Last Updated on the 10th of April, 2024
ven if you think you know what to expect from a certain place, being there in person will give it so much more context and excitement. After four hours of non-stop travelling, we finally arrived in Ireland’s second-largest city, Cork. Squinting in the bright afternoon sunshine we cheerfully ambled through its narrow alleyway to get a sense of the atmosphere.
Having visited Cork almost a decade ago where we used it as a short stopping point on the route to Killarney, it felt as if this was our first time. We gawked at historic buildings, imposing cathedrals and markets overflowing with fresh produce.
Even after three days of exploring County Cork, literally from dusk till dawn, we left with the slightest hesitation. Completely infatuated we desired to stay for more. We wanted to see more, taste more and photograph more.
If there is one thing to do in this part of Ireland, it’s to be in the present moment and to allow yourself plenty of time to see the sights. Take time to absorb every little architectural detail, smell the freshly baked bread before you take a bite, let the wild wind tangle your hair and calmly drink all the Guinness you can.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To Climbing Croagh Patrick In County Mayo, Ireland
Ireland Travel Guide: 7 Fantastic Things to See and Do in County Cork
Coming up with the 7 best things to do and see in County Cork also known as the Rebel County isn’t as easy as you might think. See out of all the 32 counties on the island, in terms of area, Cork is the largest one, covering 7,457 km². Within those square kilometres lies an abundance of things to see.
In short, you can walk the 100 steps in Bantry House and Gardens, take the cable car to Dursey Island, admire the charm and colours of Kinsale, visit Cobh, explore the Garnish Island Gardens, go on a whale-watching trip and more.
We came up with a small list of things for anyone that’s planning on visiting County Cork.
Read More: How To Visit Glenveagh National Park In County Donegal: The Ultimate Guide
#1. Explore its stunning beaches
When you are thinking of a beach holiday and looking to soak up the sun, sea and sand in a beautiful location, Ireland might not be the first place to make the list. And you are right: even at the peak of the summer, we need to wear a wetsuit to go surfing. and you won’t see many swimmers out in the sea.
But when the conditions are right and when the sunny spell reaches Ireland, the beaches are stunning in appearance and are beautiful enough to make you stop in your tracks and take a deep breath.
With the Wild Atlantic Way starting at the Mizen Head peninsula, Cork is home to many beautiful beaches to choose from. Here are, in our humble opinion, some of the best beaches located in County Cork:
- The Warren Beach, Rosscarbery
- Garrylucas Beach, Kinsale
- Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty
- Shelly Beach, Mizen Head
- Barleycove Beach, West Cork
Read More: How To Spend a Brilliant Weekend In Beautiful Killarney, Ireland
#2. Visit the charming town of Cobh
Cobh is a very pretty port town located a 30-minute drive away from Cork City famous for its colourful row of terraced houses.
Over the centuries, the town was the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants who fled Ireland either to Canada or the United States. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic before it set sail on its fateful voyage.
While in town, you can visit the Titanic Experience museum which provides valuable information on the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania, get to know more about Ireland’s Ancient East at the Cobh Heritage Centre and catch a boat to Spike Island.
If you are staying in Cork, you can either drive to Cobh or can take a train from Kent Station. Cork station (Kent) is a brisk 10-minute walk from Cork City Centre and Cobh station is only a 3-minute walk to Cobh town.
Read More: 10 Essential Items To Pack For An Unforgettable Trip To The Emerald Isle
#3. Take in the views at Mizen Head
If you wish to cross the iconic Mizen bridge and experience the solitude of the Keeper’s lives that a day trip to Mizen Head makes for an adventure to remember. Combining history and stunning coastal scenery, Mizen Head is one of the most southwesterly points on the Emerald Isle located about a two hours drive from Cork.
The tickets grant access to the Station Keeper’s Quarters and the Marconi Radio Room. You can also see the visitor’s centre has exhibits on sea life, geology, local lighthouses and the history of Mizen Head.
- Parking: There is a large free parking lot in front of the visitor’s centre when you arrive.
- Getting there: From Cork take the N71 and then take the Ballydehob exit.
- Entrance fee: Adult: EUR 7.59, Senior/Student: EUR 6, Child under 14: EUR 4.50
Read More: Your Guide To Exploring Burren National Park In County Clare, Ireland
#4. Discover the West Cork Islands
If you want to witness the Gulf Stream working its magic on Garnish Island located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay then take a trip out on a small boat from Glengarriff Pier and walk among sub-tropical plants.
