Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions 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."

"St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a must for anyone who loves Gothic architecture. Dedicated to the patron saint of Cork, visitors are awed by the cathedral’s spires, immense stained glass windows, and incredibly detailed stonework. Built between 1865 and 1879, the cathedral’s history goes back to the 7th century—to when St. Fin Barre himself reportedly founded a monastery at the same site."

"The 19th century Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a fabulous example of Gothic Revival architecture and a must see for any visitor to Cork. Open every day except Sunday, the sculptures and carvings in the interior and exterior make it well worth the visit."

"Ashley recommended Fitzgerald Park in Cork, she says, “The playground is phenomenal. Lots of sensory things and a huge wooden castle structure with ladders, bridges and slides. Its location is beautiful and the park has a cafe."

"Charles Fort Kinsale County Cork is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and has five bastions, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, steeped in history and views over Kinsale Harbour and town."

"One of Europe's best-preserved star-shaped artillery forts, this vast 17th-century fortification would be worth a visit for its spectacular views alone. But there's much more here: the 18th- and 19th-century..."

"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…"

"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."

"Definitely make time to visit the impressive St. Colman's Cathedral, and I also recommend going to the Titanic Experience. Cobh was the final port the Titanic stopped in before making its fateful way across the Atlantic (back then, the town was called Queenstown). The small Titanic Experience museum (which is housed in the former White Star Line Ticket Office) is very well done, and tells the story of the Titanic and the 123 passengers who boarded the ship in Cobh."

"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."

"Ballyhooly Castle is a beautiful 17th-century manor house that is situated in the north of County Cork; one of the main reasons in which the castle is famous is for the ‘Ballyhooly Massacre’, which occurred during the Irish Civil War, even though just one person was killed. Today, the castle grounds are open to the public; many visitors are attracted to the peaceful atmosphere of the village and the beautiful scenery. Where: BallyhoolyWhen: 17th centuryStyle: GothicOpen for visit: Private Residence – can only visit the grounds."

"Barryscourt Castle is an impressive historic castle that is located in County Cork, in the scenic town of Carrigtwohill. The grounds in which the castle is built has been inhabited for well over a thousand years; however, the first modern fortification is thought to have been built in the 12th century, after it was given to the de Barry family. The castle has changed shape over the years, having been rebuilt and renovated on several different occasions; the castle that stands today dates back mainly to the 16th century, and it is built in a traditional medieval architectural style."

"One of Cork’s most stunning castles, Barryscourt’s grounds are equally impressive. The garden offers a beautiful replica of a medieval garden, laid out in the same fashion as Tower House Gardens would have been in its prime, with an orchard of native fruit trees and an authentic 16th-century herb garden. This is an atmospheric place to spend an afternoon, so consider packing a picnic and making a day of it."

"A stunning example of a 15th-century tower house, the Norman-influenced Barryscourt Castle provided a home to the noble family of Norman de Barry for centuries. The well-maintained fortress features original towers, with antique interiors, and a fragrant herb garden. Request a tour of the site to get your bearings on the beauty of this modestly sized ‘domestic’ castle."

"Cork City Old Gaol Cork City which is located 2km from Cork's main thoroughfare, this castle like prison once housed 19th C. prisoners, often in wretched conditions. Wandering through the wings of Cork City Gaol, the atmosphere suggests you are accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates, each representing their particular period in Irish history from pre-famine times to the foundation of the State."

"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."

"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."