County Cork Travel Guide

Ireland
Charles Fort showing general coastal views, boating and a coastal town
Ireland's “Rebel City” has a distinct accent, culture and cuisine. The modern European city is steeped in history and is a great cultural destination.

Visit a festival or see churches, wealthy estates and forts in Cork, Ireland’s third most populated city.  

While Cork is now a peaceful city, mainly known for its lively arts scene and historic attractions, it was once  caught up in territorial and religious battles. It earned its nickname of “Rebel City” after joining the House of York in the 15th-century War of the Roses. The name stuck when Cork engaged in the Irish War of Independence and ensuing Civil War.

Another part of Cork’s history is tied to industry the city has been a meat export hub for centuries. Poor Irish residents used stockyard offal for home cooking. Today, adventurous eaters can try dishes such as drisheen (blood pudding) with tripe at the Old English Market. Cork City Gaol brings history to life with its real-looking wax figures. Cork’s Catholic Cathedral of St. Mary & St. Anne and the Protestant French-style Saint Fin Barre’s are focal points of the city’s strong religious identities.

Over 30 bridges cross the River Lee as it flows through the city, creating the island upon which Cork’s city centre is built. Travel by boat from nearby towns in County Cork to explore small islands and harbors. Charles Fort, above Kinsale Harbour in the south, has great views from its old bastions. Cobh, southeast of Cork, was the last port of call of the “unsinkable” Titanic. Bantry House and Garden, to the west, shows how wealthy earls lived and serves proper Irish cream tea. Travel 15 minutes north to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

Annual cultural activities in Cork include the Midsummer festival, film festivals and literary gatherings. Stop by the Crawford Art Gallery where, on Saturday mornings, local artists display their work outside. At night, visit the Cork Opera House or meet locals in a pub that has live music.

“Corcaigh,” as Cork is known to locals, is located in the southern Irish province of Munster. From Cork Airport and the Cork Kent railway station, shuttle buses depart for the city centre. It takes about 3 hours from Dublin by train.

Popular cities in County Cork

Cork
Cork
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Shopping
Cork awaits: its dining, history, theatre and more!

Reasons to visit

  • University College Cork
  • English Market
  • Cork Opera House
Charles Fort showing general coastal views, boating and a coastal town
Kinsale
Known for Dining, Bars and Ports
Get away to Kinsale! Enjoy the local cuisine, history and culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Charles Fort
  • James Fort
  • Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance
Cobh which includes heritage architecture, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Cobh
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Ports
This southern town was the final departure point of the doomed Titanic, a history it has kept alive with heritage centers, events and Titanic-themed experiences.

Reasons to visit

  • Titanic Experience Cobh
  • Cobh Cathedral
  • St. Colman's Cathedral
Blarney Castle featuring a castle, flowers and heritage elements
Blarney
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Historical
Visit this charming town in County Cork and see a famous woolen mill and a 15th-century military stronghold with stunning gardens.

Reasons to visit

  • Blarney Castle
  • Blarney Stone
Clonakilty
Clonakilty
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Spas
Experience quaint Clonakilty: its spas, surfing, bars and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Inchydoney Island Beach
Youghal
Youghal
Known for Bars, Historical and Monuments
Come to relaxing Youghal and enjoy its monuments, history and beaches.