County Cork

 

County Cork is a place of colourful harbour towns, rugged Atlantic coastlines and wild, mountainous countryside. Stretching from the lively streets of Cork city to the raw edge of Ireland’s southwestern tip, the county blends rich maritime heritage, renowned local food and spectacular scenery at every turn. Whether you’re discovering historic ports, exploring rugged peninsulas or enjoying some of the island’s finest restaurants, Ireland’s largest county always has more to uncover. Discover off-shore islands and sea-crossing cable cars, spend lazy days in towns such as Kinsale, Clonakilty and Youghal, and feel the wild beauty of the southern peninsulas. From the coastal delights of the Wild Atlantic Way to the heritage of Ireland’s Ancient East, Cork offers an adventure like no other.

 

County Cork attractions

Is Cork the best place in the world? The locals certainly think so. One thing you’ll notice about this cosmopolitan city on Ireland’s southwest coast is that it inspires a devotion in those who live here that no other place can rival. Sitting proudly on an island in the middle of the River Lee, Cork city is a bustling collection of atmospheric coffee shops, vibrant art galleries, unusual museums and seriously good pubs.

Step into the Crawford Gallery to discover work by Irish artists such as Paul Henry, Jack B Yeats and Dorothy Cross. Wander the English Market, an 18th-century food hall where you’ll find the best of Cork’s local produce, from artisan cheese to smoked fish. Or head to Shandon and ring the church bells at St Anne’s.

Check out some great things to do in Cork city

Beyond the city, County Cork is equally packed with unforgettable experiences. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle to receive the gift of eloquence. Walk the Ballycotton Cliff Walk and enjoy views of picturesque Ballycotton Lighthouse on its tiny island. Or visit Fota Wildlife Park, where animals roam freely across spacious natural habitats.

Head north and you’ll find yourself in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands where you can explore ancient passageways in Mitchelstown Cave or watch the deer graze at Doneraile Wildlife Park.

Colourful towns of County Cork

Just 25 minutes east of Cork city by train is the coastal town of Cobh. Here, you can uncover Titanic history at the Titanic Experience Cobh, or travel to Spike Island, an island fortress known as “Ireland’s Alcatraz”.

Discover the story of Titanic and Cobh 

Also easily accessible from Cork city is the town of Midleton, renowned for its excellent Saturday farmers’ market and the Midleton Distillery Experience, home of Jameson Irish whiskey.

Travel southwest from Cork city and you’ll reach the town of Kinsale and the start of the Wild Atlantic Way. Kinsale boasts a picturesque harbour dotted with boats, while gorgeous little shops, restaurants and cafés are tucked into its historic centre. Visit the historic Charles Fort, go for a swim at Dock Beach, or walk the Scilly Way, stopping to have lunch at the charming Bulman pub.

From Kinsale, the coastline ramps up the drama as it weaves around to Clonakilty, a lively town famed for its black pudding, great pubs and excellent music scene.

Into the wilds of West CorkTravel into West Cork and three magnificent peninsulas await: Mizen, Sheep’s Head and Beara.

Mizen is the most southerly of the three and boasts the wild golden sands of Barley Cove beach and the charming towns and villages of Crookhaven, Schull and Ballydehob. It’s tipped by the dramatic Mizen Head Signal Station, a jaw-dropping destination surrounded by sea cliffs and crashing waves.

At Sheep’s Head, you can enjoy great walking trails as well as lovely pubs and seafood restaurants. Close to here is the town of Bantry and the 18th-century Bantry House, overlooking Bantry Bay.

Walk the Sheep’s Head Way

Then comes Beara, a rugged destination of mountains, hairpin roads and the subtropical gardens of Garnish Island. If you’re looking for raw, wild beauty, it doesn’t get much better than this. Test your head for heights on the Dursey Island cable car, drive the wild Healy Pass, and relax in the colourful pubs of Allihies.

Enjoying a taste of Cork

In Cork, you’ll experience some of the best food on the island of Ireland. The food scene here is rooted in its rich farmland, fishing heritage and a thriving community of artisan producers. Expect freshly landed seafood, creamy farmhouse cheeses, traditional black pudding, edible seaweeds and artisan breads.

Find out why Cork tastes amazing  

In West Cork, a long tradition of small-scale food production meets a new generation of makers and chefs, with coastal ingredients such as sea lettuce and dillisk bringing a taste of the ocean to the table. Feast on hyper-local dishes in the esteemed Michelin-starred favourites of Bastion in Kinsale, Dede in Baltimore and Chestnut in Ballydehob.

Then seek out small fishing villages where you can sample excellent ingredients with minimal fuss. Enjoy fish and chips with line-caught Irish hake in tangy beer batter in Arundels by the Pier on the coastal edge of Sheep’s Head. Taste the Atlantic with a fresh crab salad right beside the sea at the Glandore Inn in Glandore. Or feast on locally made charcuterie and West Cork cheeses in the friendly Mannings Emporium just outside Bantry.

Discover Ireland’s Michelin-starred restaurants

Beyond County Cork

County Cork is the ideal base for exploring the south of Ireland. To the west, County Kerry is home to some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery. Discover the lakes, mountains and waterfalls of Killarney National Park and drive the spectacular Ring of Kerry. Or continue to the Dingle Peninsula, where colourful towns, dramatic Atlantic landscapes and a rich tradition of music and storytelling create an unforgettable journey.

To the east, County Waterford marks the beginning of Ireland’s Ancient East, where Viking history, a dramatic coastline and centuries of craftsmanship await. Wander the medieval streets of Waterford city, visit the House of Waterford Crystal or explore the spectacular Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.

Neighbouring County Limerick is home to the 1,000-year-old King John’s Castle, which stands proudly on the banks of Ireland’s longest river – the Shannon. Slow-travel experiences are just a cruise away along this river, where the tranquil towns and villages of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands make perfect stop-offs. 

Let Cork be the starting point for your next great Ireland adventure, as you discover the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way and immerse yourself in the stories of Ireland’s Ancient East.