Garnish is a small island of 15 hectares and it takes around 15 minutes to reach them by ferry.
The main sights on the island, besides the blooming gardens, are Bryce House and the Martello Tower. Unfortunately, due to social distancing restrictions, they were closed during our visit,
The day we visited the weather on the mainland was cold but as soon as we hit the island we could feel the increase in temperature. We only stayed about 90 minutes but would recommend staying longer to see everything
The island is spectacular throughout the year, but if you wish to see the vivid colours of rhododendrons and azaleas then make sure you plan your visit from May to June.
- Getting there: Get the Garnish Island ferry from the Main Pier in Glengarriff Co.Cork
Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: Top 9 Things To See And Do In Beautiful Connemara
#5. Explore Cork City and take a trip to Blarney Castle
Known throughout the country for its exceptional food, Cork is the second-largest city in Republic, but the locals call it the real capital of Ireland.
Top attractions in the city include Cork City Gaol, Cork Public Museum that’s known as The Shrubberies, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, the English Market and the Shandon Tower just to name a few.
If you’re staying in self-catered accommodation in Cork, then visiting the English Market, that’s been in its present location since 1788, is a must. You can pick up traditional specialities like drisheen and pigs’ trotters or stock up on fresh bread, fish, cheese and fruit, veg to make your own dinner.
Situated five miles northwest of Cork City, Blarney Castle is a solid fixture on almost any tour itinerary and makes for a great day trip if you are staying in Cork City. The partly ruined fortress at Blarney is one of the most visited castles in Ireland.
Originally built by the MacCarthy dynasty, The Blarney Castle is nearly 600 years old and its main attraction is the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that anyone that kisses a limestone block will instantly receive the Irish “gift of the gab”.
Read More: A Short Guide To Visiting Clare Island In County Mayo, Ireland
#6. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
Pay tribute to the city’s seafaring heart and catch a boat for a morning of whale watching. Dolphins, humpback whales and basking sharks – the second biggest fish in the sea, behind whale sharks – are amongst the most common sights around Cork.
You could even combine whale and dolphin sighting with a Fastnet Rock Tour as it crosses through some of the best areas for sighting these impressive creatures. The boat tour will bring you to Ireland’s most southerly Gaeltacht Island Cape Clear Island where you’ll have a chance to see the Fastnet Exhibition and multimedia display in the Cape Clear & Fastnet Rock Heritage Centre.
Fastnet Rock direct Tour departs from Shull and Baltimore, is around 2.5 – 3hrs long and provides once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.
Read More: 20+ Memorable Things To Do In Sligo, Ireland For Every Type Of Traveller
#7. Hit the trails at Gougagne Barra
Located in West Cork, the area around Gougagne Barra is a wonderful place if you are looking to engage with Ireland’s fascinating history and scenic locations. The peaceful valley is home to Gougane Barra Lake with the well-known St Finbarr’s Oratory located on the lakes island. Surrounding Caha mountains and stunning woodlands are filled with a great number of hiking trails offering nature lovers panoramic views over the magnificent Forest Park and steeply sloping hills.
Within its 137 hectares, you’ll find six walking trails to suit all levels of fitness. The most majestic of all the trails in the park, the one that we chose to tackle despite the rain is Slí na Sléibhe. The trail is 2.5 km in length and brings you 130 metres above your starting point.
- Getting there: Gougane Barra is located just 1 hr 30 minutes drive from Cork City driving via Ballingeary
- Facilities on site: Car park and restroom facilities both inside and outside of the park. Cronin’s Bar & Café for food and a warm cup of tea. There is also Gougane Barra Hotel if you wish to spend a night.
- Entrance: If you wish to drive the scenic loop through the Gougane Barra Forest Park, it costs €5 fee in coins on entry. Otherwise, you can leave your car beside the church which is around 700 m from the park entrance and continue on foot for free.
Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 8 Amazing Things To See And Do On A Trip Around Inishowen Peninsula
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to County Cork? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Cork and have travel-related questions!
