Cork is the southernmost county in Ireland and is the second largest city in the Emerald Isle, next to Dublin. Located along the beautiful coastline, Cork is the largest county in Ireland with a renowned restaurant scene, friendly locals, and serene views. There is an abundance of things to see and do in Cork for both visitors and locals. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the must-see places you need to visit in Cork.
1. Blarney Castle
Not too far from Cork’s city center is Blarney Castle, the famous and historic medieval castle that was built in the 15th century. Visitors come to the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, which is known for granting kissers the gift of eloquence. The castle is surrounded by beautiful themed gardens including the poison garden which grows wolfsbane, ricin, mandrake, deadly nightshade, and poison ivy.
2. English Market
The English Market is located in the heart of Cork and has been trading since 1788. The infamous food market offers fresh Artisan bread, fruit, and freshly caught seafood for food lovers to enjoy. Cork has arguably one of the best restaurant scenes in all of Ireland, making the English Market a perfect first introduction to Cork’s food scene. Visitors can find regional delicacies like drisheen (blood sausage), buttered eggs, battlebord (dried salted ling), and spiced beef.
When looking for a place to stay, the English Market is perfectly located in the heart of Cork city. Whether you’re looking for a house, loft, or apartment for rent in Cork, Rentola has a variety of affordable spots to rent in the center of Cork.
3. St. Patrick’s Street
A few minute's walk from the English Market is St. Patrick’s Street, Cork’s shopping hub of broad streets lined with fine shops. Many argue that St. Patrick’s Street is one of the best places to shop in Ireland with famous brands and stores like Pandora, Marks & Spencer, Holland & Barrett, and Brown Thomas along the street. It’s fondly referred to as “Pana” by locals and is a must-visit spot in Cork, even for those who don’t enjoy shopping as it’s a busy street where locals spend their time.
4. Titanic Experience in Cobh
A small port town in Cork, Cobh is home to the Titanic ticket office and is the last place the Titanic stopped to pick up passengers before tragedy struck the ship. The tour takes a deep dive into the backgrounds of the passengers of the Titanic, and the passengers’ experience, and shares interesting stories of passengers. History lovers and Titanic fans shouldn’t miss this unique experience.
5. Saint Fin Barres Cathedral
Just an 11-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Street is Saint Finn Barres Cathedral. Built-in 1879, this Anglican cathedral was built with Cork limestone and the interior walls with Cork marble. There are detailed mosaics that decorate the choir, intricately carved icons, and stained glass windows on the cathedral’s exterior. Today, there are remains of the site’s earlier cathedrals including nine carved heads and the Dean’s Gate.
6. Shandon Bells, St. Anne’s Church
St. Anne’s Church is known for the famous Shandon Bells tower. Built-in 1722, the church still uses its original 18th-century bells, which are a must-see when visiting Cork. At St. Anne’s tower, visitors get the chance to ring the Shandon Bells from the first floor, see how the clock works internally and enjoy the beautiful 360-degree views of Cork from the balcony.
7. Blackrock Castle Observatory
Located on the shores of the River Lee, Blackrock Castle is a beautiful castle that resembles the castles one would dream of in fiction tales. Blackrock Castle was built in 1828 and was a site of numerous battlements. Today, it has an observatory for visitors to explore. The observatory features a cinema, a planetarium, and many interactive exhibits.
8. Fota Wildlife Park
Located on 100 acres of land, Fota Wildlife Park is Ireland’s second-largest tourist attraction and is only 25 minutes East of Cork city. With more than 440,000 visitors every year, Fota Wildlife Park is the perfect place to watch animals in their natural habitats. Fota allows visitors to walk through the park and observe the animals. Many tourists set aside at least half a day to explore and enjoy all that Fota Wildlife Park has to offer.
9. Cork Public Museum
The Cork Public Museum, located in the former “Shrubbery House” is a place worth mentioning for history buffs and visitors looking to learn more about Cork’s history. The museum includes collections of silver and ceramics, as well as displays that reflect the history of Cork. It’s located in the heart of Fitzgerald Park, a serene oasis with gardens, sculptures, and plenty of cafes to visit.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, enjoy delicious cuisine, or experience the rich history, there is no shortage of places to visit in Cork. Cork has an abundance of historic and cultural places to visit, as well as attractions for every visitor to enjoy.
