11 of Cork City’s Most Famous Attractions
As the second largest city in Ireland, Cork City features on many tourists’ Irish itinerary. And even though I love the city (I’m from here), gets a bit of a bad rap among some visitors as it’s not as visually appealing as, say, Dublin or Galway. And that’s exactly why I always recommend Cork City to tourists – because it’s authentic, and a little gritty. It really gives you a true taste of an Irish city.
On any day here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at city life because Cork knows who it is and doesn’t pretend to be something else, if that makes sense!
Recently, I overheard a tourist say that Cork is Ireland’s answer to Naples in Italy. And I’d say that’s pretty accurate – Cork is a little rough around the edges, and it’s a ‘love it or hate it’ place. And it’s a real shame that some tourists skip it in favour of picturesque West Cork (which is awesome, too, by the way).
You see, Cork City doesn’t cater to tourists – there’s no crowd-filled Temple Bar here but, there’s still beauty to be found. That is, if you know where to look.
1. English Market
Opened in 1788, this is easily one of the most famous markets in all of Ireland. It’s in fact the oldest indoor market in the country and is a must-visit for any visitor to Cork!
Come here on any given day for a true taste of Cork. From the moment you enter the English Market on the Grand Parade, it’s an assault on all your senses. Smell fresh-off-the-boat fish, coffee brewing, freshly baked bread, and listen to the unique Cork twang of the stall holders.
What’s cool about the English Market is that small, new stalls sit next to larger stalls that have been around for generations. You could easily do your weekly shop here. Fresh fruit & vegetables, bread, meat, fish, and more are all available for purchase.
2. St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Cork. This three-spire cathedral is hard to miss on the city’s skyline. And it’s French Gothic in style. It was built back in the late 1700s and features a nave made of Bath stone and internal walls made from red marble found locally.
The massive stained glass windows show scenes from the bible and are one of the main showpoints of the cathedral. As well as that, there’s a cannonball from the Siege of Cork, which dates to 1690, hanging from the roof inside!
There are 1,200 more sculptures adorning the walls and ceilings of the cathedral from gargoyles to huge marble spires. And there’s even a brass-winged dragon that sits underneath the pulpit.
3. University College Cork
University College Cork is one of the most photogenic buildings in Ireland. It was founded in 1845, and today, over 21,000 students are enrolled here.
It is sometimes possible to join a free guided tour of the University, which starts from the Visitor Centre in the main quadrangle. The tours last between 30 and 60 minutes.
Alternatively, you can purchase an audio tour from the Visitor Center for a small fee. Learn all about the history of one of the best universities in Ireland on this tour. Visit the Aula Maxima (a huge hall that gives off Harry Potter vibes), the Ogham Stone Collection, the University gardens, and the recently updated Crawford Observatory. As well as the beautiful Honan Chapel, the site of many a Cork wedding.
4. Shandon Bells
The Shandon Bells are an institution in Cork City. Yes, the third-tallest building in the city offers you the opportunity to climb to the top for a fantastic 360-degree view of Cork. As well as the chance to try your hand at ringing the church bells on your way to the top.
There are 8 ropes for the 8 bells, and you can choose to play the bells to the tune of a song. Don’t worry, you will be given instructions. The bells can be heard across the city, though, so no pressure!
You must climb 135 steps to reach the viewing balcony, so this Cork activity is not recommended for those with mobility or heart issues!
There’s a €5 euro entrance fee for adults, and children aged from 5-15 will be charged €2. Which is very good value for money! In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Cork with kids!
5. Butter Museum
Once home to the largest butter market in the world during the 19th century, Cork played a pivotal role in the global butter trade. The museum showcases the evolution of butter-making techniques, from traditional methods to modern industrial processes. You can explore various exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage and economic importance of Irish butter.
6. Bell’s Field
Bell’s Field is a large grassy area at the top of Patrick’s Hill overlooking Cork City that is known as having the best view in all of the city!
It’s quite a climb to reach it because you will be walking up the steepest hill in the city; Patrick’s Hill has a 25% gradient. The view from the top is worth the climb, though, and you will see all of the Northside of the city, the Shandon Bells, and even St Fin Barre’s Cathedral in the distance.
