Cork
Visited in July 2015
At a glance
- Country
- Ireland
- Region
- County Cork
- Population
- 222,333
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Cork Airport (ORK)
- Coordinates
- 51.90°N, 8.47°W
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Ireland's second city is built on an island between two channels of the River Lee, with hills rising steeply on either side. Corkonians are fiercely proud of it, and only half-jokingly call it the real capital.
It is a great food city, with a famous covered market and excellent local produce, and a good base for the harbour town of Cobh, the coastal charm of Kinsale and the wild landscapes of West Cork.
Things to see
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English Market
A covered food market in a Victorian hall, selling local cheeses, fish, meats and baked goods since 1788.
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Photo: NateBergin, CC BY 4.0 St Fin Barre's Cathedral
A dramatic French Gothic Revival cathedral with three spires, designed by William Burges.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Podstawko, CC BY-SA 4.0 Shandon Bells
Climb the tower of St Anne's Church and ring the bells yourself, with views over the city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sheila1988, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cork City Gaol
A castle-like former prison on the hillside, with lifelike figures bringing its cells to life.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Ryanhuntmuzik, CC BY-SA 4.0 Blarney Castle
The medieval tower house where visitors lean backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone, set in large gardens.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Kondephy , William Murphy, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Cobh
A colourful harbour town, the last port of call of the Titanic, about 25 minutes by train.
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Photo: Caoimheen3, CC BY-SA 4.0 Visit Spike Island
A fortress island in Cork Harbour, used as a prison for centuries, reached by ferry from Cobh.
Find tours -
Photo: Christopher Michel, CC BY 2.0 Eat your way around Kinsale
A pretty harbour town south of the city, known for its seafood restaurants and Charles Fort.
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Photo: William Murphy, CC BY-SA 2.0 Cork Jazz Festival
Musicians fill pubs and venues across the city on the October bank holiday weekend.
Where to stay
City centre
On the island between the river channels, close to shops, restaurants and the English Market.
Hotels in City centreShandon
The historic northside quarter, with characterful pubs and hilly streets.
Hotels in ShandonMacCurtain Street
Near Kent Station, with a good cluster of restaurants, bars and hotels.
Hotels in MacCurtain Street
Getting around
The centre is compact and easy to walk. Buses reach the suburbs and Blarney, and trains run to Cobh.
The airport is about 20 minutes south of the city by bus or taxi; trains from Dublin take around two and a half hours.
When to go
May to September is the mildest and brightest time, though showers are common year-round. The Jazz Festival in late October is lively and busy.
Plan your trip to Cork
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.