OUR CROSSINGS 
You’ve made me want to go to cork!! It looks beautiful and I didn’t realise there was so much to do! X
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We loved exploring Cork. Cork and the adjacent coastline have a strong seafaring and trading tradition and once you leave the beautiful city behind, you’ll find many amazing things to do. Like the Dursey Island Cable Car which is the only in Europe that goes over the sea. How cool is that? Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Cobh looks fascinating. 🙂
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We had such a great time visiting Cobh! The town is dominated by St. Colman’s Cathedral and some of the best attraction includes a 60-minute minute Titanic Trail walking tour, the Cobh Museum, and the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre. Thanks for stopping y and have a lovely day. Aiva
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Hi Aiva, your posts are really amazing at making me want to come to visit these places in Ireland;-) The pictures are spectacular. I’m bookmarking this for when we can travel easily again. Thanks 🙂
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Thanks so much. We love where we live and we love exploring Ireland but I hope we can start travelling again one day. I would love to go home to see my family and friends, but who knows when that’s going to happen. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Great pictures! we toured Ireland a year or two ago, and were very unimpressed by Cork – clearly we have missed a thing or two! You’ve made me want to go back.
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We were surprised by how there was to see and do in County Cork. We started with visiting Cork and Cobh and then headed towards West Cork that begins at Kinsale and runs in a westerly direction to Dursey Island at the tip of the Beara Peninsula. The further west we drove, the more rugged and “wild west” the landscape became. We loved Gougane Barra and its forested hills sweeping up from the lake of the same name. Thanks for reading and I hope you get to revisit Cork one day. Aiva
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West cork looks wonderful, definitely would like to visit these locations in future!
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West Cork is magical and one of the unique things you can sign up for is midnight kayaking in the bioluminescent waters of Lough Hyne which is the only saltwater lake in Europe. It’s definitely an experience not to be missed and never to be forgotten. Thanks for reading and I hope you get to explore Cork one day. Take care. Aiva
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Cork is definitely on my travel bucket list now. Seems like a place that I would enjoy with such a stunning landscape and rugged shoreline. I bet there’s some nice hiking here.
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I can’t believe we waited for so long to finally visit Cork. We enjoyed hiking through the beautiful Gougane Barra forest and visiting blooming Garnish Island. I would love to return one day to challenge myself to undertake Sheep’s Head Trail Main Loop trail which is 93km long walk that starts and finishes in Bantry town. The trail is rated as difficult, divided into 11 sections and features wild scenery, picturesque loughs and fantastic coastal views. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Super wonderful photos… I bet you really enjoyed your trip. I’d love to see that garden, the beach and cliffs and the town, OK everything…LOL
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Thank you, Pam. We did enjoy the trip very much; it was so nice to finally hit the road and set foot in another city. The garden was quite a surprise. Located in the sheltered harbour it felt like we were far away from everything. Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well. Aiva
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It’s so nice to catch up on your blog and the wonderful photography again – especially when we can’t travel at the moment. I hope everything is well where you are and that you are having a lovely start to the autumn x
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Thank you very much. I’m so excited for the changing seasons; I was born in November and the fall is my favourite time of the year. The leaves are still green, but it’s exciting to wake up to mist-covered mountains and low hanging clouds. Ireland is a spectacular place to explore and photograph. Thanks for stopping by and take care. I hope all is well. Hugs and kisses. Aiva
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Fabulous post Aiva. We have enjoyed a couple of visits to Cork, once in 1977, when we visited Blarney Castle with 10,000 other tourists and more recently when Cork won the Irish football championship. We visited Cobh then too, as that is where Patty’s father caught his boat to Canada. Great memories. Thanks. Allan
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Thanks so much, Allan. Visiting Cobh and seeing from where her father sailed to Canada must have been an emotional moment for Patty. We are both emigrants and that’s why it was very interesting and quite emotional for us to see the historic pier, dubbed the Heartbreak Pier by locals in Cobh and learn about many Irish emigrants who left the country never to return again. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. I hope you re enjoying your time in the Canadian wilderness. Aiva
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It looks absolutely stunning. I love the steep cliffs, the cute villages, the beach! I kissed the Blarney stone when I was 12, I think it’s time to visit again. My 12 year old eyes didn’t appreciate the beauty of the landscapes.
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We loved by the steep cliffs to and were amazed by how rugged the coastline around cork is. Because of COVID, many attractions were closed and that’s why we didn’t get to see the famous Blarney Castle. Instead, we enjoyed visiting lesser-known parts of southwest Ireland and loved everything we saw along the way. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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The coasts of Co. Cork, how many wonderful places to discover. I loved Cobh, but strangely I never felt very comfortable in Cork City, maybe those slopes that surround and reduce the city centre to a few streets, the university is worth seeing. Blarney Castle, I have a more mixed feeling, I climbed up there, but I feel that the story of the kiss looks like a tourist circus.
