Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Cork

"Cork's public gallery houses a small but excellent permanent collection covering the 17th century through to the modern day, though the works on display change from year to year. Highlights include paintings by... Top ChoiceMarket in Cork City"

"St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the first major work of Victorian architect William Burges, was completed in 1879. Details such as the gilded “resurrection angel” perched atop the roof may not have come cheap, but the result is an exemplar of ecclesiastical architecture. The cathedral has excellent acoustics, so consider it a bonus if your trip coincides with one of their regular concerts."

"The incredible three-spire St Finn Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879, its location on a site where Christian use dates back to the 7th century when there was a monastery on site. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork and lived in the 6th century. Legend has it, his remains were brought to the city and enclosed on a shrine located on the site of the cathedral."

"You’ll find Fitzgerald Park a handy stroll from University College Cork. This is the perfect place for those of you looking to escape the city for a while. Those that head for a wander here can expect gorgeous, tree-lined avenues, finely-manicured flower beds, a number of statues and a large fountain."

"Ashley recommended Fitzgerald Park in Cork, she says, “The playground is phenomenal. Lots of sensory things and a huge wooden castle structure with ladders, bridges and slides. Its location is beautiful and the park has a cafe."

"Charles Fort – Situated on the edge of the water in the scenic village of Summer Cove in the Kinsale harbour of County Cork, lies the impressive and historic Charles Fort. The castle was originally constructed in the year 1682, and it was built as the ‘new fort’, in contrast to the ‘old fort’, or James Fort, which was built in the early 17th century on the other side of the same harbour. The fort played a critical military role throughout the centuries that it was active, until the year 1921, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty."

"The British built Charles Fort on the east side of the Bandon River estuary in the late 17th century, after their defeat of the Spanish…"

"Another of the top things to do with kids in Cork is visit Zipit Forest Adventures. Children (over 7) and adults alike can enjoy this zip-line adventure park just outside Cork City. The panoramic views over Cork from the zip-lines are stunning – if you aren’t too distracted by hurtling at speed through the forest, that is!"

"Street and indoor markets form a significant part of Cork’s social and economic history, and the Coal Quay on Cornmarket Street is one of the oldest. Originally called St Peter’s, then the Irish Market, which ran from 1843 to 1955, the Bodega is a calm spot by day and a buzzing nightclub after dark. The menu features soups and small bites, vegan and superfoods, and Cork-inspired main dishes."

"In the Old Town of Cork you'll find Ireland's largest whiskey bar. The building is a cavernous converted warehouse with whitewashed walls, wooden floors, exposed beams and rotating exhibitions to add to its charm. In addition to the over 600 whiskeys on shelf, they also serve craft beers, pub food and Irish specialities."

"The Lewis Glucksman Gallery is a striking modern structure on the lush green campus of University College Cork. Completed by O’Donnell & Tuomey Architects in 2004 and named Best Public Building by the Royal Institute of Architects the following year, the building is a remarkable frame for the art on show. A former banker from New York, Lewis Glucksman settled in Cobh, County Cork and his philanthropic efforts focused on developing Irish-American cultural relations, also establishing Glucksman Ireland House – the centre for Irish and Irish-American studies at NYU."

"In a head-turning modern building unveiled in 2004, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery is at University College Cork’s main entrance on Western Road. The building won a raft of awards when it was completed, and was designed by the Irish firm, O’Donnell + Tuomey architects. The gallery has three floors of exhibition space, putting on three temporary shows a year."

"Although only a 30-minute walk from the city centre, the gaol is enveloped in tranquil and generous grounds. The austere stone structure first opened in 1824 and operated as a prison for 100 years. Countess Markievicz – the first woman elected to the British Parliament, although she did not take her seat – was incarcerated here in 1919 during the Irish War of Independence."

"Desmond Castle is an impressive and historic tower house that is located in the County Cork town of Kinsale and has a fantastic heritage. It was originally constructed in around the year 1500 after it was built as the Customs House for Kinsale; it continued this function until the year 1641 before it was converted into a naval prison. Throughout the following centuries, it changed its function again, ranging from a town gaol to a workhouse."

"Kinsale's roots in the wine trade are on display at this early-16th-century fortified house that was occupied by the Spanish in 1601. Since then it has served as a customs house, a prison for French and American..."

"Desmond Castle Kinsale Cork has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence."

"Seriously, when it comes to pizza, these guys can do no wrong. Add a side of any of their delicious chips and you're all set for the evening. Burnt are open for delivery and takeaway and on the deliveroo app from 4pm to 9pm."

"Serving the fruits of the sea in an unpreserved way, the Poachers Inn sources their seafood locally and daily, buying their prawns whole and live, as well as cooking and cracking their own crab. Freshness and quality are at the core of the Poachers Inn’s philosophy. The same goes for their game and poultry dishes, their home-grown salads and house-made breads and desserts."

"‘At Poachers Inn we are committed to presenting our customers with the freshest & best seafood that the West Cork coastline has to offer. We are also committed to giving you the fruits of the sea in a totally unpreserved way. We cook and crack our own crab….we don’t use the pasteurised product as it damages the natural sweetness of the product."