After conducting some internet-based research on things to do in Cork we compiled a list of the results we found. This list is not ranked in order of popularity.
1. Explore Fota Wildlife Park
Phone Number: (021) 481 2678
Location: Fota Wildlife Park, Fota, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
Website: https://www.fotawildlife.ie/
Fota Wildlife Park is a 1000-acre wildlife park located on Fota Island near Cobh in Cork. The bark is home to over 30 mammal and 50 bird species. Some of the animals in the Park roam freely like the lemurs and wallabies while larger animals like the bison and cheetahs are behind barriers. It recently had a complete revamp that introduced new sections to the Park including the Asian Sanctuary where they now have Rhinos, Tigers and Lions. The revamp has even more for visitors to explore and is perfect for a family day out exploring the wildlife and snapping photos.
2. Walk Around The Blarney Castle & Gardens
Phone Number: (021) 438 5252
Location: Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork
Website: blarneycastle.ie
Blarney Castle & Gardens was a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork. The Blarney stone is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it you must lean backwards. The stone is said to have the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.
3. Shop In The The English Market
Phone Number: (021) 427 4407
Location: Princes St, Centre, Cork
Website: corkcity.ie
The English Market has served the Cork people during the Famine, flood war, multiple recessions and now the Covid-19 Pandemic. It is a food market in the centre of Cork City. The market has become a tourist attraction and has developed a reputation and has been described by chef Rick Stein as the “best-covered market in the UK and Ireland”. It is a source of local specialities such as spiced beef and buttered eggs. It is known for its fresh fish and butchers who serve many of the city’s top restaurants.
4. Take a Tour Around Spike Island
Phone Number: (021) 237 3455
Location: Kennedy pier, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork
Website: https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/
Spike Island was formerly the world’s largest prison and today you can explore several museums, exhibitions and scenic walk on the island. There is a ferry that runs from a beautiful Cobh town to Spike Island. There is a cafe and gift shop on the island if you get peckish and there are seating areas for a picnic.
5. Learn The History of the Titanic at the Titanic Experience Cobh
Phone Number: (021) 481 4412
Location: 20 Casement Square, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 DW63
Website: titanicexperiencecobh.ie
Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the heart of Cobh in County Cork. Their building was once the White Star Line Ticket Office. The guiding element of the tour lasts 30 minutes and after this is completed you are free to explore the exhibition area at your own pace. When you check in you will be given a boarding pass with details of one of the 123 passengers who came to the White Star Line Ticket Office on April 11th 1912. You will learn if your passenger survived or not at the end of the experience.
6. Learn about the Cosmos at Blackrock Castle Observatory
Phone Number: (021) 432 6120
Location: Castle Rd, Blackrock, Cork
Website: bco.ie
Blackrock Castle is a castle located at Blackrock, only 2km from Cork City Centre on the banks of the River Lee. The castle is now home to an observatory, visitor centre and a restaurant. In the observatory are many different exhibitions on planets, stars, and much more. The Observatory is an ideal location for school trips to learn more about the universe and they cater for large groups.
7. Relax in FitzGerald Park
Phone Number: (021) 492 4333
Location: Mardyke, Cork
Website: discoverireland.ie
FitzGerald Park is located on the banks of the River Lee, an 18-acre park only a walk away from the Cork Public Museum. The park is named after Edward Fitzgerald, the city’s Lord Mayor who was very instrumental in organising Cork’s International Exhibition. Inside the garden is the Cork Public Museum and Sky Garden, Natural Foods Cafe, sculptures, pond, playgrounds and more.
8. Explore Cork City Gaol
Phone Number: (021) 430 5022
Location: Convent Ave, Sunday’s Well, Cork
Website: corkcitygaol.com
Cork City Gaol is one of the Corks most memorable tourist attractions. The Gaol once held prisoners in the 19th Century but is now a museum in the castle-like building. When you visit you will learn about day-to-day prison life. The high walls ensure that no prisoners will escape and it stopped normal citizens from seeing the criminals from the outside.
9. St. Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh
Phone Number: (021) 481 3222
Location: 5 Cathedral Pl, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork
Website: cobhcathedralparish.ie
St. Colman’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Cobh, Cork. It overlooks cork Harbour from a prominent location. the Cathedral is a massive building and draws visitors to look at its marvellous architecture. The cathedral is the tallest in Ireland and once you see it you are in awe of the design and detail put into it. You can walk inside and take a look at the beautiful stained glass and say a prayer or light a candle while you’re there.
10. Attend a play in Cork Opera House
Phone Number: (021) 427 0022
Location: Emmett Pl, Centre, Cork, T12 DW6P
Website: corkoperahouse.ie
Cork Opera House is a theatre and opera house in Cork. It is home to the best concerts, comedy, drama, dance, and of course opera. It is located in the heart of Cork City and has been a cultural power for over 160 years in Cork City. Inside the building is a one thousand seat auditorium and an orchestra pit that can hold up to 70 musicians.
11. Blarney Woollen Mills
Phone Number: (021) 451 6111
Location: The Square, Shean Lower, Blarney, Co. Cork, T23 H63K
Website: www.blarney.com
Blarney Woollen Mills was built in 1823, used mainly for spinning and weaving wool. It is now home to a heritage shop. In the shop, they sell old style clothes made from wool such as the famous Aran Sweaters. All the wool is 100% natural and renewable and they believe in supporting Irish Design.
12. Learn about The Queenstown Story in Cobh Heritage Centre
Phone Number: (021) 481 3591
Location: Deepwater Quay, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 CY67
Website: cobhheritage.com
Cobh Heritage Centre is a museum that tells the story of Irish Emigration Story. Onsite you can also learn about the Titanic, The Lusitania, Cobh Naval History, tracing your ancestors and more. It is located next to Cobh’s beautiful Victorian Railway Station so it’s ideal for tourists. The Queenstown Story will give the visitors a glimpse into the past and hardships that early emigrants endured.
13. Enjoy a Day of Bowling, Mini Golf and the Arcade at Airtastic Entertainment Centre
Phone Number: (021) 451 0553
Location: Unit 5, Eastgate Retail Park, Little Island, Co. Cork, T45 NF25
Website: air-tastic.com
Airtastic Entertainment Centre is located in Little Island, Cork only a 5-minute walk from the train station. Onsite there is 10 pin bowling on 12 lanes, mini-golf on an 18 hole space-themed course, an arcade where you can win prizes, a NY Kitchen and an inflatable park. There is endless fun for kids, adults and families.