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Having lived in the small town of Sligo for nearly three years, it was nice to finally visit a bigger city. The weather was cold and rainy and we escaped to the famous English Market. Blarney Castle was closed due to the coronavirus, but I am not sure about kissing the Blarney Stone! I wouldn’t be that keen on laying my lips on Ireland’s most germ-ridden tourist attraction! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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You really can transport us with your narrative Aiva. Wonderful, so well written and so much valuable information. I love it completely and now will begin planning a visit (hopefully soon). Your photographs are brilliant, they alone can tell a clear story. Take good care Aiva and all the best to you and your family,
Francisco
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Thank you very much, Francisco. Exploring Ireland and learning more about its history has made us fall in love with it even more. Because of the coronavirus, we didn’t get to visit many places, but it was still nice to be back on the road. Who knows what’s going to happen next year, the pandemic is far from over and that’s why it’s so important to make the most of every moment. Have a good day. Aiva
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Making the most of every moment is definitely my mantra…
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I’ve only been to Cork and Blarney Castle, but Mizen Head’s cliffs look absolutely stunning! I’d love to go back to Ireland and explore more of it, especially in Cork County. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!
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Exploring Mizen Head was a highlight of the trip, that’s for sure. The views from the Bridge have to be seen to be believed; every time we visit, we capture different colours in the rock and different blues in the ocean. We loved the history behind the Lighthouse and exploring the coast at a slow pace making every moment count. You need a clear day to get the most from the visit and if you want solitude then you can go to Sheeps Head that’s located a few miles to the north. Thanks for stopping by, Rebecca and have a good day. Aiva
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Fabulous post. Felt an incredible pull to travel to Ireland and experience these adventures for ourselves. Hopefully, one day.
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Thank you very much. Exploring Cork and seeing most of its famous and lesser-known attractions made for a fun family adventure. The cultural region of West Cork is one of the most popular tourist areas in all of Ireland thanks in large part to its rural beauty, but the towns and little villages are beautiful too. Couldn’t recommend this part of Ireland enough! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Wow! How dreamy. Definitely adding to my travel list now!
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Cork is a fresh-faced city and home of the University College Cork often touted as the best place to study in Ireland. I hope you get to visit once we are allowed to travel. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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I couldn’t agree with you more about staying in the present moment and giving yourself time. This region certainly looks like one that shouldn’t be rushed. Your photos are stunning Aiva. I’m particularly charmed by the town of Cobh and its interesting history.
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Thanks so much, Caroline, I am so glad to hear from you again. Our initial plan was to spend two weeks driving around the whole of Ireland, but we didn’t want to rush through its villages and towns. In the end, we settled to visit Ireland’s southwest and take each day as it comes. It was nice to sit behind the wheel and hit the road without going through the usual madness in Airports. Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well. Aiva
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I love the peace and serenity of your last image! I so wish I’d have taken that photo!!
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Thank you very much. Gougane Barra is a little slice of heaven and because of its lush green landscapes, it is a very popular place for wedding ceremonies. I’ve seen many stunning images from the little church and was delighted to finally feast my eyes on it in person. Have a good day. Aiva
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This place looks like it’s right out of a fairytale, oh my god! These are such beautiful pictures, and it almost seems like they’re stuck in time and surrounded by magic! What a lovely place to visit, I hope I get to see it someday! Hope you’re having a lovely week! 🙂
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Thank you very much, Arshia. Exploring our backyard has been an experience o remember in years to come. I’m so glad we had an opportunity to do it despite the current madness and now we can peacefully look towards changing seasons and fast approaching winter months. I hope all is well with you and your family. Thanks for stopping by and take care. Aiva
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So much to do! Sounds like you could spend your entire vacation in Cork and still not see it all!
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Exploring Cork and Ireland’s southwest was just what was needed for our family after living in lockdown for a month on end. Instead of rushing through the region and barely seeing places, we decided to travel slowly and savour the changing landscape.
Yes, you are right. Given the size of the county and endless amounts of places to see, you could easily devote your entire vacation to exploring it and still not see it all. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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What lovely weather you got!!! Lucky you. We were on the Beara peninsula this summer and got to Garnish Island for the first time ever. The Gougane Barra area is new to me so I’m definitely going to follow up on that. The whole of West Cork is stunning isn’t it.
Spike Island is probably closed at the moment but is worth a visit when in Cobh.
Hope you all keeping well in Sligo. XXXMarie
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Hi, Marie. I’ve been to Cork many times, but it was our first time visiting the Beara Peninsula, the Gougane Barra and Garnish Island and I was blown away by everything we had a chance to see and do. Our road trip took place two months ago, but we still talk about it.