This is just a short stop, and I recommend spending about 30 minutes here. Grab a takeaway coffee from the Cafe here – Bell’s Cafe and snap some lovely photos of the view.
7. Nano Nagle Centre
A hidden urban oasis that not many people know about (not even the locals). The Nano Nagle Centre is tucked away off of Douglas Street and boasts a museum, beautiful gardens, a bookstore focused on Cork, and the amazing Good Day Deli – an amazing lunch spot.
The center is named in honor of Nano Nagle, a nun who played an active role in helping the poor and disadvantaged of Cork City. In fact, the order she founded, The Presentation Sisters, continues to travel across the world to this day to continue her work.
Learn all about life in Cork in the 18th Century at the museum, relax in the beautiful gardens, and explore the historic buildings. Including the 18th-century convent that Nano Nagle built for her nuns.
You can access the convent on a guided tour, which happens every day at 3 pm. On the tour, you can see Nano’s personal objects and see inside her room, known as ‘Miss Nagle’s Parlour’.
8. Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol, a former 19th-century prison is your next recommended stop today. And its castle-like outwardly appearance couldn’t look more different to the cells inside. You will love wandering the spooky corridors, seeing the inside of the prison cells some of which have life-like wax prisoners. You can read all about the history of the prison via the many information boards dotted throughout the prison.
Fun fact – former prisoner Countess Markievicz called it “the most comfortable jail” she had ever been in!
There’s a guided tour at 2 pm every day, and this costs from €11 while the self-guided tours cost just €9. And you can book your tickets for Cork City Gaol here!
9. Elizabeth Fort
This Elizabethan Fortress just off Barrack Street boasts some of the best views in Cork City; from the turrets at the top, you have a 360-degree view of the city. You can visit this 17th Century star-shaped fortress on your own or join a guided tour which costs just €5.
It was originally built to defend the city and was then located outside the city walls, but as the city expanded, it developed around the Fort. Over time, it was used for many other purposes, including as a prison and police station. Today, though, it is simply for tourism purposes and attracts upwards of 40,000 visitors every year.
10. Fitzgerald’s Park
An easy 20-minute walk from the city center is the 18-acre Fitzgerald’s Park. It’s home to tree-lined pathways, a colorful rose garden, and the famous ‘shakey bridge’.
This park is a firm favorite with local Corkonians who come here to picnic, go for a walk, or let their kids let off some steam in the large playground here. The main entrance is via the Mardyke, but you can also access the park from Sunday’s Well, where you will cross over the ‘shakey bridge’ also known as Daly’s Bridge. Although this has recently been refurbished, so you will feel less wobbly walking across it.
You can walk a nice flat pathway through the park, which follows along the River Lee and has some lovely views of the large homes along Sunday’s Well.
There are also several sculptures in Fitzgerald’s Park, including one of Irish war hero Michael Collins and the very unique Sky Garden, which won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. A large central fountain is at the center of the park, and this is a great spot to sit and relax as there are several benches here.
11. Crawford Art Gallery
There are over 3,000 artworks on display in this lovely art gallery on Emmet Place (next to the Cork Opera House). In 2006, it was designated a National Cultural Institution, and it’s a very popular place for tourists to Cork to visit.
On display are historical and contemporary art, including paintings and sculptures – some date back to the early 18th Century! There are also some very cool visual installations.
Where to Stay in Cork City
We’ve stayed in Cork City a couple of times, and our favorite hotels here include the River Lee Hotel, The Montenotte Hotel, and the Hayfield Manor (for a real treat!)
- Hayfield Manor – this super-luxurious hotel is one of the best in Cork City and is definitely one for the bucket-list. It is located a few minute’s drive from the CBD.
- Montenotte Hotel – this super-cool and quirky hotel has been recently renovated. It has lovely gardens and a cinema!
- River Lee Hotel – offering prime views over the River Lee, large bedrooms, and a fantastic on-site restaurant. This is one of the most popular hotels in Cork!
Slainte!
There you have it, a list of the most famous attractions in Cork City, all of which are worth visiting in my opinion! And I recommend allowing at least 3 days in Cork City to tick them all off.
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