Things to do in Cork

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village
English Market showing interior views and markets as well as a small group of people
Cork featuring landscape views, night scenes and a city
Cork featuring a city, landscape views and a sunset
Cork City Centre featuring street scenes

Cork Attractions

If you're after exciting activities in Cork, plan on being busy. This bustling city knows how to turn up the fun. Whatever your tastes, you'll be inspired by the selection of attractions to get stuck into here. Read on to discover a few of our favorites.

Explore the sights of Cork with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {70 fun activities in Cork fun activities in Cork}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and concentrate on planning the perfect vacation.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Cork must see attractions

1. 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.
Learn more
University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village

2. 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.
Learn more
English Market showing interior views, food and markets

3. 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.
Learn more
Cork City Gaol which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture

4. 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.
Learn more
Blackrock Castle featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a river or creek

5. St. Patrick's Bridge

Visit St. Patrick’s Bridge, a centuries-old structure spanning the River Lee. It has played a key role in Cork’s trading heritage. First opened in 1789 but destroyed by flooding that year and again in 1853, the 167-foot-long (51-meter) bridge reopened in 1859. The idea behind St. Patrick’s Bridge was to provide the butter merchants with a convenient link from the north side of the river to the docks and warehouses of the city center.
Learn more
St. Patrick\'s Bridge showing heritage elements, a river or creek and a bridge

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.
Book now

Recommended things to do in Cork

Number of things to do
70
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Corks Highlights and Rebels Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Cork

Free Things to Do in Cork

Taking a break in Cork on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.

Cork Public Museum

- See if there are any special displays, exhibits or tours on at this respected museum.

Trinity Bridge

- Stop by this modern landmark and enjoy its design.

St. Patricks Bridge

- If you're interested in history, this is one attraction you can't miss.

English Market

- If you're eager to check out a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

Saint Peter and Pauls Church

- Spend a bit of time in meditation or prayer at this religious site.

Fitzgerald Park

- If you relish hanging out in the garden, this attraction will satisfy your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Cork with Kids

There's no excuse for the kids to complain about being bored in Cork. Treat them to these family friendly experiences that'll keep everyone happy:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in 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 Cork

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
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
Cork City Gaol which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Cork City Gaol

4.5/5(25 reviews)

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
Blackrock Castle featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Blackrock Castle

4.5/5(27 reviews)

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
St. Patrick\'s Bridge showing heritage elements, a river or creek and a bridge

St. Patrick's Bridge

4/5(29 reviews)

Take in views of the River Lee from this 18th-century bridge and wander through Cork’s city center via one of the city’s most historic streets.

St. Patrick's Bridge
St. Finbarr\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and religious aspects

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

4.5/5(48 reviews)

With its richly decorated façade and opulent interior designs, this mid-19th century cathedral is one of Cork’s most instantly recognizable monuments.

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Last stop: Market Lane, Oliver Plunkett St. The best way to finish a day in Cork city is by heading to Market Lane for a delicious meal. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the food is gorgeous. They are also well known for their artisan desserts.

Oliver Plunkett Street

You can do some window-shopping at Oliver Plunkett Street during your trip to Cork. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Oliver Plunkett Street
Elizabeth Fort featuring heritage elements and chateau or palace

Elizabeth Fort

Learn about the local history of Cork with a stop at Elizabeth Fort. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area, or seek out the local tours.

Elizabeth Fort

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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 Cork

Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Blarney

Cobh featuring heritage architecture, a bay or harbor and a coastal town

Cobh

Fota Wildlife Park showing zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Fota

Photo by Adrian O'Brien

Ballincollig

Frequently asked questions

Is Cork worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Cork.
How do I spend a day in Cork?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Fota Wildlife Park and Blarney Stone. Then, check out different parts of Cork for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cork?
The top tourist attraction in Cork is Fota Wildlife Park, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Cork?
You can easily tour popular attractions like Blarney Stone, Savoy Theatre and Leisureplex with a three-day stay in Cork. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Kinsale.
Is Cork a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Cork is a good place to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between Savoy Theatre and Leisureplex. Then take a stroll through Cork City Centre, located 0.1 miles from the center, and Victorian Quarter, which is roughly 0.4 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Cork with kids?
Deciding what to do in Cork with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Cork for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Cork, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Paul Street or Blarney Woolen Mills.
Are there free things to do in Cork?
In Cork, Savoy Theatre is a top spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Cork.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia