Things to do in County Cork

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County Cork Travel Guide

Charles Fort featuring boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbor

Ireland showing a bridge as well as a couple

Cork City Centre featuring street scenes, a city and flowers

Cork featuring a city, landscape views and a sunset

Bantry House and Garden featuring a park, a castle and heritage architecture

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County Cork must see attractions

1. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.

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Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

2. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.

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University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village

3. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.

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English Market showing street scenes and heritage elements

4. Blarney Stone

Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.

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Blarney Stone showing chateau or palace, heritage elements and building ruins

5. Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.

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Fota Wildlife Park featuring zoo animals and land animals as well as a small group of people

What to do in County Cork

Discover the most popular places to visit in County Cork

Blarney Castle

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.

University College Cork

Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

English Market

Shop for fresh produce from around the world and sample traditional Cork dishes at this historic food market inside a grand Victorian building.

Blarney Stone

While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it.

City center of Cork, Republic of Ireland

Cork Opera House

Enjoy a show at Cork Opera House, a storied theater in Cork. Discover the lively bars in this walkable area, or seek out the local tours.

Fota Wildlife Park

Watch cheetahs running at full speed for their lunch and feed penguins and lemurs in this large nature reserve on an island.

Blackrock Castle

Have fun with hands-on science exhibits, visit an interactive theater and learn about Cork’s past while you explore this 400-year-old riverfront castle.

Cork City Gaol

Experience the harshness of Irish penal life in the 19th century as you wander amid the cells of this architecturally impressive former prison.

Unexpected beach in Ireland with white sand and clear blue waters

Inchydoney Island Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Inchydoney Island Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Inchydoney. Visit the spas in this relaxing area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.