Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Cork

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Cork from other articles such as Cork Silver Springs, travelireland.org, The Crazy Tourist, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Cork

Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle & Gardens
4.6 (7279 ratings)4.5 (6476 ratings)
Ruined castle housing the famed Blarney Stone, a kiss of which is said to grant the gift of the gab.
Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
CastleSights & LandmarksGardenHistoric SitesHistoric Walking AreasPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Crawford Art Gallery
Crawford Art Gallery
4.5 (778 ratings)4.5 (281 ratings)
Domestic arts centre showcasing a collection of 2000 paintings, sculpture, glass and video works.
Emmett Pl, Centre, Cork, Ireland
Art galleryMuseumsArt MuseumsPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Cork’s Must-Visit Contemporary Art Galleries
"The red-bricked Crawford Art Gallery is located right in the heart of the city, near the celebrated Cork Opera House and is at the core of the city’s culture. Developed from the former Custom House of Cork, the gallery is one of the city’s oldest at over 200 years old. Although the gallery houses a permanent collection of classic works, such as the antique statuary from the workshop of Antonio Canova, it also boasts a large, modern exhibition space."
Mentioned by Discovering Cork
Free Things To Do In Cork
"Crawford Art Gallery, the city art museum for Cork, is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year."
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
4.4 (1722 ratings)4.5 (892 ratings)
Spired, Gothic Revival building, designed by William Burges, hosting Church of Ireland services.
Bishop St, The Lough, Cork, Ireland
CathedralSights & LandmarksAnglican churchChristian churchReligious organizationArchitectural BuildingsSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by viahero.com
20 Amazing Things To Do in Cork 2021 - ViaHero
"St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a must for anyone who loves Gothic architecture. Dedicated to the patron saint of Cork, visitors are awed by the cathedral’s spires, immense stained glass windows, and incredibly detailed stonework. Built between 1865 and 1879, the cathedral’s history goes back to the 7th century—to when St. Fin Barre himself reportedly founded a monastery at the same site."
Mentioned by The Irish Road Trip
Blackrock Castle Observatory: A Guide for Visiting 2021
"The 19th century Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a fabulous example of Gothic Revival architecture and a must see for any visitor to Cork. Open every day except Sunday, the sculptures and carvings in the interior and exterior make it well worth the visit."
FitzGerald Park
FitzGerald Park
4.7 (3775 ratings)4.5 (542 ratings)
Popular green space with a museum, fountain, sculptures, walking paths & manicured landscaping.
Mardyke, Cork, Ireland
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by MyKidsTime
Fun Playgrounds in Cork to Take the Kids to
"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
Charles Fort
4.6 (1886 ratings)4.5 (1980 ratings)
Imposing remains of a late 1600s fortification featuring a star-shaped design & views over the sea.
Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland
CastleSights & LandmarksFortressHistoric Sites
Mentioned by travelireland.org
Cork Castles & Forts Places to visit in Cork Travel Ireland
"Charles Fort Kinsale County Cork is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and has five bastions, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, steeped in history and views over Kinsale Harbour and town."
Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Must see attractions in County Cork
"One of Europe's best-preserved star-shaped artillery forts, this vast 17th-century fortification would be worth a visit for its spectacular views alone. But there's much more here: the 18th- and 19th-century..."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in County Cork
"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…"
Trabolgan Holiday Village - Family Holidays & School Tours In Cork
Trabolgan Holiday Village - Family Holidays & School Tours In Cork
4 (1153 ratings)5 (188 ratings)
Whitegate, Midleton, Co. Cork, Ireland
Holiday parkNature & ParksAdventure sportsGo-kart trackHoliday accommodation serviceHoliday apartment rentalIndoor swimming poolSelf-catering accommodationNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by Family Fun
Things to do in Corkand Kids Activities in Cork
"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh
4.7 (1337 ratings)4.5 (1075 ratings)
It took 47 years to complete this monolithic Catholic place of worship that was consecrated in 1919.
5 Cathedral Pl, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
ChurchSights & LandmarksSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by Ireland 10 days itinerary
10 Days in Ireland: The Perfect Irish Road Trip Itinerary
"Definitely make time to visit the impressive St. Colman's Cathedral, and I also recommend going to the Titanic Experience. Cobh was the final port the Titanic stopped in before making its fateful way across the Atlantic (back then, the town was called Queenstown). The small Titanic Experience museum (which is housed in the former White Star Line Ticket Office) is very well done, and tells the story of the Titanic and the 123 passengers who boarded the ship in Cobh."
St. Peter's Cork
St. Peter's Cork
4.4 (234 ratings)4.5 (12 ratings)
87A N Main St, Centre, Cork, T12 RF8D, Ireland
Visitor centerSights & LandmarksCafeCoffee shopCultural centerWedding venuePoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Cork City Council
Cultural Partners
"St. Peter's Cork is one of Cork's oldest standing churches on one of Cork's oldest streets, North Main Street. The history of St. Peter's dates back to 1270's. Reopened in 2016 as Cork's Centre Of Commemoration for Ireland's 1916 Centenary Programme, St. Peter's is a free tourist attraction and exhibition space in Cork City Centre."
Mentioned by Family Fun
Things to do in Corkand Kids Activities in Cork
"St. Peter’s is a free tourist attraction in the heart of Cork city. With a full programme of arts and entertainment it’s a must see attraction for both tourists and locals."
Ballyhooly Castle
Ballyhooly Castle
4.4 (22 ratings)4.5 (6 ratings)
14 Main St, Killathy, Co. Cork, Ireland
CastleSights & LandmarksForests
Mentioned by Historic European Castles
Best castles in Cork
"Ballyhooly Castle is a beautiful 17th-century manor house that is situated in the north of County Cork; one of the main reasons in which the castle is famous is for the ‘Ballyhooly Massacre’, which occurred during the Irish Civil War, even though just one person was killed. Today, the castle grounds are open to the public; many visitors are attracted to the peaceful atmosphere of the village and the beautiful scenery. Where: BallyhoolyWhen: 17th centuryStyle: GothicOpen for visit: Private Residence – can only visit the grounds."
Barryscourt Castle
Barryscourt Castle
4 (42 ratings)4.5 (41 ratings)
Restored fortress with original towers and antique furnishings, plus a herb garden.
9 Patrick Pearse Pl, Carrigtohill, Co. Cork, T45 K093, Ireland
CastleSights & LandmarksHistorical place
Mentioned by Historic European Castles
Best castles in Cork
"Barryscourt Castle is an impressive historic castle that is located in County Cork, in the scenic town of Carrigtwohill. The grounds in which the castle is built has been inhabited for well over a thousand years; however, the first modern fortification is thought to have been built in the 12th century, after it was given to the de Barry family. The castle has changed shape over the years, having been rebuilt and renovated on several different occasions; the castle that stands today dates back mainly to the 16th century, and it is built in a traditional medieval architectural style."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Parks to Visit Near Cork
"One of Cork’s most stunning castles, Barryscourt’s grounds are equally impressive. The garden offers a beautiful replica of a medieval garden, laid out in the same fashion as Tower House Gardens would have been in its prime, with an orchard of native fruit trees and an authentic 16th-century herb garden. This is an atmospheric place to spend an afternoon, so consider packing a picnic and making a day of it."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Castles in Cork, Ireland
"A stunning example of a 15th-century tower house, the Norman-influenced Barryscourt Castle provided a home to the noble family of Norman de Barry for centuries. The well-maintained fortress features original towers, with antique interiors, and a fragrant herb garden. Request a tour of the site to get your bearings on the beauty of this modestly sized ‘domestic’ castle."

