The Best Travel Guide to Cork

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Ireland

Cork

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Overview

Cork The guide was updated: 2023-10-23

Welcome to the "People's Republic of Cork", Ireland's southernmost city, where spirited, independent vibes coalesce with cosmopolitan creativity. As an ancient maritime port, Cork's rich history is interwoven with centuries of trade and cultural exchange, shaping its unique character. Regardless of the season, a visit to Cork promises lively entertainment and the warm embrace of Irish craic, ensuring a memorable experience year-round.

Facts

Population:	190,384 (2023)
Currency:	1 Euro = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	999 or 112
Newspapers:	Irish Examiner: www.irishexaminer.com Cork Independent: www.corkindependent.com The Echo: www.echolive.ie Irish Times: www.irishtimes.com Irish Independent: www.independent.ie
Opening hours:	Shops are usually open from 9 am until 6 pm. Many shops open later on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Tourist information:	Cork Tourist Information Centre 125 Saint Patrick's Street, Cork Open Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun closed +353 1800 230 330

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Section in Cork

Lively and vibrant, Cork is a young city with someone for everyone. Attracting a steady flow of students each year, the city is also home to plenty of parks, museums, galleries, and diverse sights. The picturesque city centre has numerous historical, natural, and cultural sites within easy reach.

Cork City Gaol & Radio Museum

Cork City Gaol & Radio Museum

Explore this captivating Victorian prison-turned-museum and meet some of the famous inmates who were held there until its closure at the end of the Civil War. The building was also Cork's first radio station and is home to a museum on the history of radios.

St Peter's

St Peter's

This arts & heritage centre is housed in a former 18th-century church right in the heart of Cork City. The centre hosts a wealth of cultural events and offers insight into the history and culture of the city.

The Glucksman

The Glucksman

This ultra-modern gallery is an oasis of contemporary art and culture located on the historic grounds of University College Cork. The gallery also hosts regular events, workshops, and courses for all ages.

Crawford Art Gallery

Crawford Art Gallery

The Crawford Art Gallery is home to more than 2,000 artworks, both Irish and international. The scope is broad, touching on everything from Greek and Roman sculptures to contemporary art. Many of the exhibits nod to Cork's history as a trading port, as well as the city's unique perspective and character.

Fitzgerald Park

Fitzgerald Park

Fitzgerald Park is a vibrant and versatile destination in Cork. Nestled within its serene grounds, you'll find the Cork Public Museum, the inviting Riverview Café, a picturesque pond adorned with water lilies, sculptures, a lively playground, and an energetic skate park. During the summer months, the park comes alive with open-air events, including concerts and local festivals. For a unique experience, cross the iconic "Shakey Bridge," also known as Daly's Bridge, to reach Sunday's Well, and don't forget to jump up and down on the bridge to live the full experience!

Jameson Distillery Midleton

Jameson Distillery Midleton

Located just 15 minutes outside Cork City in the beautiful village of Midleton, the Jameson Distillery offers a glimpse into the world of whiskey. You'll see the process from start to finish, including historic kilns, mills and malting, water wheels, and old warehouses. Make sure to end your visit by trying some authentic Irish whiskey straight from the source!

Butter Museum

Butter Museum

This quirky museum explores the history, folklore, and economics of butter — one of the most important Irish exports. Learn about the importance of agriculture in Irish society and even enjoy some freshly-made butter at the daily demonstration.

Bishop Lucey Park

Bishop Lucey Park

Bishop Lucey Park is a public green area in Cork's city centre. Past the picturesque entrance archway, you can admire old city walls, assorted statues, and a bronze fountain commemorating the 800 years in which Cork was a chartered Norman town. With many local eateries nearby, this is an ideal spot to picnic or just take some time to relax.

Elizabeth Fort

Elizabeth Fort

For panoramic views of the city, look no further than Elizabeth Fort. Built in the 17th century, the fort endured revolts, sieges, and civic unrest — it was even converted into a prison in 1835. This fortress is steeped in local history, and a portion of it is open for public tours.

Lavit Gallery

Lavit Gallery

A small, intimate gallery focusing on local and national artists. The two floors feature a variety of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to ceramic and glass works.

Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks Experience

Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks Experience

This tastefully restored Victorian waterworks facility offers a unique opportunity to learn about the city's industrial history and about innovations in water and renewable energy today. The Lifetime Lab is an award-winning visitor centre and a must-visit for budding scientists.

Red Abbey Tower

Red Abbey Tower

Considered Cork's oldest building, the Red Abbey Tower was once part of a 14th-century Augustinian abbey. Today, it is the only tower left standing but retains its red sandstone hue.

UCC Visitors' Centre

UCC Visitors' Centre

One of the most beautiful buildings in Cork, University College Cork was established in 1845 and has become central to the city's landscape. This visitors' centre organises walking tours of the historic grounds, which has no shortage of historical artefacts and statues. The building is also home to the world's largest collection of Ogham Stones featuring inscriptions in the Ogham or Old Irish script.

Fota House

Fota House

Fota House offers a glimpse at life in a 19th-century ‘big house’. Explore grand rooms with exquisite plasterwork, a beautifully preserved service wing, a charming nursery and even a delightful boudoir. The House boasts one of Ireland's most impressive landscape painting collections, as well as a Victorian Working Garden. Fota House gives visitors an intimate look at everyday life in the past, whether as a servant or as a member of the gentry class.

Lusitania Memorial

Lusitania Memorial

This monument commemorates the lives of the 1,198 people who perished on board the Cunard Liner Lusitania on the 7th of May 1915. Sunk by a German submarine during the First World War, this memorial pays homage to the often-forgotten Irishmen who enlisted in World War One.

Gougane Barra National Forest Park

Gougane Barra National Forest Park

Just 1 hour's drive from Cork, this serene National Park offers an escape from the busy city. A place of retreat and discovery, the park boasts 10km of nature trails, including a waterfall walk. The land is scattered with relics, including a 19th-century oratory and an 18th-century hermitage.

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