Best Of Cork, Ireland, In 10 Sights

Best of Cork, Ireland, in 10 sights

By Anna Purpurpurpur

Cork, or Corcaigh in Irish, is the second largest city of Ireland and the one with a strong patriotic spirit.

It was founded in the 7th century and played a role in numerous events that took place in Ireland and Britain over centuries.

Now it’s a gorgeous city every tourist would be happy to explore: it has great food, the walk along the River Lee would remind you of Scandinavian houses, and the mighty castles around the area would be the best treat!

1. Visit Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a stunning Neo-Gothic Church of Ireland architectural masterpiece created by William Burges and dates back to 1865-1870.

Actually the city of Cork stands on the site where Finbar of Cork, the Saint Patron of Cork, lived – it was called the Great Marsh of Munster then – and later established a monastery back in the 606AD. The name Fionnbarr means ‘fair headed’ in Irish.

Inside you’ll see the astonishing interior with an organ, floor mosaics and stained glass, that might remind you of the iconic 13th century French religious architecture. Overall, there are 1260 sculptures there!

The gilded angel on the outside is apparently due to blow its trumpets when the world is comes to its end and the Apocalypse begins!

2. Learn about the Cork City Gaol history

Cork city gaol is one of the most visited city attractions. You might be deceived by its outlook: yes, this is not a castle – this is a jail. Actually, gaol and jail are pronounced the same, it’s just the spelling that differs! ‘Gaol’ was used more widely before the 1930s, and then the ‘jail’ version won and became more popular.

It opened in 1824 and functioned as a prison for a century, and now you can visit it as a museum. The building was designed by William Robertson, famous Irish architect, and Sir Thomas Deane and his son, Thomas Newenham Deane, who is behind a number of outstanding buildings in Cork.

You will encounter many real life stories from not only male and female prisoners (including politician and suffragette Countess Markievicz), but also about kids imprisoned here, all reenacted by wax figurines. Many were kept here for their political views or minor offences. The punishments are also discussed here in detail.

I’d suggest you take an audio guide, and at the end of your visit you can buy some souvenirs (not only related to prison life) in the shop.

3. Pay a visit to Crawford Municipal Art Gallery

Crawford Municipal Art Gallery is located on the three floors of the old Customs House built in 1724 and showcases the sculptures, paintings and modern art. Later this year the gallery will close for a massive redevelopment under the Transforming Crawford Art Gallery project and is expected to reopen in 2027.

In total, its collection includes over 3000 pieces counting among them Greek and Roman casts, brought here directly from the Vatican Museum in 1818 and a large portrait of Fiona Shaw by Victoria Russell.

Cork Opera house is located just around the corner.

4. Buy food at English Market

The English market is a historical market in the very heart of Cork. It has been operating since the late 18th century. It was called English because it was founded by a Protestant company and to distinguish it from the later opened Irish Market on Cornmarket Street (officially it was called St. Peter’s Market, now Bodega Bar occupies its place).

This place serves a nice selection of local goods: veggies, eggs, dairy, meat; and there are a few cafes too.

5. Explore Elizabeth Fort

Elizabeth fort is a fortification that used to be just outside of the city walls and now is sealed by the enlarged city.

First fort on this site was built here in wood in 1601, and a quarter century later it was rebuilt in stone – this was a much more effective defending structure in the shape of a star. It was constantly in use later on too: during the 19th century, for instance, as the Female convict prison, a Fever hospital and a Constabulary barracks.

Just look at the panorama of Cork that you can observe from here – isn’t it splendid! More over, the views over the cathedrals are simple the best from the ramparts of the Elizabeth fort.

Walk along the ramparts, explore the museum of it and learn about the devastating Neva shipwreck in 1835, a tragic story of a ship that sailed from Cork carrying imprisoned women to Australia with over 224 people dying, and see the WWII shelter here.

You can quickly pop into the Alchemy cafe by the Elizabeth fort: their sausage rolls are said to be one of the best in the city!

6. See the Blackstone castle

Blackstone castle is one of the most picturesque landmarks of Cork: it looks like a proper fairytale castle!

However, the story behind it is much more prosaic: the pirates got a habit of attacking Irish coast, and Cork citizens decided they needed some fortress for protection, so in 1586 this castle was erected. Now it has a cafe and an observatory inside – and of course it looks fantastic too!

For the best view walk along the Greenway of Cork Harbour, one of the largest of its kind in the world. It’s a nice place for a stroll on a clear day, and fantastic views are guaranteed.

If you love birdwatching, come here when the tide is low!

7. Listen to the bells of St Anne’s Church

Shandon is one of the most historic areas of Cork, and make sure you have enough time to explore this district.

It’s name – Shandon – is translated a s ‘an old fort’, and you can see there the Butter museum, Saint Mary’s Dominican Church & Priory, and Firkin Crane Arts Centre.

However St Anne’s church is probably its most important landmark! The tower you can spot today dates to 1722 and occupies a site of a mediaeval church. It has a few specific features. First of all, the clocks there all show different times; secondly, it’s two-coloured, with white limestone combined with red sandstone; and finally, the bells of it are very famous!

We were lucky to listen to it while walking around the area, but as I understand the visitors can ring them themselves too. And yes, if you’ve heard an amazing poem ‘The Bells of Shandon’ by Francis Sylvester Mahony, it was inspired exactly by this place!

It starts like this:

With deep affection,
And fond recollection, of times heard of those Shandon bells,
In childhood,
In the days of wildhood,
Cling round my cradle o’er their magic apelle ;
When’ere I wander,
I still ponder,
And still grow fonder, dear Cork of thee.
‘Tis those bells of Shandon
That sounds more grand on
The pleasant waters of the river Lee.

If you’re interested in churches, you can also visit St. Mary’s Dominican Church and Priory and Saints Peter and Paul’s Church.

8. Observe the National monument

If you’re in Ireland, you’ll see many landmarks dedicated to the Irish patriots who fought against British rule. National monument dating to 1906 and located on the Grand Parade is one of them.

Four statues by the sides of the monument represent Wolfe Tone, Michael Dwyer, Thomas Davis and Peter O’Neill Crowley, with the fifth statue in the centre of the monument representing Ireland as the Maid of Erin.

9. Have chocolates at Butlers cafe

Butlers Chocolates company was founded in 1932 and now is known worldwide! Although most famous shops and cafes of this brand are located in Dublin, you can visit its signature cafe in Cork too.

Come here for some desserts, drinks and of course chocolates!

10. Shop on the main streets of Cork

Cork might be a nice shopping destination too! Head to the St Patrick Street, Grand Parade, Oliver Plunkett Street – you’ll find all sorts of shops, restaurants and other venues!

Brown Thomas is a historical shopping mass celebrated 175 years since its opening in 2024: come here for skincare, some luxury goods, a brasserie on the top floor and even Christmas shopping!

What else?

If you’re into gastronomical education, you can explore Butter Museum and Franciscan Well Brewery, or take a gastronomic tour around the city, and have a look at the UCS campuses. And don’t forget to visit the castles around the city, especially the Blarney castle.

Where to stay in Cork?

We stayed in probably the most historical hotel of the city: the Imperial hotel.

The best thing about it is its location: it sits in the very city centre. Don’t expect any modernity here: it gives the vibes of old fashion luxury. You can try afternoon tea there or to visit the Sketch for a cocktail or two, and skip Irish breakfast in the morning!

Another well known fact about it is that Michael Collins, famous Irish revolutionary, spent his last days in one of the hotel rooms before his assassination in 1922.