comfortable taking public transportation in Europe and have also driven rental cars. A few years ago, we started purchasing small group or private tours for day trips and museum tours. We find them to be a great value for the personalized experience you receive. The key is doing your research ahead of time and finding the right tour company for you. For our trip to Ireland in August 2019, I found several highly-rated companies that offered day trips in southern Ireland. We ended up selecting MunsterBus Tours and had a fantastic experience. We booked with MunsterBus Tours because of their good customer reviews and excellent customer service in planning the trip – specifically my interactions with Linda Conway. Linda and I emailed back and forth to plan our two day trips for 4 adults. She was very responsive and professional (with a nice sense of humor). She took the time to really think about the information I sent her and then responded with detailed information and personalized itinerary options for us to consider. I also emailed Linda while in Ireland for advice with something not related to our day trips and she responded immediately with very helpful suggestions. Great customer service! We were also delighted to find the actual day trips were very enjoyable. Our driver and guide for both days was Craig. He was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and a very good driver. He did a great job balancing informing us, entertaining us (we had fun singing Irish songs) and giving us quiet time. Craig made our time in southern Ireland even more enjoyable. When we return to continue our exploration, we will definitely use MunsterBus Tours!!
4. Cork Culinary Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 22 reviews
Guests are introduced to the 'City of a Thousand Welcomes' with our experienced, local guides who share their passion and knowledge of their beloved city. . Each experience is facilitated by a culinary host with luxury upgrade options. Our virtual events are designed to bring people together, with a mission to deepen human connection through storytelling and food (and drinks, of course!) The tour wanders through Cork's famous food and beverage market, the English Market, in operation since the 18th century. Here guests get to meet and chat with local traders for a bit of 'the craic'( Irish for fun) Cork Culinary Tour takes in the very best the city has to offer. With artisan cheese from local award winning cheesemakers, mouthwatering seafood fresh from the Atlantic, local handmade Irish bread and gourmet handmade country sausage washed down with a creamy pint. The tour finishes in a relaxed gastro-pub where guests can enjoy a light lunch and a local beverage of choice.
Inclusions: Snacks, Light lunch, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions:
Reviewed By zoezard
Frances was an incredibly knowledgeable, organized and insightful tour guide. I always like booking with natives of the country/area because they have an appreciation and understanding of the life around them unlike any other. Our tour was planned out perfectly, easily walkable and a good length of time. During the tour we got to sample some incredible food from multiple different restaurants, watch a very impressive demonstration on making real Irish coffees and so much more. Throughout the trip Frances even threw in bits of information about Kinsale’s history. She truly went above and beyond the entire tour. I would highly recommend booking with Bonner Travel if you ever get the chance to visit Ireland. It’s such a beautiful country and there are so many hidden gems. My only complaint is that we couldn’t spend more time in Ireland, and book more of her tours!
5. 2-Day Cork, Blarney Castle and Ring of Kerry Rail Trip from Dublin
Overall Ratings
4.2 based on 43 reviews
Explore Cork, Blarney Castle and the stunning coastal scenery of the Ring of Kerry at your leisure on this relaxed overnight rail and coach tour from Dublin. With an overnight stop in the lively town of Killarney, this is the ultimate opportunity to soak up the friendly Irish culture and enjoy the company of the charming locals.
Inclusions: Host on trains, Breakfast, Information pack, Reserved seats on trains, Driver/guide, All travel by rail and coach from Dublin Heuston Station, Overnight accommodation including full Irish breakfast
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By JarveC
As a party of four we have just had an amazing 3 night 4 day experience on the Emerald Pullman First Class Train Trip. The journey took in many of Ireland's most scenic & spectacular locations including Waterford Crystal, Killarney, The Ring of Kerry , Cliffs of Moher & Galway Bay to name just a few .. We experienced first class service from the time we left Connolly Station. The whole experience was completely relaxing and hassle free as everything was organised for us every step of the way, from the lovely hotels we stayed in to the wonderful tours of our beautiful country. Would highly recommend Railtours Ireland if planning a staycation and a huge thanks & appreciation to Jim Deegan and his very professional team for a great holiday in Ireland.
