What to do in County Cork

Activities, attractions and tours

Charles Fort showing general coastal views, boating and a coastal town
Ireland which includes a bridge as well as a couple
County Cork
County Cork
Bantry House showing a park, a city and heritage architecture
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Top places to visit

1. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.
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Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

2. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.
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University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village

3. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.
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English Market showing street scenes and heritage elements

4. Blarney Stone

Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.
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Blarney Stone showing chateau or palace, heritage elements and building ruins

5. Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.
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Fota Wildlife Park showing land animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

What to do in County Cork

Popular places to visit

Blarney Castle featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture

Blarney Castle

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.

Blarney Castle
University College Cork

University College Cork

Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

University College Cork
English Market which includes food, markets and interior views

English Market

Shop for fresh produce from around the world and sample traditional Cork dishes at this historic food market inside a grand Victorian building.

English Market
Blarney Stone

Blarney Stone

While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it.

Blarney Stone
Cork Opera House

Cork Opera House

Get tickets for a show at Cork Opera House, a popular theatre in Cork. Discover the lively bars in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Cork Opera House
Fota Wildlife Park showing land animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

Fota Wildlife Park

Watch cheetahs running at full speed for their lunch and feed penguins and lemurs in this large nature reserve on an island.

Fota Wildlife Park
Blackrock Castle which includes heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture

Blackrock Castle

Have fun with hands-on science exhibits, visit an interactive theater and learn about Cork’s past while you explore this 400-year-old riverfront castle.

Blackrock Castle
Cork City Gaol which includes a statue or sculpture, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Cork City Gaol

Experience the harshness of Irish penal life in the 19th century as you wander amid the cells of this architecturally impressive former prison.

Cork City Gaol
Inchydoney Island Beach

Inchydoney Island Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Inchydoney Island Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Inchydoney. Visit the spas in this relaxing area or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Inchydoney Island Beach

Explore areas of County Cork

English Market showing markets, food and interior views

Cork City Centre

Travellers come to Cork City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Cork Opera House and English Market while you're in town.

Cork City Centre
Glucksman Gallery which includes modern architecture

South Parish

If you're spending some time in South Parish, Cork City Hall and Elizabeth Fort are top sights worth seeing.

South Parish
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Victorian Quarter

Victorian Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Everyman Palace Theatre and Leisureplex while you're in town.

Victorian Quarter
Blackrock Castle showing heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture

Blackrock

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Blackrock. You might want to make time for a stop at Blackrock Castle or Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

Blackrock
St. Anne\'s Shandon Church featuring a city

Shandon

Shandon is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bells of Shandon or Murphy's Brewery.

Shandon
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Wilton

When in Wilton, you can plan a visit to Musgrave Park and Cork County Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wilton

Day trip destinations from County Cork

Cork

Cork

Photo by Henry McCrea

Ballingeary

Blarney Castle featuring a castle, flowers and heritage elements

Blarney

Fota Wildlife Park which includes zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Fota