Best Arts and Culture Places in Cork

"The red-bricked Crawford Art Gallery is located right in the heart of the city, near the celebrated Cork Opera House and is at the core of the city’s culture. Developed from the former Custom House of Cork, the gallery is one of the city’s oldest at over 200 years old. Although the gallery houses a permanent collection of classic works, such as the antique statuary from the workshop of Antonio Canova, it also boasts a large, modern exhibition space."

"Crawford Art Gallery, the city art museum for Cork, is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year."

"Another UCC building, the sleek Lewis Glucksman Gallery, designed by Irish architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, is one of Cork’s newest buildings and one of the most widely praised, having earned many accolades since being added to the campus in 2004. As well as being named Ireland’s Best Public Building in 2005, its architecture also won a UK Civic Trust award, a RIBA award and was shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize. The wood-covered gallery building was designed to fit seamlessly in with its sylvan surroundings."

"In a head-turning modern building unveiled in 2004, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery is at University College Cork’s main entrance on Western Road. The building won a raft of awards when it was completed, and was designed by the Irish firm, O’Donnell + Tuomey architects. The gallery has three floors of exhibition space, putting on three temporary shows a year."

"Lewis Glucksman Gallery|© Lewis Glucksman Gallery/WikiCommons. Nestled at the edge of the University College Cork campus, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery is a recent addition to Cork’s gallery scene. Opened in 2004, the gallery is named after its benefactor, Dr Lewis Glucksman."

"St. Peter's Cork is one of Cork's oldest standing churches on one of Cork's oldest streets, North Main Street. The history of St. Peter's dates back to 1270's. Reopened in 2016 as Cork's Centre Of Commemoration for Ireland's 1916 Centenary Programme, St. Peter's is a free tourist attraction and exhibition space in Cork City Centre."

"St. Peter’s is a free tourist attraction in the heart of Cork city. With a full programme of arts and entertainment it’s a must see attraction for both tourists and locals."

"Supporting local contemporary arts and crafts, the Lavit Gallery is among Cork’s longest-established independent galleries. Located on Father Matthew Street just off the South Mall, the gallery spreads over two floors and showcases a variety of work, from landscape paintings to prints to ceramics. It is owned by the Cork Arts Society, and once a year, the gallery hosts their annual exhibition."

"The Lavit Gallery, for over 50 years, has been promoting and selling the work of local, national, and international artists, here in Cork City."

"Pay a visit to the Toy Soldier Factory in Macroom to see the world's largest Battle of Waterloo exhibit with over 15,000 hand cast figures, their impressive Lord of the Rings model collection and attend one of their workshops where you can cast and paint your very own model to take home. You can also take part in their interactive tour where you'll learn how to pour metal into their spin casting machines."

"The Toy Soldier Factory houses the world’s largest collection of Lord of the Rings figurines, and your child can even try their hand at making their own in an interactive workshop. The perfect fun thing to do in Cork with kids if you have any budding artists on your hands!. Address: Kilnamartyra, Macroom, Co."

"Wandesford Quay Clarkes Bridge, Cork Ireland+353 21 432 2422[email protected]. Cork Printmakers fine art printmaking studio is a membership based artist resource, providing the space, facilities, equipment, tools and materials necessary for artists to create work through the medium of printmaking. It offers facilities in etching, photo-intaglio, screen-printing, lithography and relief printing."

"Four star Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, set in stylish terraced grounds, combines classic elegance with contempoary design. The marble entrance gives a striking introduction and exudes eleganace from the moment you arrive. With over 100 guest rooms, superb cuisine, versatile conference facilities, fully equipped leisure facility and exceptional service the Clayton Hotel Springs has everything you need to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible and all within 5 minutes drive of the city centre."

"Clayton Hotel Silver Springs is a recently renovated, 4 star, located just outside Cork city centre combines classic elegance with contemporary design. The hotel boasts elegance, accommodation and excellent conference facilities making it a perfect destination for business and leisure visitors to Cork"

"Located in the historic Huguenot Quarter, The Pavilion is a music venue that's making some history of its own. Expect a selection of world-beating bands and live acts to come through the doors as bookers get the best names in indie, rock, jazz and traditional Irish music, including many before they break into the big time. A little rough around the edges, visitors will find the speakers turned on and up every night of the week with DJs and dinner often thrown into the mix as well."

"One of Cork's leading hotels offering an exclusive product with premier service in the 4 star market. The Maryborough is a unique experience; a charming old world mansion with creatively designed extension - the perfect destination for all!. While staying at The Maryborough Hotel you will be surrounded by luxury and pampered beyond compare."

"A Georgian gem set in 14 acres of serene woods and rolling gardens, the privately owned Maryborough Hotel & Spa combines a core period-mansion with a fully modern extension for the best of both worlds. Cork’s bustling city-centre is a mere 15 minutes away."

"The Maryborough is a unique experience, a charming old world mansion with creatively designed extension at the centre of 24 acres of natural parkland."

"4 star contemporary hotel centrally located in Cork city, minutes from shopping, business, bus and trains. (8km from Cork Airport)A choice of Superior, Executive rooms or for that something very special our Penthouse. Health & Fitness Club with 18m pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym, aerobics studio and treatment therapy suites."

"Slick and modern in the heart of Cork’s commercial centre, the Clayton successfully combines business with pleasure. Road warriors can utilise the best of technical facilities, then unwind with a relaxing beverage river-side or in the spa after the rigours of the day."

"Clayton Hotel Cork City Ireland, is a 4 star hotel located in the heart of Cork city centre. Close to the City Bus Station Parnell Place and a few minutes for Kent Railway Station."

"A sophisticated and fully modern hotel set in 500 acres of landscaped grounds. Fota Island Resort provides a tranquil escape just 15 minutes from Cork city centre, with tennis, golf, spa and gym facilities to tempt adults, while nature walks, pools, indoor and outdoor playgrounds entertain younger guests."

"Fota Island Resort is a must-visit if you are in County Cork. This unique spot features self-catering lodges and hotel rooms, one of Ireland’s premier golf courses, four quality restaurants, and a luxury spa. You’re sure to have a great time here."

"We've seen lots of action happening at Dwyers - which already went to great lengths to cater for outdoor drinking and dining last summer. The team there have been very, very busy in recent days, putting in a purpose-built platform that will provide the base for seats and tables down one side of this big pub. There'll be a good menu, lots of space, room for walk-ins and thanks to that platform, no rickety tables!"

"Having opened up in the City back in 2018, Dwyers is a firm favourite of Corkonians for boozy brunch. Pick any dish from eggs benedict to their incredible pancake sharing platter and pair it with unlimited prosecco or mimosa for just €25 - what a bargain."

"Head to Dwyers of Cork for one of the best bottomless brunches in the country. Pick any dish of their menu, we suggest the Swiss roti or shakshuka and have unlimited prosecco or mimosas all for €25!. Address: 27-28 Washington St, Centre, Cork, T12 WC93"