Must See Sights and Landmarks in Cork Area

"St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the first major work of Victorian architect William Burges, was completed in 1879. Details such as the gilded “resurrection angel” perched atop the roof may not have come cheap, but the result is an exemplar of ecclesiastical architecture. The cathedral has excellent acoustics, so consider it a bonus if your trip coincides with one of their regular concerts."

"The incredible three-spire St Finn Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879, its location on a site where Christian use dates back to the 7th century when there was a monastery on site. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork and lived in the 6th century. Legend has it, his remains were brought to the city and enclosed on a shrine located on the site of the cathedral."

"Charles Fort – Situated on the edge of the water in the scenic village of Summer Cove in the Kinsale harbour of County Cork, lies the impressive and historic Charles Fort. The castle was originally constructed in the year 1682, and it was built as the ‘new fort’, in contrast to the ‘old fort’, or James Fort, which was built in the early 17th century on the other side of the same harbour. The fort played a critical military role throughout the centuries that it was active, until the year 1921, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty."

"The British built Charles Fort on the east side of the Bandon River estuary in the late 17th century, after their defeat of the Spanish…"

"Newly open to visitors, Elizabeth Fort straddles the River Lee, next to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. The fort’s been active in one way or another from 1601 to 2013 and claims an incredibly textured history. Built to defend the city walls against artillery, it was fortified by Cromwell in 1649 and later came under siege from the Williamites, battling for the Dutch prince William of Orange."

"Many people that I chat with that are planning to visit Cork tend to miss out on Elizabeth Fort for some reason. Elizabeth Fort is a 17th-century star fort in Cork City that was built to act as a defensive fortification outside of the city walls. Over time, as the city expanded, it started to grow around the fort, making it redundant."

"Stands tall and proud at the end of Mallow, close to the castle. Renovated recently and now home to offices. It is of the same Tudor style as the Hibernian Hotel and has a fully working clock that chimes on the hour."

"Last but not least we have Tir na Si farm which is open for families on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays for birthday parties and booked events. You can follow the nature trail, meet the friendly farm animals, visit the vegetable garden or find the fairies, there really is so much to see and do. You can also take a spin on the Farm Express Train or maybe a trip on the horse and cart followed by a game of mini golf."

"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."

"Camden Fort Meagher is internationally recognized as being “One of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world”. For almost 400 years the fort played a key role as a strong strategic position for the defense of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. The fort is a prime location to watch ships passing through Cork Harbour, the second-largest natural harbour in the world."

"Discover Ireland’s Captain’s and Convicts, Rebels and Rioters, Sinners and Saints at Spike Island. The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork Harbour and has over 1300 years of Irish history."

"In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 6th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times"

"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."