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Things to do in
Cork

Our most recommended things to do in Cork

From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

1. From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

Explore the mystical Ring of Kerry on a full-day guided tour from Cork. See the picturesque village of Waterville, Killarney National Park, panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and other famous areas of ancient Ireland. After meeting your guide, enjoy a scenic drive to one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. You will see two village squares and a beautiful bridge in the village center. Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair.  Next, take in the amazing views of Dingle Bay, famous Inch Beach, and on a clear day, possibly even the Blasket Islands off the wild Atlantic coast. You will admire the picturesque little village of Waterville that sits overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a frequent visitor. See the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. Continue to the most beautiful and admired national park in Ireland, and take in the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley during stops at Molls Gap and Leprechaun Crossing. Your next stop will be at the lovely 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through the wooded Friar's Glenn and admires this site of natural beauty. Finally, take some time to relax in Killarney and grab some refreshments before departing for Cork.

Cliffs of Moher and More: Full-Day Tour from Cork

2. Cliffs of Moher and More: Full-Day Tour from Cork

Your tour on Ireland’s west coast begins in the morning with a check-in at the Bridge Street tourist office in Cork city. Head off on a drive to Limerick, the capital of the mid-western region, with a stop on the banks of the River Shannon. Continue on the way to the Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll have a stop to explore this site of incredible natural beauty. Receive a complimentary ticket to see the award-winning Atlantic Edge exhibit, which examines the mighty Cliffs of Moher from a variety of perspectives. Next, your driver will take you along the Atlantic coast, as you enjoy stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Travel through the Burren region, and take in the unusual sight of its unique rocky landscape. Then you’ll make a short stop at Bunratty Castle before the pleasant return drive to Cork city, passing through the rolling hills of the Golden Vale en route. Arrive back in Cork in the evening.

Cork: Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting

3. Cork: Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting

Immerse yourself in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable stories as we open our doors to whiskey enthusiasts like you Daytime tours operate 7 days all year round, except selected dates at Christmas. The journey begins with an audiovisual presentation, followed by a 1-hour guided tour through the original distillery. Your experience ends at the Midleton Distillery Experience Bar with a signature cocktail and a 3-part comparison whiskey tasting. After your tour, feel free to browse the Distillery gift shop, where you will find exclusive gifts to take home, such as the Jameson Distillery Edition, a superb whiskey exclusively for sale at Midleton. Make it even more special by having your bottle personalized as a great gift or memento of your visit.

Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

4. Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy free time to explore the city of Cork and visit Blarney Castle. Stroll in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Meet your guide at Paddy's Palace in Dublin and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled van for a scenic drive through green fields and dairy farms of the Golden Vale of County Cork. Enjoy panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains and County Tipperary. Stop in Cork on banks of the River Lee and spend an hour of free time exploring the city at your own pace. Have the option to visit the historic English Market, or marvel at the architecture of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral. Drive on to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years. Pucker up and kiss the stone or snap a picture.  Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch's Cave. Take advantage of the tax free shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Step back in time at the evocative Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Depart for Dublin on a path through the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and arrive back in the city at night. 

From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

5. From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

Discover the highlights of Co. Cork and explore the ancient battlements of Blarney Castle & Gardens. Take a journey through history and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for the gift of the gab. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and shop tax-free at the adjacent woolen mills.  Visit Charles Fort and descend into the picturesque resort town of Kinsale. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming town and explore the winding, centuries-old streets with its colorfully painted shops, pubs, cafes, and houses. Stop for a pint of Murphy's Stout and a plate of trawler fresh seafood.  Nest, visit the historic port town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Stop by the Titanic Museum (optional) or explore the oceanfront to check out the colorful local architecture, St Colman's Roman Catholic cathedral, or spot some of the world's largest cruise ships. 

From Dublin: Blarney, Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castles Tour

6. From Dublin: Blarney, Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castles Tour

Take an air-conditioned bus ride and observe the transformation of Dublin's metropolitan environment into the verdant hills of the Irish countryside. Travel through a number of interesting locations, such as the Irish National Stud's home, the Curragh in County Kildare, and the Galtee Mountains. Discover the fabled Rock of Cashel, a recognisable representation of Ireland's historical significance, as you delve into its past. A remarkable collection of mediaeval structures can be seen at this location, such as a high cross, round tower, abbey, Romanesque chapel, Gothic cathedral, and 15th-century tower house. Reach Blarney Castle, which is well-known around the world for the Blarney Stone. Put your lips on the stone to obtain the "gift of gab." Discover enchanted gardens with mystical waterfalls and ancient ferns. This location, rich in mystery and history, promises an amazing experience. Climb the Wishing Steps to see the charming Rock Close. In Blarney Castle, there is a range of restaurants to pick from. Discover the magnificent Cahir Castle, one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved, as your day's last destination. It is perched atop a rocky island in the River Suir. Constructed by the Butler family in the thirteenth century, this storied castle has seen many fabled sieges and conflicts. Its impressively maintained defensive architecture provides an intriguing look at the inventiveness of the Middle Ages. Experience its fascinating past with a guided tour and audiovisual presentations. After that, go back to Dublin's city centre to round out your tour.

