12 Places to See When You Visit Cork City

Cork is a city with a rich history and culture that has shaped its unique identity. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the beauty of the city, there’s something for everyone here. Cork is a city located in the south of Ireland and has a rich history and culture that has shaped its unique identity.

Links & Articles

This post is just about Cork, but I have SO many other posts I’ve previously written about Cork, Ireland, Europe, and beyond. Here are a few quick links (the first is on National Georgraphic’s site, the rest are on EvinOK or Slainte Cork, my other blog):

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Kinsale, Co. Cork

Ultimate 7-day Self-guided Tour of Ireland

Evin’s Cork – National Geographic

Top 10 Things to See & Do in Dingle, Ireland

6 Hikes on the Dingle Peninsula to Explore

Over 40 places to brunch in Cork City every day of the week

6 Scenic Drives in Ireland for Your Staycation

Dear Cork City visitors, My advice to you is…

A Visit to Cork City

Vintage & Second-hand Shopping in Cork City

Every Button You Could Need at The Cork Button Company

Yarn Companies and Wool Hand-dyers in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Benchspace: Woodworking for Social Stress Relief and Creative Expression

Honoring Kindred Spirits at Thanksgiving

Made In Ireland – Makers and Artisans Based in Ireland

The REAL Irish Souvenirs to Buy

Surviving and Thriving on Staycation Drives or Long Road Trips with Kids

History

Founded by the Celts in the 6th century, it has been inhabited continuously since then. The city was originally a monastic settlement and was later developed as a major port and trading center. With its position, it’s understandable that Cork has a long maritime history, and was one of the largest ports in Ireland for many centuries. The city was a major center of trade, and was particularly important for the export of agricultural products, such as butter and beef. Butter was a major export and the city has its own butter museum.

It’s known as the Rebel county because Cork played a significant role in Ireland’s fight for independence from Britain. The city was the center of the 1916 Easter Rising, and was also a key location during the War of Independence. Sadly, the burning of Cork in 1920 destroyed many of the older structures. Cork is known for its distinctive architecture, which includes medieval and Georgian buildings, as well as modern structures. Some of the most famous buildings in the city include St. Finbarre’s Cathedral, the Shandon Bells, and Cork City Hall.

Arts & Culture

Modern Cork has a vibrant cultural scene, with a thriving arts community and a rich history of music, literature, and theater. The city is also home to many museums and galleries, including the Crawford Art Gallery and the Cork Public Museum. It has been a major center for the brewing, distilling, and textiles industries. Today, the city is a hub for technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Ireland.

Cork city has so many restaurants, including award-winning and a Michelin star. But there’s nothing quite like a proper Irish fry up to start the day. Look for a Full Irish breakfast at some point if you’re a hungry meat-lover.

The English Market

The English Market is the heart of the city and a destination for grocery shopping for locals, but also a shopping option for authentic souvenirs. Such as:

• Pottery from Charlie Mahon Ceramics

• Local jam, Cork food box, or soaps from The Roughty Foodie

• Chocolate bars and chocolates from The Chocolate Shop

• Honey from P. Coughlan’s Meats

• Shopping tote from various market sellers to reuse whenever you shop

• Spices or hot sauce (huge selection of obscure types) from Mr. Bell’s

• Wine or bubbly from The Bubble Brothers

12 Cork City Attractions

Some popular things to do in the city include:

Visit St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral, a stunning 19th century Gothic Revival cathedral.
Take a walk along the River Lee and explore the city’s many bridges, including the iconic Shaky Bridge.
Explore the Cork City Gaol, a former prison that has been converted into a museum.
Visit the English Market, a covered market that has been in operation since 1788 and offers a wide range of local and artisan food products.
Take a tour of the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, which is located just outside of Cork City, to learn about the history and production of Irish whiskey.
Visit the Cork City Museum, which has exhibits on the city’s history and cultural heritage.
Visit the Crawford Art Gallery, which has a collection of Irish and European art.
Take a walk or bike ride in the beautiful Fitzgerald Park, which has a museum, a cafe, a playground, and a rose garden.
Visit the University College Cork, founded in 1845, it has a beautiful Victorian and Gothic architecture.
Visit the Cork Butter Museum, which tells the story of Cork’s butter-making heritage and the role it played in the city’s economy.
Ring the bells and climb the clock tower of St. Anne’s of Shandon.
Explore the walled gardens, heritage buildings, gift shop, and cafe at Nano Nagle Place.

These are just a few examples, Cork City offers many more things to do, such as visiting local pubs, shopping in independent boutiques, and sampling local cuisine.