Free Things to Do in Cork City
Stroll the English Market
Given the turbulent 800 year relationship between England and Ireland, it's somewhat surprising that one of the top free Cork attractions is called the English Market. History aside, this old Victorian era food hall has great atmosphere and fantastic eats.
Stroll through the University College Cork (UCC) Campus
University College Cork is one of the top universities in Ireland. Located just outside Cork City Centre along the River Lee, UCC also happens to have a gorgeous campus. Take a stroll around and explore the old observatory, the grey brick buildings of the quad, and see old runes on display that are hundreds of years old.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Do you like travel centered around a university? If so, in Ireland, you must visit NUI Galway. The historic quad lights up with bright red ivy in the Autumn.
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Take a Photowalk in Cork City
If you are favored by sunny weather, definitely take time for a Cork City photowalk. Cork is immensely Instagrammable. Cork's architecture features gothic churches, historic pubs, and Georgian classic design and edgy street art. The interesting people you meet also add to the picturesque charm.
Explore the Gardens at Nano Nagle Place
Just a ten minute walk up a small hill from Cork City Centre lies Nano Nagle Place. This sanctuary in Cork City features religious history, a garden, and great views that you can explore for free. You'll also find a museum onsite that you can visit for a fee. The Nano Nagle Place museum was closed when I visited on a Sunday morning for brunch at the Good Day Deli (see below for details).
Who was Nano Nagle? Nano Nagle was a nun and founder of the Presentation Sisters. She was a pioneer for Catholic education during the time of the Penal Laws in Ireland. She set up a school for the poor in Cork despite the risk of imprisonment.
Who was Nano Nagle? Nano Nagle was a nun and founder of the Presentation Sisters. She was a pioneer for Catholic education during the time of the Penal Laws in Ireland. She set up a school for the poor in Cork despite the risk of imprisonment.
The Gardens at Nano Nagle Place span three terraced levels. On the upper level, you'll find the Good Day Deli and amazing views over Cork City. On the lower levels you'll discover a small cemetery and memorials to the Presentation Sisters and the brothers who worked side by side with them.
Cork City's Unusual Museums
Lock Yourself Up at Cork City Gaol
We trekked up a hill above Cork City for a visit to Cork Gaol. Wax figures stood guard and videos cast upon the wall told stories of what life was like in the prison where hardened criminals met with debtors. Even some Irish revolutionaries spent time in Cork Gaol. It was fascinating to stroll around and take in a bit of history from around Cork. If these walls could talk...
Cork City's Butter Museum
County Kerry may be famous for butter but Cork City was once situated at the crossroads of butter-related commerce with farmers from throughout the countryside descending on the local Butter Market to sell their product and see it shipped around the world. Today, the Butter Museum is located next to the historic butter market in the Shandon neighborhood of Cork City. It was fascinating to see historic waxy butter labels on display. I even got to help churn butter by hand as part of a daily hands-on show. I've never seen another museum like it in the world. Cork's Butter Museum is definitely worth a visit.
Find A Bit of Culture in Cork City
Be Everyman and Catch a Show
The Everyman Palace Theatre has a richly decorated interior and sumptuous red velvet chairs and curtains. If there is a show on, definitely catch it. You're in for a treat.
Check out the Cork Film Festival
Cork City boasts the Cork Film Festival every November. Many of the films have a local flavor. My friend Aoife actually screened her short film Oscar, a documentary short about a devoted dog and his sea-ferry captain companion at the Cork Film Festival so we had a chance to walk the red carpet ourselves.
Where to Eat in Cork City
Pay Tribute to Depeche Mode at Cork City's Cafe Depeche
Down near University College Cork is a small coffee house with a singular theme. It's all about Depeche Mode. Their music plays all day and their album covers grace the walls. I'm not sure if the barista was even alive when the band got together but no bother, We love Depeche Mode!
Grab Brunch at Good Day Deli at Cork's Nano Nagle Place
Based on a recommendation from a local who I met at University College Cork, I made the trek up a small hill from Cork City Centre to Nano Nagle Place. Situated in the upper terrace garden, you'll find Good Day Deli. Serving vegetarian dishes plus scrumptious coffee and sweets, Good Day Deli is a fantastic place to start the day. Go early though. Good Day Deli attracts a crowd of Cork City residents on the lookout for a great meal. I went right when they opened at 10 am on a Sunday and was seated immediately without any issue. The tables soon began to fill up around me. To get to Good Day Deli, walk into Nano Nagle Place through the gift shop and you'll see signs leading to the cafe.
