Things to do in County Cork

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A coastal town with houses, boats, and a prominent cliff.
A stone bridge with ornate metal railings, a historic building with a pointed roof, and lush green trees.
A bustling street lined with shops and colorful flower arrangements.
A historic town with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by residential buildings and lush greenery.
A historic building with red brick and white stone, surrounded by a formal garden with geometric hedges and mature trees.

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 {174 fun activities in County Cork fun activities in County Cork}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Blarney Castle and Gardens

Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion

$90
per adult
Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion
From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

$67
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets
Morning Blarney Castle & Kinsale Half Day Tour from Cork

Morning Blarney Castle & Kinsale Half Day Tour from Cork

$53
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Morning Blarney Castle & Kinsale Half Day Tour from Cork
Cork Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, and More

Cork Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, and More

$65
per adult
Cork Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, and More
Rebel City Distillery Tour

Rebel City Distillery Tour

$32
per adult
Rebel City Distillery Tour
Ring of Kerry & Killarney tour departing from Cork City. Guided. Full Day.

Ring of Kerry & Killarney tour departing from Cork City. Guided. Full Day.

$86
per adult
Ring of Kerry & Killarney tour departing from Cork City. Guided. Full Day.
Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs from Kenmare.

Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs from Kenmare, Sneem etc.

$142
per adult
Private Tour:Ring of Kerry,Kerry Cliffs from Kenmare, Sneem etc.
From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

$67
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip
Fastnet Rock Lighthouse & Cape Clear Island tour departing Baltimore. West Cork.

Fastnet Rock Lighthouse & Cape Clear Island tour departing Baltimore. West Cork.

$89
per adult
Fastnet Rock Lighthouse & Cape Clear Island tour departing Baltimore. West Cork.
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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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A castle surrounded by lush greenery and a gravel path leading to it.

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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A grand hall with wooden bookshelves, a green table, and a stained glass window.

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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A food market with a deli counter displaying various meats and cheeses.

4. Cork City Gaol

Visit Cork City Gaol, where prisoners were held in gruesome conditions for almost a century during the 1800s and 1900s. Learn about this historic prison’s famous inmates, their crimes, escapes and executions while walking between the well-preserved cells. Cork City Goal opened in 1824 and became an all-female prison in 1878. It held a mix of well-known prisoners and poor citizens, many convicted of petty crimes such as stealing clothes and food.
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A multi-level atrium with stone walls, a central staircase, and a chandelier.

5. Blackrock Castle

Visit Blackrock Castle for an in-depth discovery of the universe in which we live and the chance to hear the stories of Cork’s ancient royal rulers. Officially the Blackrock Castle Observatory, The Space for Science, it has educational and historical exhibits suitable for all ages. Established as a stronghold in 1582, Blackrock Castle was later the seat of Cork’s maritime courts. It reopened as a science museum in 2007.
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A stone castle with a tall tower, a wooden door, and a paved pathway.

6. Mizen Head

The tip of Mizen Head is more or less an island, cut off by a deep chasm and spanned by a bridge giving access to an old signal station, weather station and lighthouse.
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A rugged coastline with steep cliffs and a turbulent sea.

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!

 

 

Stay near popular County Cork attractions

A castle surrounded by lush greenery and a gravel path leading to it.

Blarney Castle

9.4/10 (445 reviews)
Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.
See properties

Where to stay in County Cork

Find the best County Cork areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about County Cork
Learn more about County Cork
A bustling street lined with shops and colorful flower arrangements.

Cork City Centre

Cork City Centre is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St. Patrick's Street and Crawford Art Gallery while you're in town.

A historic church with a tall spire and stone walls.

South Parish

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

A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent church spire.

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.

A historic stone castle with a tall tower, a paved walkway, and a cannon.

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.

 

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

A large stone building with ivy-covered walls and a well-maintained garden with various flowers and shrubs.

Killarney

A river flowing through a town with historic houses and lush greenery.

Cork

A coastal town with houses, boats, and a prominent cliff.

Kinsale

A stone circle in a lush green field with rolling hills in the background.

Rosscarbery

A lighthouse, grassy hills, and a calm sea under a partly cloudy sky.

Youghal

A stone church by a calm lake with red flowers in the foreground.

Ballingeary

A historic building with red brick and white stone, surrounded by a formal garden with geometric hedges and mature trees.

Bantry

A river flowing through a town with a bridge and dense greenery on both sides.

Mallow

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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