Historic Sites in Cork

Old Cork Waterworks Experience
Old Cork Waterworks Experience
4.7 (30 ratings)4 (52 ratings)
Lee Rd, Sunday's Well, Cork, T23 N828, Ireland
Visitor centerMuseumsCoffee shopEducational institutionHeritage museumPlaygroundHistoric SitesChildren's MuseumsHistory Museums
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle & Gardens
4.6 (7279 ratings)4.5 (6476 ratings)
Ruined castle housing the famed Blarney Stone, a kiss of which is said to grant the gift of the gab.
Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
CastleSights & LandmarksGardenHistoric SitesHistoric Walking AreasPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Cork City Gaol (Museum)
Cork City Gaol (Museum)
4.5 (1810 ratings)4.5 (1599 ratings)
Castle-like, restored 19th-century prison with exhibitions, night tours and a souvenir shop.
Convent Ave, Sunday's Well, Cork, Ireland
MuseumsHistory museumHistoric Sites
Mentioned by travelireland.org
Cork Castles & Forts Places to visit in Cork Travel Ireland
"Cork City Old Gaol Cork City which is located 2km from Cork's main thoroughfare, this castle like prison once housed 19th C. prisoners, often in wretched conditions. Wandering through the wings of Cork City Gaol, the atmosphere suggests you are accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates, each representing their particular period in Irish history from pre-famine times to the foundation of the State."

Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Cork

The Oyster Tavern
The Oyster Tavern
4.4 (968 ratings)
4 Market's Lane, Centre, Cork, T12 RV07, Ireland
BarBrunch restaurantCocktail barRestaurant
Lab 82 Coffee
Lab 82 Coffee
4.7 (468 ratings)
82 Lower Glanmire Rd, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 TK20, Ireland
CafeBrunch restaurantCake shopCoffee storeHamburger restaurantPancake restaurant
Mentioned by Ireland Before You Die
The 10 Best BRUNCH SPOTS in Co. Cork, Ireland (RANKED)
"For those with a sweet tooth, Lab 82 is the place for you when visiting Cork city. With six different types of pancakes on their menu, ranging from American style pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup to kinder bueno pancakes stacked with chocolatey goodness, there is something for all pancake lovers!. As if that is not enough, since opening in 2018 they have gone on to win awards for the Best Coffee in the Best of Cork Awards 2019."
Nash 19
Nash 19
4.3 (364 ratings)
19 Princes St, Centre, Cork, T12 W718, Ireland
RestaurantBreakfast restaurantCafeWine bar

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Cork

Rumley's Open Farm
Rumley's Open Farm
4.3 (554 ratings)3.5 (177 ratings)
Liberty HIll, Ballinvoultig, Waterfall, Co. Cork, Ireland
Sights & LandmarksFarms
Shandon Clock Tower
Shandon Clock Tower
5 (2 ratings)
Shandon, Co. Cork, Ireland
Historical landmark
Trabolgan Holiday Village - Family Holidays & School Tours In Cork
Trabolgan Holiday Village - Family Holidays & School Tours In Cork
4 (1153 ratings)5 (188 ratings)
Whitegate, Midleton, Co. Cork, Ireland
Holiday parkNature & ParksAdventure sportsGo-kart trackHoliday accommodation serviceHoliday apartment rentalIndoor swimming poolSelf-catering accommodationNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by Family Fun
Things to do in Corkand Kids Activities in Cork
"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Cork

4.5 (113 reviews)
Blarney Castle Hotel
Hotel
$138.58 /night
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4.2 (1600 reviews)
Radisson BLU Hotel & Spa, Little Island Cork
Hotel
$139.4 /night
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Travelodge Cork Airport
Hotel
$95.56 /night
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