Cork City Centre Travel Guide

Cork

English Market showing markets, food and interior views
Cork City Centre
Cork City Centre
English Market which includes markets, interior views and food
Cork City Centre
Corkis officially Ireland's second city,but it is affectionately known by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland'. It is a city made fordiscovering on foot, thanks to the River Lee which flows around its centre,creating a compact island that is jam-packed with grand Georgian streets,intersected by medieval alleys and modern architectural triumphs such as theopera house.

Exploring Cork on foot will open out to you interesting waterways,lively traditional bars, modern art centres, historical buildings, fascinatingindependent shops and some of the best restaurants that Ireland has to offer.

Shopping inCork

Corkis a shopper’s delight, not least because it still has a number of thrivingindependent traders that help set its shopping district apart from theinterchangeable chains that dominate many other cities. Taking a stroll throughthe winding alleys around Grand Parade and Patrick Street you will discovermany quirky independent retailers offering vintage clothes, handmade crafts andbespoke jewellery. When the shopping becomes too much there are also plenty ofatmospheric cafes to relax and discuss your purchases in.

Restaurants inCork

Corkhas the best foodie scene in the country and lovers of fine foods are spoiltfor choice when it comes to eating out. It’s not just in restaurants, however,where Cork’slove of gastronomy comes to life: a trip to the EnglishMarket on Princes Street is enough to work up a hearty appetite initself, with beautifully presented local produce (cheeses, ham, salmon,buttered eggs, sausages and artisanal breads) mingling with quality importslike olives and wines.

Views of Cork

Some of the finest views of Cork can be enjoyed fromtwo historic buildings: Elizabeth Fort and CorkCity Gaol. On Sundays the ElizabethFort Market Festival will reward you with more than stunning views: Irishcrafts, gourmet food and entertainment are also hosted within its historicwalls. The views of the west of the city, including Cork’s university, fromthe old Gaol make it well worth the bus or taxi ride out to it.

Sport in Cork

PáircUí Chaoimh is a 50,000 capacity stadium in Ballintemple. It is the home of the Cork Gaelic AthleticAssociation, so you can always catch live football here on match days or enjoya tour of the grounds every Monday and Wednesday.

Nature in Cork

With the tranquil River Lea never far away Cork provides manychances to get away from it all, whilst never being too far away from theamenities of the city. FitzgeraldPark offers tranquillity and natural beauty in the heart of Cork, whilst Lough Park is set around a freshwaterlimestone lake teeming with wildlife just one kilometre south-west of the citycentre.

Enjoy Cork

With a warm welcome on every corner, modern artgalleries, cosy pubs, great restaurants, historic buildings, regular festivalsand shops with a difference, Corkhas certainly claimed its place as the ‘real capital of Ireland’ in the hearts of its manyvisitors.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Cork City Centre

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
The price is ₹10,792 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹10,792
₹12,249 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blarney Castle and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Lovded the hotel, very clean,, staff very polite n helpful"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
The price is ₹20,171 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹20,171
₹22,894 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cork. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
Love it
"Amazing, can’t wait to return."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Imperial Hotel
Clayton Hotel Cork City

Clayton Hotel Cork City

4 out of 5
Lapps Quay, Cork, Cork
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹20,117 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹20,117
₹22,833 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Clean, classy and they’ve made everything extremely easy and accessible."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Clayton Hotel Cork City
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

4 out of 5
Southmall, Cork, Co. Cork
The price is ₹16,944 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹16,944
₹19,231 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (995 reviews)
"The lack of options for drop off and pick up"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Leonardo Hotel Cork

Leonardo Hotel Cork

4 out of 5
Andersons Quay, Cork, Cork
The price is ₹12,909 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹12,909
₹14,652 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"The hotel was easy to find and is in walking distance (10 minutes) from the train station. The rooms are nice, & the food at the restaurant is good. Down the street are restaurants and places to shop (10 minute walk)."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Leonardo Hotel Cork
Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

1 out of 5
Washington St., Cork, County Cork
The price is ₹8,079 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹8,079
₹9,170 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Blarney Castle ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (102 reviews)
"The room was spotless and comfortable. The only thing that needs address (including for students that normally live there) is that there is absolutely no privacy on the higher floors. For some reason the lower floor rooms has the bottom half of the window with privacy glass but not higher up rooms ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Destiny Student - Broga House Cork
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Cork City Centre

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Huguenot Quarter

While visiting Huguenot Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like St. Patrick's Street and Paul Street.

Huguenot Quarter
St. Anne\'s Shandon Church featuring a city

Shandon

4/5(10 area reviews)

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 Murphy's Brewery.

Shandon
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Victorian Quarter

4/5(33 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 which includes modern architecture

South Parish

If you're spending some time in South Parish, Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and Elizabeth Fort are top sights worth seeing.

South Parish
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Fairhill

When in Fairhill, you can plan a visit to Bells of Shandon and Murphy's Brewery, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fairhill
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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


Cork City Centre Travel Guide