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If you are thinking about travelling in Ireland don’t forget to plan a visit to Cork and its surroundings to discover all its nooks and crannies. There are many things to see and experience! This article describes the best attractions to make the most of your visit to Cork.
Let’s start your visit to Cork with the city itself
First of all, wander through the city center along St Patrick Street and Grand Parade. Enter the English Market, stop on Oliver Plunkett Street in the Old Oak pub to experience the traditional Irish vibe that is so popular in Cork. Then walk to UCC, University College Cork, which is very beautiful. And finally, don’t forget St Fin’s Barre’s Cathedral!
To continue your experience of Cork, head to its surroundings
Village of Kinsale
To start your visit of Cork and its surroundings, I advise you to go towards Kinsale. It is a charming small Irish fishing village, 30 km south of Cork. You will discover the typical small houses of all colours; yellow, red, blue… a real postcard landscape!
Port of Cobh
Indeed, your visit of Cork cannot be complete without visiting Cobh! This is the port where the Titanic touched land for the last time. You will therefore find several historical monuments retracing the events of that time, as well as the Cobh Heritage Center Museum.
The mysterious Spike Island
I recommend that you continue your visit of Cork and the surrounding area by taking a ferry to Spike Island, also known as the Irish Alcatraz! Come and discover, with the help of a guide if you wish, the living conditions of the prisoners and the equipment used in this prison, disused in 2004. The prison is very well maintained and therefore the atmosphere of the time seems almost real.
The beautiful scenery of the Seven Heads Walk
If you wish to take in the view during your visit of Cork then take the direction of the coast. More precisely to the Seven Heads Walk, which can be done by foot, by bike or by car to witness the magnificent panoramas that the coast has to offer. Let the magical scenery impress you!
Blarney Castle
To continue, Blarney Castle is a must-see stop on your visit of Cork! Follow your guide and discover its gardens, its history and all the anecdotes related to this historical monument! After the end of the visit, you must kiss the castle’s stone to respect the tradition and therefore be blessed by the place! But the task is not so simple! Indeed, you will have to bend over at the top of the castle and touch the stone with your mouth with your head upside down! Don’t worry, you will be protected to prevent you from falling!
What to do with your visit of Cork if it rains?
As we all know, the Irish weather is not always the most pleasant… To remedy this, we have planned a few possible visits, even in the rain!
Midleton Distillery
If you decide to come to Ireland, you have to stop at a distillery! You can therefore include in your visit to Cork, the famous Midleton distillery. You can taste the famous Irish whiskey, find out about its fabrication, but also learn about gin! A guided tour is possible to immerse yourself completely and learn all the secrets of this Irish tradition!
The Butter Museum
In the city of Cork itself, it is also possible to visit, as surprising as it may seem, The Butter Museum. You will discover everything about the history of Cork salted butter through an exhibition! You will learn about its origins, how it is made… A large part of Cork’s history!
There, you finally know everything to make the most of your visit to Cork and its surroundings!