Cork: Guided Historical Walking Tour

7. Cork: Guided Historical Walking Tour

Set out on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. In a one-hour stroll through the city centre you will learn about Cork's history as a transatlantic and European trading hub. Walk along the curved main street, following the route of the river beneath it. Marvel at Cork Opera House and across the river, see the shape of Shandon church, with its distinctive red and white brick bell tower and clockfaces. Next, stroll down Carey's Lane to visit the Hugenot cemetery, before heading to the Coal Quay and Cornmarket Street. Along the widest street in Cork, Grand Parade, see Bishop Lucy Park, the Berwick fountain and the National memorial. Hear about Nano Nagle and her extensive humanitarian work in bringing education to the poorest classes while standing on a footbridge named in her honour. Then, explore St Finbar's Cathedral, the South Gate Bridge and Elizabeth Fort. See the boathouse entrances in the leading business quarter of the city known as South Mall. Finish the tour in Princes Street, at the main entrance to Cork's fascinating English Market.

UK/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan

8. UK/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan

Make your trip hassle-free with your convenient eSIM. Stay connected on your travels with high-speed coverage in the 42 most visited regions in Europe and the UK. Purchase and install your eSIM anytime and anywhere, and choose from a variety of data packages, validity options, and coverage in additional countries. Simply scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your trip. Avoid the trouble of managing multiple SIMs with this zero-waste solution. Get one eSIM per device and top up by simply buying and activating additional eSIM plans as you go. Once activated, your coverage will begin according to your selected duration. Benefit from coverage in Austria, Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Gibraltar, Hungary, Isle of Man, Iceland, Ireland, Italy(including San Marino & Vatican), Jersey Island, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Also covered are Malta, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland. All iPhone models launched beyond iPhone XS can support eSIM. For Android, if you are unsure, please check with the guideline photo for eligibility. APN (Access Point Name): internet Local operator info: UK: Telefonica / Vodafone /Hutchison 3G /Everything Everywhere

Cork: 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise

9. Cork: 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise

Cruise along the River Lee and through Lough Mahon on a picturesque sightseeing tour. Enjoy 360-degree views from the top deck to witness Cork Harbour and beyond in all its glory. Come across important historical sights, which include excellent views of Blackrock Castle, now housing an observatory and restaurant. Spot Martello Towers and travel past the colorful town of Passage West and Haulbowline Island, with a vast history as a 17th-century military base. Sit back and relax, but keep your eyes open for some exciting sightings, such as seals, luxurious yachts, fortifications, and cultural landmarks.

Dublin: Full-Day Tour to Cork, Cobh and Blarney Castle

10. Dublin: Full-Day Tour to Cork, Cobh and Blarney Castle

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin on a full-day tour south to the vibrant city of Cork. Kills the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle, admire Georgian buildings in the city center, and visit Cork Harbor to see a Victorian era train station and transatlantic terminal.   Depart by train from Heuston Station in the early morning for the InterCity service to Cork City. Upon arrival, head to Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the gift of eternal eloquence. Relax with some free time to shop and enjoy lunch in Blarney village. Head to Cork for a short city tour of Ireland’s southern capital, famous for its arts, music and literature scenes.  Built on the site of a 6th-century monastic settlement, the city center is full of Georgian buildings, 17th-century alleys, and dynamic new architecture. Continue your journey along Cork Harbour to Cobh, location of the Queenstown Story Heritage Center.  Set in a beautifully-restored railway station of the Victorian age, it was also the transatlantic terminal that served as the point of departure to the New World for generations of Irish emigrants, from the time of famine up to recent years. Transfer back to Cork City center to catch your return InterCity train back to Dublin, with a scheduled arrival at Heuston Station at in the evening. 

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Frequently asked questions about Cork

What are the best day trips and excursions from Cork?

The best day trips and excursions from Cork are:

Killarney

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What people are saying about Cork

Overall rating

4.5
(1,510 reviews)

Tom was an excellent guide. Knowledgeaboe about whiskey and bringing his personal touch and stories to an interactive and enthralling tour. I learned a good bit about whiskey making both in Ireland and how its interconnected between different countries, all while sipping delicious whiskies. Highly recommend

Our tour guide, Phillip I believe was his name, was so entertaining, enthusiastic and informative! He made the tour memorable. The castles were amazing as well. Highly recommend this trip!

BART was very Knowledgeable and nice. Place was very clean. Tour was educational. Highly recommend

Awesome day trip! Highly recommended. Our 4 kids 12-18 yo really enjoyed as well.

Richard was a great tour guide!! Would book the tour again!