8 Amazing Tourist Destinations To Visit in Cork
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin. It lies on Ireland’s south coast and is connected to the sea by Cork Harbour and a slim channel called Passage West. Cork and the adjacent coastline have a strong seafaring and trading tradition. In effect, the original city is an island enclosed by two arms of the River Lee. During the 7th century, St. Finbarr (Fin Barre) established a monastery on a small marshy tract, where the cathedral of the same name now stands. Over the coming centuries, the town survived and flourished, despite Viking raids and later occupation by English forces. Here are 8 Amazing tourist destinations to visit in Cork, that you simply cannot miss.
The English Market
In the heart of Cork City and with an eye-catching fountain at its center, this quirky roofed food market has been trading since 1788. Under the possession of the Cork City Council, it’s one of the world’s oldest municipal markets. Artisan breads, fruit, and freshly caught seafood are just some of the specialities on offer. In recent years, the market gained worldwide fame when Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain dropped by on her first ever state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011. In addition to a wide range of produce, visitors can grab a coffee here or sample local fare at Farmgate Restaurant.
A leisurely 11-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Street takes you to this Anglican cathedral. In 1862, architect William Burges’ design plans were picked from dozens of entries for a cathedral with a budget of £15,000. By the time it was fully constructed, the total cost exceeded £100,000 — but the results were undeniably worth it. The structure was built with Cork limestone, the interior walls are of Cork marble, and detailed mosaics decorate the choir. The exterior is adorned with intricate carved icons, and the stained glass windows tower brightly above the interior. There are scarce remains of the site’s earlier cathedrals, although nine carved heads and the Dean’s Gate still survive from the medieval building. This is still an active congregation, but the church is open to visitors to admire.
Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum
Named after Edward Fitzgerald, the city’s Lord Mayor who organized Cork’s International Exhibition in 1902, Fitzgerald Park is a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of Cork city. It still features the original pavilion and ornamental fountain from the era. In the gardens here, visitors will find Cork Public Museum, a cafe, sculptures, a skate park, and a water-lily pond. Picturesque Daly’s Bridge, built in 1926 and known locally as the “Shaky Bridge,” connects to Sundays Well Road.
Shandon Bells, St. Anne’s Church
Across the River Lee on the north side of the city, St. Anne’s Church (1722) is known for the famous Shandon Bells tower. The church still uses its original 18th-century bells, which have become one of the city’s must-see sights. St. Anne’s Tower is a distinctive landmark on the city skyline, with its facing of red sandstone (north & east) and white ashlar limestone (south & west). Visitors get the chance to ring the bells from the first floor, view the internal workings of the clocks, see the bells firsthand, and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Cork City and beyond from the balcony. In nearby O’Connell Square, the Cork Butter Museum follows the long history of Irish butter making.
Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
Just northwest of Cork city is one of Ireland’s most talked-about attractions, Blarney Castle is home to the world-famous Blarney Stone, said to instantly give those who kiss it the Irish “gift of gab.” Built more than six centuries ago by Irish chieftain Cormac MacCarthy, the castle attracts tourists from around the world. Inside the castle, visitors can climb the battlement to kiss the famed stone and take in the views, and also explore the massive stone building — dungeons included. Explore the castle grounds to find gardens, the Wishing Steps, Badger’s Cave, the Witch Stone, and the Witch’s Kitchen. Shop for Irish sweaters, crystal, and gifts at the adjacent Blarney Woollen Mills.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
The pretty fishing village of Ballycotton, about a 40-minute drive from Cork, is a favorite escape for its beaches, seafood restaurants, and for the beautiful five-mile Cliff Walk along the cliff top track from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen beach. The path leads between rolling meadows of the East Cork countryside and the cliffs with beaches below.
Crawford Art Gallery
The permanent collections of the Crawford Art Gallery contain paintings, sculpture, and prints as well as crafts, stained glass, and ceramics. The sculpture galleries include Greco-Roman casts by Antonio Canova and Irish and European sculpture dating from the 19th century through modern works. The museum’s collection of paintings is extensive, with works ranging from the 16th century through the present, with a special exhibit dedicated to female artists. The gallery also frequently offers drop-in creative events, including presentations and hands-on experiences.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Set on the shores of the River Lee where it meets Cork Harbour, Blackrock castle’s numerous battlements and sturdy fortifications seem to embody the castles of fiction and fantasy. Built in 1828, it is now owned by Cork County Council and houses an observatory and visitor center. The observatory features a planetarium, a cinema, and several interactive exhibits. The observatory hosts visiting exhibits that explore science, nature, and space, and also sponsors a variety of special events.
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