Visit Cork

Welcome to Cork

Cork is Ireland’s Maritime Haven with a significant maritime history spanning over a thousand years, set in a beautiful soft coastal environment where the land, the people and their culture will allow you to discover a quirky way to stimulate all of your senses.

Cork is Ireland’s Gateway to Europe’s finest maritime-inspired stories and adventures; home to Ireland’s finest natural wonders.

Only Cork feels, looks, sounds and tastes this pure. Savour a haven of unrivalled beauty on land and sea. Roam and revel in it − you never know where you’ll end up, or who you’ll meet here.

Our History

Cork Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world and a river estuary at the mouth of the River Lee. Built on marshlands, and originally a monastic settlement, Cork City (‘Corcach Mór Mumhan’ which means the ‘great marsh of Munster’) is set on the northwest of the harbour and upstream on the River Lee. The centre of the city is nestled between the two channels of the River Lee which splits at the western end, surrounding the city before merging to flow outwards via the quays and docks towards Cork Harbour.

Cork Harbour and City have been a maritime gateway to Ireland since records began and the region is steeped in history. From monastic settlement, Viking trading post, capital of the Kingdom of Desmond to the rule of the Anglo-Normans, who fortified the city with stone walls. The city was then defended by two castles – the Kings Castle and the Queen’s Castle, which are now depicted on the Cork City Coat of Arms. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British built strategic fortifications to defend the harbour, many of which survived and have become important tourist centres. In somewhat recent history, over three million emigrants travelled through Cobh to flee poverty and make a life elsewhere.

Visit, Explore, Discover, Dive in to Cork Harbour

Cork Harbour has so much to offer the visitor; travelling from Roche’s Point Lighthouse on the east side of the harbour to Camden Fort Meagher on the west side there is a wealth of heritage sites, water and shore activities, picturesque towns and villages, galleries, food markets, walking trails and communities and their stories to explore and experience.

Cork City has fast become a friendly and vibrant cultural centre. Explore the narrow streets where you will discover the rich history of Cork at every corner. Learn about its culture and heritage through visiting the city’s museums and galleries. There is a choice of great restaurants and bars serving fresh, local produce, as well as unique, characterful shops to while away an enjoyable day.

But, no visit is complete without stepping into the hustle and bustle of the English Market which offers locally produced foods, cheeses and breads as well as chat and banter with the friendly stall holders.

Discover Ireland’s Ancient East:

Keep Discovering Ireland and expand your world with Ireland’s Ancient East! There’s always more to explore — enjoy memorable food experiences, wander down the cobbled streets of medieval towns, uncover wonders unknown where vibrant history and modern life meet.

Get the Explore Cork app

Make the most of your trip to Cork for Cork Harbour Festival with the Explore Cork app, a unique one-stop-shop tourism app featuring over 850 places to see and things to do in Cork.

Pure Cork Welcomes you to Experience…

Nano Nagle Place

Nano Nagle Place is an unexpected oasis in the centre of bustling Cork City. The complex houses a museum, heritage rooms, gardens, the wonderful Good Day Deli, both a design and gift shop, and a Cork focused book shop in the museum.

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Elizabeth Fort 

The fort has been pivotal in the history of Cork City for over four hundred years. It has been in continuous use, only closing as a Police station in late 2013. The fort has just recently been opened to the public.
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Crawford Art Gallery

Cork’s public art gallery and museum in the heart of the city. Known informally as the Crawford, it was designated a ‘National Cultural Institution’ in 2006
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Camden Fort Meagher

A fine example of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort which played a key role as a strong strategic position for the defence of Ireland and the west coast of England and Wales.
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Spike Island

The island’s rich history has included monks and monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains and convicts and sinners and saints
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Blackrock Castle 

Take a tour through Blackrock Castle’s history of smugglers and pirates, tour the dungeon and fire the cannon; explore our self-guided science and Send a Message to Space.
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Shandon Bells

Enjoy the Unique experience of ringing the world famous
Shandon Bells. Climb 132 steps to see spectacular 360 degree views of the city at 36.65m
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The English Market

Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market which has been trading since 1788 and is one of the oldest municipal markets of it’s kind.
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Cork City Gaol

Cork is rich in historical and archaeological heritage and much of it still in evidence today. Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners.
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Blarney Castle

Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words
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The Glucksman Gallery

Graceful concrete-and-glass university building showcasing regular temporary art exhibitions.
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Cobh Town 

Cobh, the departure point for 2.5 million Irish people emigrating to North America between 1848 and 1950. Known as the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912  and the last resting place for some of the victims of the RMS Lusitania
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St Peters Visitors Centre

Welcome to Cork City’s arts and heritage visitor centre located on one of the city’s oldest buildings on the city’s most historic streets. We stock a full selection of city walking trails and other tourist information.
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Cork Heritage Walks

A series of four Heritage related walking trails in the city centre, called Cork Walks.  These walking trails link places and buildings of heritage interest throughout the city.
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Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Cork City Tours is a popular Cork City sightseeing tour taking in some of the best attractions in Cork with visits to the English Market Cork, Cork City Goal, the Shandon Bells, UCC and other top Cork City attractions.
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Welcome Back

Restaurants

Cork is renowned for it’s excellent casual dining showcasing delicious local fare. Here are some suggestions to wet your appetite during your stay in Cork.

  • Market Lane
  • Tequila Jacks
  • Greenes
  • Goldie Fish
  • Liberty Grill
  • The Quay Co-Op (V)
  • Iyers, Popes Quay, Cork (V)
  • Farmgate Restaurant
  • Cronins Seafood Bar, Crosshaven
  • The Castle, Blackrock

Cafe’s 

Cork has a vibrant independent cafe scene each bringing their own brand of uniqueness, accompanied by a fine selection of some excellent local roasts.

  • Union Grind, 4 Union Quay
  • Idaho Cafe, Caroline Street
  • Dukes Coffee, Careys Lane
  • Three Fools, Grand Parade
  • Izz Cafe, George’s Quay
  • Filter, Georges’s Quay
  • Alchemy, Barracks Street
  • Cork Coffee Roasters, Bridge St.
  • Myo 34, Popes Quay
  • Soma, Tuckey Street

Entertainment

For the best of what’s on in Cork you can pick up a copy of Whazon or  visit www.whazon.com 

Getting Around

There are plenty of options for getting around the city and county of Cork. You will find links below to local transport services.