Things to do in Cork

Activities, attractions and tours
Cork

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Top places to visit

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.
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Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

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

      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 food, markets and interior views

        4. 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.
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        St. Patrick\'s Bridge featuring heritage elements, a bridge and heritage architecture

          5. Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

          Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a landmark blessed with inspiring artistic features and a centuries-old history. It stands on the site of a 7th-century monastery established by Saint Fin Barre, the patron saint of Cork. Today’s Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is the church’s third edition and dates back to 1863. See this impressive work of the celebrated English architect William Burges, who won the right to build it in a competition with over 60 architects.
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          Saint Fin Barre\'s Cathedral featuring religious aspects, heritage elements and heritage architecture

            Popular places to visit

            Image for University College Cork

            University College Cork

            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
            Image for Cork City Gaol

            Cork City Gaol

            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
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            English Market

            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
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            St. Patrick's Bridge

            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
            Image for Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

            Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

            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
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            Blackrock Castle

            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
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            St. Anne's Shandon Church

            Ring a set of famous bells, admire beautiful stained-glass windows and enjoy panoramic views of Cork at this striking 18th-century church.

            St. Anne's Shandon Church
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            Fitzgerald Park

            Enjoy picnics on landscaped lawns, visit a city history museum and attend free summer concerts at this attractive riverfront park.

            Fitzgerald Park
            Image for Crawford Art Gallery

            Crawford Art Gallery

            With works by famed painter Jack B. Yeats, this gallery is a superb showcase of Irish and European art from the 16th century to the present day.

            Crawford Art Gallery

            Areas of Cork

            English Market showing markets, food and interior views

            Cork City Centre

            4/5Very Good!(22 area reviews)

            Travellers come to Cork City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Cork Opera House and English Market while you're in town.

            Cork City Centre
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            Victorian Quarter

            4/5Very Good!(33 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
            St. Anne\'s Shandon Church featuring a city

            Shandon

            4/5Very Good!(10 area reviews)

            Shandon is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bells of Shandon or St. Anne's Shandon Church.

            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
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            Fairhill

            When in Fairhill, you can plan a visit to St. Anne's Shandon Church and Bells of Shandon, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

            Fairhill
            Blarney Castle which includes flowers, heritage architecture and heritage elements

            Blarney

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

            Cobh

            Fota Wildlife Park which includes land animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

            Fota

            Photo by Adrian O'Brien

            Ballincollig

            Blackrock Castle which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace

            Blackrock

            Photo by Steve Maricle

            Loughbeg