Best Museums in Cork

"Although only a 30-minute walk from the city centre, the gaol is enveloped in tranquil and generous grounds. The austere stone structure first opened in 1824 and operated as a prison for 100 years. Countess Markievicz – the first woman elected to the British Parliament, although she did not take her seat – was incarcerated here in 1919 during the Irish War of Independence."

"Cork's public gallery houses a small but excellent permanent collection covering the 17th century through to the modern day, though the works on display change from year to year. Highlights include paintings by... Top ChoiceMarket in Cork City"

"The Lewis Glucksman Gallery is a striking modern structure on the lush green campus of University College Cork. Completed by O’Donnell & Tuomey Architects in 2004 and named Best Public Building by the Royal Institute of Architects the following year, the building is a remarkable frame for the art on show. A former banker from New York, Lewis Glucksman settled in Cobh, County Cork and his philanthropic efforts focused on developing Irish-American cultural relations, also establishing Glucksman Ireland House – the centre for Irish and Irish-American studies at NYU."

"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."

"The howl of the storm almost knocks you off-balance, there's a bit of fake vomit on the deck, and the people in the pictures all look pretty miserable – that's just one room at Cobh Heritage Centre."

"Many of the people who left Ireland on immigrant ships for the New World departed from Cobh, which was formerly known as Queenstown."

"Desmond Castle is an impressive and historic tower house that is located in the County Cork town of Kinsale and has a fantastic heritage. It was originally constructed in around the year 1500 after it was built as the Customs House for Kinsale; it continued this function until the year 1641 before it was converted into a naval prison. Throughout the following centuries, it changed its function again, ranging from a town gaol to a workhouse."

"Kinsale's roots in the wine trade are on display at this early-16th-century fortified house that was occupied by the Spanish in 1601. Since then it has served as a customs house, a prison for French and American..."

"Desmond Castle Kinsale Cork has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence."

"In its tiny room up old creaking stairs, the Hi-B bar attracts locals and visitors alike. Enjoy old-fashioned craic and good conversation - the bar bans cell phones and there's no TV to distract you from mingling."

"For those with a sweet tooth, Lab 82 is the place for you when visiting Cork city. With six different types of pancakes on their menu, ranging from American style pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup to kinder bueno pancakes stacked with chocolatey goodness, there is something for all pancake lovers!. As if that is not enough, since opening in 2018 they have gone on to win awards for the Best Coffee in the Best of Cork Awards 2019."

"Although it’s open for lunch and dinner, it’s the breakfast that has the X-Factor. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this place bangs out a breakfast that’ll make your belly very happy. If you don’t fancy one of their famous fry-ups, don’t worry."