What to do in Cork

Activities, attractions and tours

Cork
Cork
Cork
Cork
Cork

Cork Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Cork AU$11. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 64 activities in Cork, County Cork.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Cork attractions from AU$11, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

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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. 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 which includes food, markets and interior views

3. 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 featuring a statue or sculpture, interior views and an administrative building

4. 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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Blackrock Castle featuring heritage elements, a river or creek and heritage architecture

5. 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 architecture, a river or creek and a bridge

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Recommended things to do in Cork

Number of things to do
64
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Corks Highlights and Rebels Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: AU$11
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Cork

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cork

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
English Market which includes food, markets and interior views

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
Cork Opera House

Cork Opera House

Get tickets for a show at Cork Opera House, a popular theatre in Cork. Discover the lively bars in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Cork Opera House
Cork City Gaol featuring a statue or sculpture, interior views and an administrative building

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
Blackrock Castle featuring heritage elements, a river or creek and heritage architecture

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
St. Patrick\'s Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a bridge

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
St. Finbarr\'s Cathedral showing religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

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
Oliver Plunkett Street

Oliver Plunkett Street

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Oliver Plunkett Street during your visit to Cork. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Oliver Plunkett Street
Elizabeth Fort

Elizabeth Fort

Learn about the local history of Cork when you take a trip to Elizabeth Fort. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Elizabeth Fort

Explore areas of Cork

English Market which includes food, markets and interior views

Cork City Centre

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

Cork City Centre
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Victorian Quarter

4.5/5(3 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
Glucksman Gallery showing modern architecture

South Parish

If you're spending some time in South Parish, Elizabeth Fort and Cork City Hall are top sights worth seeing.

South Parish
St. Anne\'s Shandon Church featuring a city

Shandon

3/5(1 area review)

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 Butter Museum.

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
Blackrock Castle featuring heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

Blackrock

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Blackrock. You might want to make time for a stop at Blackrock Castle or Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

Blackrock

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Cork

Blarney Castle showing flowers, heritage architecture and château or palace

Blarney

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

Cobh

Fota Wildlife Park which includes zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Fota

Photo by Adrian O'Brien

Ballincollig

Frequently asked questions

Is Cork worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of fun things to do in Cork. Make sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Cork?
Blarney Stone and Fota Wildlife Park are two awesome places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Cork while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cork?
Blarney Stone is one of the top tourist attractions in Cork and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cork?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Blarney Stone, Leisureplex and Crane Lane Theatre with a three-day trip to Cork. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Kinsale.
Is Cork a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Cork is a good destination to visit on foot. Have fun wandering between Leisureplex and Crane Lane Theatre. Then take a stroll through Cork City Centre, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Victorian Quarter, which is roughly 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cork with kids?
Planning what to do in Cork with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Cork for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Cork for adults including Paul Street and Titanic Experience Cobh.
Are there free things to do in Cork?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Cork. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Leisureplex is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.

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