Things to do in County Cork

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Charles Fort featuring boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Ireland showing a bridge as well as a couple
Cork City Centre featuring street scenes, a city and flowers
Cork featuring a city, landscape views and a sunset
Bantry House and Garden featuring a park, a castle and heritage architecture

County Cork Attractions

It's no wonder so many vacationers head to County Cork each year. This delightful city is overflowing with things to do. Whether you're interested in visiting local attractions or attempting more adventurous experiences, it's tough to be bored here.

Find out what makes County Cork tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {99 fun activities in County Cork fun activities in County Cork}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

County Cork must see attractions

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 featuring heritage elements, a castle 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 interior views, food and markets

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 featuring zoo animals and land animals as well as a small group of people

6. Bantry House

Visit Bantry House for an impressive collection of art, lavish furniture, paintings and tapestries. Many of these treasures were collected from around the world by the second Earl of Bantry. The earl's travels also inspired Bantry House's garden. Italianate in style, the garden features a number of terraces, providing spectacular views of a wisteria-encircled fountain, the sea and Whiddy Island. The garden also features the Hundred Steps, a steep staircase which provides a great view of the house.
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Bantry House and Garden featuring a park, a castle and heritage architecture

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What to do in County Cork

Free Things to Do in County Cork

There's no need to give your credit card a workout in County Cork. The following won't even cost a penny.

Cork Public Museum - Take the whole family and enjoy an intriguing adventure through history together.

Trinity Bridge - This well-known landmark is a wonderful backdrop for that vacation profile pic.

St. Patrick's Bridge - Feel like you've taken a step back in time while discovering the secrets of this historic attraction.

English Market - Widely renowned among local residents, this place is worth exploring.

Saint Peter and Paul's Church - Whether you're spiritual or not, this site is sure to inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Fitzgerald Park - If you take pleasure in digging about the garden, this place will excite your green thumb.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in County Cork? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in County Cork

Blarney Castle featuring heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture

Blarney Castle

4.5/5(167 reviews)

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 showing a river or creek and a small town or village

University College Cork

4.5/5(44 reviews)

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 showing interior views, food and markets

English Market

4.5/5(120 reviews)

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 showing chateau or palace, heritage elements and building ruins

Blarney Stone

4.5/5(166 reviews)

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
City center of Cork, Republic of Ireland

Cork Opera House

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Enjoy a show at Cork Opera House, a storied theater in Cork. Discover the lively bars in this walkable area, or seek out the local tours.

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

Fota Wildlife Park

4/5(9 reviews)

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
Bantry House and Garden featuring a park, a castle and heritage architecture

Bantry House

4.5/5(13 reviews)

This privately owned 18th-century estate looks out over Bantry Bay. Stay for the afternoon or splurge and spend the night.

Bantry House
Wagon in the Jameson Distillery yard

Jameson Experience

5/5(3 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Jameson Experience during your trip to Midleton. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Jameson Experience
Unexpected beach in Ireland with white sand and clear blue waters

Inchydoney Island Beach

4.5/5(6 reviews)

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

Inchydoney Island Beach

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in County Cork

English Market featuring interior views, food and markets

Cork City Centre

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Cork City Centre is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Oliver Plunkett Street and Cork Opera House while you're in town.

Cork City Centre
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Victorian Quarter

4.5/5(60 area reviews)

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
Glucksman Gallery showing modern architecture

South Parish

While visiting South Parish, you might make a stop by sights like Elizabeth Fort and Cork City Hall.

South Parish
St. Anne\'s Shandon Church featuring a city

Shandon

4/5(8 area reviews)

Shandon is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Bells of Shandon and Butter Museum while in the area.

Shandon
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Wilton

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

Wilton
Blackrock Castle featuring chateau or palace, heritage elements 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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from County Cork

Muckross House showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and flowers

Killarney

University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village

Cork

Charles Fort featuring boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbor

Kinsale

Photo by Our Global Adventure

Rosscarbery

Photo by Henry McCrea

Ballingeary

Bantry House and Garden featuring a park, a castle and heritage architecture

Bantry

Photo by Steve Maricle

Skibbereen

Photo by alusoare.com

Goleen

Frequently asked questions

What to do in County Cork on a sunny day?
What is County Cork famous for?
Make it a priority to see Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone if you want to be impressed.
What should I not miss in County Cork?
Don't head home without ticking off the following inspiring sights:

  • University College Cork
  • Bantry House
  • Cork City Hall
  • Charles Fort

Are there cheap things to do in County Cork?
What can you do in County Cork for free?
You could put your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these top attractions can be seen for nothing:

  • Mizen Head
  • Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
  • Bells of Shandon
  • St. Anne's Shandon Church

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