I’ve heard about the Gouganne Barra many times but being there in person, seeing the charismatic church and hiking through the park was a memorable experience. There is plenty of parking options, accessible bathrooms and various trails for hill or forest walking.
We spend the night in Cobh and wanted to take a trip to the Spike Island, but given the large amount of crowd that gathered to get on the boat, decided to leave it for some other time when social distancing isn’t necessary. Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well. Aiva
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I’m surprised the Spike island boat was running at all … although the Garnish one was operating when we were in Glengariff. I’m delighted with your suggestions re Gougane Barra – starting to put a list together of future trips here at home… just in case…
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I wasn’t able to get to County Cork when I visited Ireland, but it was high on my list. Loved your photos and descriptions of the area, and will use as a guide whenever its possible to get there. Thank you! -Michael
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Thanks so much, Michael. County Cork was wild, rugged and full of lovely places to explore. I particularly loved Gougane Barra with its various hiking trails and the trip to Garnish Island. I’m so delighted we jumped at a chance to explore Ireland; case numbers are rising across the country and many counties are back again in lockdown. Can’t wait to see the end of it. Thanks for reading and I hope you get to visit Cork one day. Aiva
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Another excellent post Aiva. Well, our “Irish bucket list” is getting longer and longer with every post you publish! I guess, we will need to stay at least a month in Ireland now 🙈. Thank you! Hope you are keeping well, Martina x x.
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Hi, Martina, how are you? As we haven’t been anywhere except Ireland for well over a year, my travel wish list has grown immensely. I would love to take a few months off work and explore the world, but who knows when that’s going to happen. A girl can still dram, thou! Thanks for reading and have a good day. I am super excited autumn has finally arrived; this particular season keeps me a few feet of the ground! Take care. Aiva xxx
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so happy i ran across your blog. great content 🙂
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Thanks so much, girls and right back at you – love your blog and colourful pictures. Have a good day and thanks for stopping by. Aiva
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Nice short guide to Cork 😅. Love it and the featured photography!! I’ve been to the University of Cork with my class at the start of this year for a debating event but other than that, i’ve never really much of anything else of Cork, bar the Mizen Head Cliffs, though they are outside of the city really. What do you love most about the City 😅
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Hi, David. Given Cork’s size and variety of attractions, you can easily write a book about everything there is to see and do. We were quite pushed for time and really managed to squeeze quite a lot of locations into a short space of time. If you would like to get more out of the trip and engage in more activities than just sightseeing, we would recommend more than three days. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Amazing post, the photos are really good and have made us want to visit! We have literally driven through Cork but this makes us want to travel down and spend a bit of time exploring when things open up again!
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While Ireland might be thought of as a small country that is easy to get around, there are so many hidden gems and beautiful things to see and do that you will honestly never have enough time to travel all around it!
After spending some time in County Cork, I have already curated a list of things that I want to see and do when we go back! Visiting Mizzen Head was one of the trip highlights, I can highly recommend visiting it. Thanks for stopping by, I hope all is well. Aiva
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This is one of my dream places. Thank you for making an article about Ireland. Amazing. Keep posting.
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Thank you very much. Visiting Cork has been a dream of mine for a very long time. Although we missed travelling abroad this year, we had so much joy exploring our backyard. Ireland is a truly magical country. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Late to the party here in commenting on this post, but wow! Thanks for sharing. These photos are AMAZING. I have been wanting to go to Cork because I am a huge Michael Collins fan, but I had no idea it had so much other stuff to offer. Those beach views!! Be still my heart! ❤ Great post!!
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Thanks so much, Katie. We didn’t get time to visit the house where Michael Collins once lived. And because of the pandemic, many galleries and museums were closed to the public. I have to say that the Irish are one a talented bunch. Numerous people from all over the Emerald Isle have excelled in the fields of music, literature, science, and just about anything else you can think of. There must be something in the soil. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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County Cork is fantastic!! I live on the Seven Heads peninsula in West Cork, moved from Sweden in 2020, and will never look back.
There are some nice places on this list (although I would also add the town of Clonakilty with its brilliant music scene and lots of interesting events in the summer, in years without pandemics of course).
I really need to visit Garnish island, especially after reading here about the exotic plants! Garnish island isn’t far from us but for some reason we haven’t yet been there – perhaps because it’s so close that we think we can go anytime. But will definitely visit next summer, if all goes well.
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