The Best of Cork

1. Cobh

A photogenic town nestled on an island in Cork city’s harbour. Famous for its Titanic Museum, towering Cathedral and brightly coloured houses where its streets climb the steep slope of a hill.

2. St. Finbarr’s Cathedral

From way up high to all the way down below, we don’t think there’s an angle where St. Finbarr’s Cathedral doesn’t look amazing! This church had gorgeous architecture, stained glass windows, and was full of history. It’s the most recent ecclesiastical site located where the saint is believed to have founded his monastic school in the 7th century. The whole location is absolutely picturesque.

3. Gougane Barra

Visit one of Ireland’s hidden gems! Take a stroll under the Sitka spruce trees at Gougane Barra or pop in to the adorable Gougane church. You will find waterfalls, spectacular forest walks, lake views and one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 100 toilets’.

4. Crawford Art Gallery

For the love of art, Crawford Art Gallery is a must visit! Founded in 1818 it is the regional art museum for Munster. Located in a significant heritage building in the heart of Cork city, dedicated to the visual arts both historic and contemporary. The gallery has been an important attraction for both locals and visitors, a critical part of Ireland’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year.

5. Old Head of Kinsale

This is the best spot for people looking to discover the best of Cork has to offer. The Old Head of Kinsale is a headland near Kinsale, County Cork and stretches about 4.5km into the Celtic Sea. Sitting and looking out from the Old Head of Kinsale has this magical power of making you feel so small versus the immense vastness of the cliffs and sea. The smaller you feel, the smaller your worries do as well.
 

6. Shandon Bells

Plan a worthwhile visit at Cork’s famous Shandon Bells & Tower.  It’s one of the oldest churches in the city built in 1722 and offers the best views across Cork City.
Did you know that the bells weigh over 6 tonnes in total, that’s the weight of 2 grown elephants! Climb the 132 steps in this towering 120ft structure and ring the bell in the first floor.

7. Kinsale

If you are looking for a picturesque place to spend a day out then the popular and historic town of Kinsale is your go to place. It is the medieval fishing port in County Cork and is quite famous for its lovely café’s, colourful houses and quaint shops.

8. Ballycotton Lighthouse

Experience the fresh sea air, beautiful cliff walks and be mesmerized by the natural beauty that is Ballycotton Lighthouse. It is one of only two black lighthouses in Ireland. The village of Ballycotton is known for some of the best seafood around so why not tackle the three-hour cliff walk and reward yourself with a portion of fish and chips.

9. River and Park Walk at Fitzgerald Park

Located on the banks of River Lee, this 18-acre park on Mardyke Walk is full of lovely surroundings, greenery with plenty of lawns to sit even a duck pond. The gardens are in full bloom during summer & well maintained with portable toilets and a kid’s play park. You’d also love the “graffiti lane” across the road by the University Sports grounds which has a lovely museum and a scrumptious café is just within reach and a great place for people of all ages to go visit!

10. English Market

Explore the Old English Market, known as Ireland’s most famous covered food market, located in the heart of Cork city and open since 1788.  A food lovers paradise, it has everything from fresh fish to fresh wine. An important part of food culture in Cork, one of the top places to visit in Cork with one of the nicest fishmongers in the world too!