6. Cork Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour (Hopper Bus)
Overall Ratings
3.3 based on 16 reviews
With the Cork Hopperbus passengers can hop-on board any time of day and use their ticket over 24 or 48 hours to take in the ‘must see’ attractions in County Cork.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hop-on hop-off tour, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Gary E
We did the half day tour starting at Dingle. Picked up at Heatons excellent guest house, drove the headlands in driving rain and wind, but still a fantastic trip. Tour of beehive huts, famed beaches, and Oratory. Spring would be grand with LOTS of fuschias.
7. Cork Self-Guided Audio Tour
Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. This magical walking audio tour will take you strolling along popular St Patrick’s Street, the enchanting English Market echoing with the sound of the bell of St. Anne's Church.
Inclusions: Zip folder of audio files and map, Self-Guided Audio Tour, Self-paced, Downloadable link to download mp3 file and map
Exclusions: Audio Device, Transportation, Food/Drinks, Headphones
8. 8 days touring in Ireland
We offer a private tour around Ireland. We provide top class vehicle and knowledged drivers/guides. All drivers and vehicles are fully certified. As it is a private tour, our aim is to offer you, your family and friends tailor made tours of Ireland whereby you and your party can enjoy and savour the delights of this island’s most exciting destinations. We offer you the chance to escape to some of the most fantastic locations in Ireland. No tour size is too big or too small as we cater from 1 person upwards. No excursion length is too short or too long, our tours start from day trip onwards. As our trips are tailor made for you, we can extend them upon your request. Together with you, we will plan an itinerary that suits you and your group/party. If some part of the itinerary we offer needs to be changed or you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together we will create your best itinerary.
Inclusions: Parking Fees
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Y9349LFmaureenb
Knowledgeable and attentive tour guide. Felt absolutely safe taking in the rugged beauty of the stormy coastline. Much better than a crowded tour bus!
9. Shore excursion from Cobh to Blarney & Kinsale
Visit Blarney. Option to visit the famous Blarney Castle where you can kiss the Blarney Stone in order to have 'the gift of the gab' bestowed upon you. . . . . . . . or maybe you don't need it? You could just enjoy a visit to the castle gardens. Another option is the famous 'Blarney Woollen Mills' adjacent to the castle, which are hugely popular. Continue to Kinsale for lunch - the gourmet capital of Ireland by the sea, with its yacht-filled marina, narrow winding streets and brightly painted galleries. Visit to Ringfinan 9/11 memorial garden. Return to Cobh for a visit before returning to the ship.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Admissions
Reviewed By ROWINGGUY
We were a small group of three with Mary G as our walking tour guide of Killarney. While we all had been in Killarney a few times over the years, this was our first time actually taking a walking tour there. It was well worth it as Mary gives insights into the town’s history and heritage that only a local will know. She was born and schooled in Killarney so she really shares her passion for her home town. As Mary has lived in France and Italy, she is very capable of putting the stories of Killarnye in a European context. So it was really interesting also to hear her stories of what French and Europeans enjoy about Killarney. It’s only when you take a tour with Mary that you see and discover things are only known to locals; interesting insights into medieval laneways, hidden architectural gems and a fabulous walk through the environs of Killarney House and National Park. We enjoyed the glorious gardens, fantastic views over the lakes and even saw deer grazing in nearby paddocks. When you have a few spare hours, a walking tour of Killarney Town with Mary G is highly recommended.
10. Killarney to Cork Touring on route
This is a wonderful private Luxury tour between Killarney & Cork. Viewing on route quaint towns & villages. Kiss the Blarney stone & explore the wonderful interesting & beautifully sculpted gardens. Luxurious cars & MPV mercedes vehicles. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Cork City before arriving at your hotel!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board, Mineral Water
Exclusions: Food drink & entrances are not included, Entrances, Discretionary spending
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