Dine in Style at Cafe Paradiso, A Cork Institution
Dublin can be a bit challenging for vegetarian foodies. Not so in Cork City. Cafe Paradiso, the top vegetarian restaurant in the country proves that vegetarian cuisine can be both imaginative and delicious. Even those that normally eat meat (like us) seek this place out.
Spitjack for the Meatatarians
If you are looking for something more meatatarian for dinner in Cork City, check out Spitjack. Spitjack is an upscale barbecue joint so you'll definitely need a reservation. I was only able to get a table at 9:30 pm when I called for a booking on the same day that I wanted to dine. Enjoy succulent meats, spicy croquettes, and a bit of history. There are a number of old manual spitjacks (tools for roasting meat) on display in the restaurant.
Join the Craft Brew Revolution at Cork's Franciscan Well Microbrewery
Franciscan Well is one of the original breweries in Ireland that started what seems to be a craft beer revolution. Stop by the brewery in Cork City for a mighty fine pint and perhaps a pizza if you're feeling peckish.
Explore Cork City's Fantastic Pubs
If you are looking for things to do in Cork City at night, keep an eye out for Cork's fantastic pubs.
Get Treated to a Pint by a Local in Cork City
"Ah, go on, so!" I love the characters you find in the pubs in Ireland and this is particularly true in Cork. We wandered into Ziggy's Bar in Cork City Centre. I asked yer man (I soon learned that his name was Tom) if the seats next to him were free and he proceeded to talk my ear off for an hour and insisted on buying us a pint of beer. He slapped a 50 EUR note into my hand and wandered off to the loo. What a hoot. Tom was a typical Cork man with the gift of gab.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Looking for other fun cities to visit in Ireland? Have you considered a weekend in Kilkenny?
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The Oliver Plunkett
Check out The Frisky Whiskey Bar at the Oliver Plunkett. Grab a pint or a wee dram and enjoy an array of music in the upstairs bar.
The Castle Inn
For something with more of an old school vibe in Cork City, wander into The Castle Inn. Ask for a pint of Murphy's and then sit along the hard wooden benches along the wall in front of a roaring fire to enjoy your drink.
Day Trips from Cork City
Take a Titanic Adventure to Cobh
If the weather is fine, a day trip to Cobh from Cork City is just the thing. Take the train into town, climb the hill, and imagine waving farewell as the Titanic steamed out of port on her fateful maiden voyage. There is a museum in the train station devoted to Titanic and other ships that passed through these waters. The Lusitania also met her end just offshore.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Looking to explore County Cork beyond Cork City? Consider a road trip to Kinsale, one of the best scenic drives in Ireland and another foodie mecca in Cork. While you're at it, you'll find great spots for birdwatching in East Cork.
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Get the Gift of Gab at Blarney Castle
If you have time to explore beyond Cork City, definitely make time for a day trip to Blarney Castle. Set on expansive and picturesque grounds, Blarney Castle towers above its surroundings. We climbed to the top, stopping to appreciate the dark and damp interior along the way. We were rewarded for our efforts with sweeping views of the surrounding Irish countryside.
Now is your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone. The gent working there instructs you on where to place your arms and then holds you as you contort yourself to be practically upside down as you kiss the Blarney Stone. It's a little dizzying to look back. Apparently, kissing the Blarney Stone is not as scary as it used to be since they've installed metal bars to prevent people from falling. After smooching what was likely a cootie covered rock, I was excited to take my new Gift of Gab for a spin!
Want to know the difference between Blarney and baloney? Baloney is flattery laid on with a trowel. Blarney is flattery laid on with the lips; that is why you have to kiss a stone to get it - Monsignor Fulton Sheen
Before departing Blarney Castle, we took a walk through the nearby Poison Garden. The warning before entering was rather concerning: Do not touch, smell, or eat any plant! Children must be accompanied at all times. There were all manner of poisons: from poison ivy to mandrake to nightshade. The more serious poisons were covered with a protective mesh to make sure people heeded the warning not to mess with the plants. The poisons were interspersed with colorful tulips. We concluded our visit to Blarney Castle with a walk through the Rock Garden on the Blarney Castle grounds. Each rock formation or dolmen was adorned with a plaque describing history and mythology in the area. I thought the Witches' Stone was aptly named. The natural beauty of the place was striking. With one last stop to smell the flowers (these weren't of the poison variety) we concluded our visit to Cork and the surrounding area.
Is Cork City Ireland Worth Visiting?
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Cork City that make the trip worthwhile. Many people pass Cork City over in favor of a drive through the wild West Cork countryside but Ah, go on, so. Stay a while.
Map of Cork City Ireland Things to Do
Click on the image of the map below to open up an interactive version in Google Maps highlighting things to do in Cork City, Ireland.
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