The Biggest and The Best
Cork is the biggest and best county in Ireland and Cork City is at the heart of it. There’s so much to see and do in Cork City and County that we cannot possibly list them all but here are some of our favourites.
Places to Visit
Cork Harbour Cruises
Jump on board a family-friendly 2 hour scenic guided tour of the lovely Lee and Cork Harbour, the second largest in the world after Sydney. The perfect combo of ships and scenery, pirates, spies, local heroes and villains. Keep your eyes peeled for Sammy and Susie our resident seals, colourful yachts, Castles, fortifications, cultural landmarks and breath-taking views. Show us your Cork Harbour cruise ticket and receive a free souvenir when you spend the evening with us at a Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre experience.
Rebel City Gin
With a Gin and Tonic in hand, enjoy a guided tour of the Rebel City boutique craft distillery and home to Ireland’s first Absinthe. Surrounded by the beautiful aromas of Indian botanicals learn about the process of distillation in this landmark building and finish with a choice of tasting from any Rebel City Distillery Spirit. Show us your Rebel City Gin tour ticket and receive a free souvenir when you spend the evening with us at a Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre experience.
The English Market
Cork’s iconic English market has been trading since 1788. One of the oldest and certainly the best covered market in Europe, it has survived famine, flood, war, fires and multiple recessions to remain a strong part of Cork’s retail environment. The building is also architecturally significant to Cork and is valued as a heritage and tourist attraction. Stock up on some Cork staples like “Spiced Beef”, a loaf of “Skull” or “Gubbeen” cheese here for a delicious picnic.
Cork City Gaol
Cork has a rich historical and archaeological heritage, much of it still in evidence today. Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys. Kids especially love “the punishment quiz”.
Elizabeth Fort
Elizabeth Fort is a 17th-century star fort off Barrack Street in Cork. Originally built as a defensive fortification on high-ground outside the city walls, the city grew around the fort, and it took on various other roles – including use as a military barracks, prison, and police station. In 2014 Elizabeth Fort became a visitor attraction and in 2023 Hysterical Histories Cork were commissioned to write and perform Hysterical Histories – Elizabeth Fort, a play embracing 400 years of the fort’s history for the launch of their new Elizabethan look outdoor performance space.
St. Finbarre’s Cathedral
The cathedral is built on the site where St. Finbarre (the Patron Saint of Cork) first settled and established a monastery in the 7th century, which is how Cork City began. The cathedral (the third church to stand on the site) and grounds are steeped in history and a guided tour is well worth doing. See the ornate stained-glass windows and one of a kind organ, look for the 17th century cannonball and learn all about its famous Golden Angel.
St Anne’s Church & Shandon Bells
The red sandstone and white limestone of the St. Anne’s Church tower are said to have inspired the red and white of Cork’s sporting colours. Although a church has existed since medieval times, the one that stands tall today was built in 1722. Don’t trust the clock on the tower, though – locals call it the ‘four-faced liar’.
Some Great Places in Co. Cork
For History: Cobh Queenstown Story
For Adults: Jameson Midleton Distillery
For Families: Fota Wildlife Park
For Nature: Fota House & Arboretum
For The Views: The Town of Kinsale and Charles Fort
Places to Stay
Moxy Cork and Residence Inn by Marriott Bonvoy www.marriott.com
UCC Summer Beds (Self Catering) www.uccsummerbeds.com
Clayton Silversprings Hotel www.claytonhotels.com
The Kingsley Hotel www.thekingsley.ie
Carrigaline Court Hotel www.carrigcourt.com
Gabriel House (Guesthouse) www.gabriel-house.com
