County Cork Local Expert: Find Things To Do in County Cork

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.

Things to do

Cork: City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide

€14

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Admission Ticket

€13

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

The Queenstown Story @ Cobh Heritage Centre , Great Stories of Emigration.

€15

per adult

Rebel City Distillery Tour

€28

per adult

Clonakilty Distillery: Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting

€20

per adult

Cork City Guided Tour: Stories, Sites, and Secrets

€16

per adult

From Cork: Full-Day Guided Tour to Dingle Peninsula

€59

per adult

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Top places to visit

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. 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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A stone bridge with arches leading to a castle ruin.

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

Stay near popular County Cork attractions

Blarney Castle

9.4/5 (445 reviews)

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.

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Where to stay in County Cork

Find the best County Cork areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about County Cork

Cork City Centre

Travellers come to Cork City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like St. Patrick's Street and Crawford Art Gallery while you're in town.

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