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You are here > Visitors Information CORK > DAY TRIPS
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Cork City and County has something to offer for every visitor. We have broken the day trips down into the regions below:
Cork City & Suburbs | North Cork | South Cork | East Cork | West Cork
Also you can visit this site to view more info on what to do in the Cork region: Cork Kerry Tourism
4 Tours daily Monday to Friday inclusive, from Monday April 2nd to Friday September 28th.
Cork Historic Walking Tours
Tour Details:
Cork Historic Walking Tours:
10 A.M. The Monks & Vikings Tour
12 P.M. The Normans Tour
2 P.M. The Expanding City Tour
4 P.M. The Modern City Tour
Tours start Outside the Tourist Office on Grand Parade.
Duration: 1hour 30 Minutes and runs irrespective of weather.
Wheelchair users are welcome.
€10 per person (€5 OAP’s, students etc.)
“Explore historic Cork at a leisurely pace and learn about Cork’s fascinating history in a relaxed and interesting manner.”
TICKETS: €10 per person (€5 OAP’s, students etc.)
BOOKING/INFO: Tel: John Collins, 085 100 7300. Email: info@walkcork.ie. Web: www.walkcork.ie.
VENUE: Starts at the front door of the Cork Opera House on Emmet Place.
CORK CITY & SUBURBS
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
St. Finbarre's Cathedral is one of the major landmarks of Cork. Built in the 19th-century and dedicated to the patron saint of Cork, St. Finbar / Finnbarre / Finn Barr (gaeil Fionn Barra). This impressive structure was creation of victorian architect William Burges.
The origional monastic settlement was founded in the 8th Century and a church has stood on this site ever since. It is from this site that the city of Cork grew. This cathedral is Cork's Church of Ireland cathedral. It is a gothic style cathedral and its impressive interior is well worth a visit.
LOCATION: Sharman Crawford Street, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Apr-Sept Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm and Oct-Mar Mon-Sat 2-5:30pm
PRICE: Free; All donations welcome
CONTACT: (021) 4963387
Cork Public Museum and Fitzgerald Park
This museum occupies a magnificent Georgian building in Fitzgerald Park on the western edge of the city. The ground floor is mostly dedicated to Cork's role in Ireland fight for independence. There is an archive of photographs and documents relating to Cork-born Irish patriots such as: Terence McSwiney, Thomas MacCurtain, and Michael Collins.
The first floor has archaeological displays. Exhibits include models depicting early medieval times; artefacts recovered from excavations in the city, some dating as far back as 4,000 years; and a working model of an early flourmill with an unusual horizontal water wheel. Antique Cork silver, glass, and lace are on display. An extension to the museum has recently been completed. Be sure to also take a walk around the park. From here you can visit Cork’s famous Shaky Bridge overlooking the River Lee. Entrance to the museum and park are free.
LOCATION: Fitzgerald Park, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Fri 11am-1pm and 2:15-5pm; Sun 3-5pm (until 6pm July-Aug)
PRICE: Sun €1.30, €2.50 family; Mon-Fri free
CONTACT: (021) 4270679
St. Anne's Church, Shandon
The northside of Cork is dominated by this 18th century church and its curious steeped tower. The church was built in 1722 and its tower is faced with two limestone and two sandstone walls. From these the colours of the Cork hurling and football teams are taken. You can climb the tower and ring the bells of the cathedral or simply admire the amazing view of Cork city and the Lee Valley from this spectacular vantage point. Also the view of the interior of the Cathedral and its collection of 17th century books is well worth a visit. These include letters by the poet John Donne.
Virtually no matter where you stand in Cork city you can see the Shandon Bells as the cathedral is also known. It was also known for some time as the four faced liar, due its four clock showing different times, except on the hour, when they all managed to synchronize.
Around the area of St. Anne’s Cathedral is the Shandon Craft Centre, which was once the Cork Butter Exchange. Opposite the cathedral is the round Firkin Crane Centre, this used to house the weighing scales for the butter-casks (firkins) and is now home to a hot venue for contemporary dance and theatrical performances.
LOCATION: Church Street, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm
PRICE: €5 adults, €4 seniors and students, €9 family
CONTACT: (021) 4501672
Cork City Gaol
About a mile west of the city centre, Cork city gaol received its first prisoners in 1824 and its last in 1923. This prison housed many of Irelands great patriots in the 19th century. Visiting this gaol is a very moving experience and the sound effects and lifelike characters inhabiting the cells re-create the social history of Cork.
Upstairs there is a new National Radio Museum. With a collection of beautiful old radios you can hear the story of Marconi’s conquest of the airways.
LOCATION: Convent Avenue, Sunday's Well, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Mar-Oct daily 9:30am-6pm; Nov-Feb Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Last admission 1 hour before closing.
PRICE: €5 adults, €4 seniors, students, and children, €14 family
CONTACT: (021) 4305022
Cork Heritage Park
Set in gardens southeast of the city, the Cork Heritage Park is a collection of maritime and other exhibits. The site was originally part of the Quaker family Pike, who were prominent in banking and shipping in Cork. The park is 2 miles south of the city in Bessberro, Blackrock. There is a series of exhibits that trace the shipping routes; there is an environmental centre; an archaeology room and a small museum dedicated to the history of the Cork fire fighters. Also in this area of cork is Blackrock Castle.
LOCATION: Bessboro Road, Blackrock, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Apr Sun noon-5:30pm; May-Sept Mon-Fri 10:30am-5:30pm, weekends noon-5:30pm
PRICE: €5 adults, €3 seniors and students, €2 children, €10 family
CONTACT: (021) 4358854
Gunpowder Mills - Ballincollig
Throughout the 19th century this was one of Europe’s largest gunpowder manufacturing plants. It manufactured gunpowder from 1794 – 1903. When this was Cork’s major industry, the mills employed about 500 men as coopers, millwrights and carpenters. The mills are situated on land beside the River Lee. You can partake in a tour of the restored buildings and view many exhibits. After this you can take a beautiful walk through Ballincollig’s Regional Park on the outskirts of the town.
LOCATION: Ballincollig, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Apr-Sept daily 10am-6pm
PRICE: €4 adults, €3 seniors and students, €2.50 children, €10 family
CONTACT: (021) 4874430
Crawford Art Gallery
The Crawford Art Gallery is housed in a building which was used partly as the Old Customs House of 1724. It was also used by the Cork School of Art of 1884. There are displays of sculptures and handcrafted silver and glass works. However it is the excellent permanent collection of works by Irish artists such as Jack Yeats, Sean Keating, Nathaniel Grogan, William Orpen, Sir John Lavery, James Barry, and Daniel Maclise. The gallery now has an excellent café and bookstore. In 2000 it received a dramatic facelift and a great new extension.
LOCATION: Emmet Place, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
PRICE: Free
CONTACT: (021) 4273377
NORTH CORK
Blarney, Fermoy, Mallow, Millstreet, Mitchelstown
North West of Cork lies Blarney. This village is renowned for Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone and Blarney woollen Mills. Tourism is a major aspect of the town. You will find many pleasant restaurants and pubs as well as the main attraction; Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle is said to one of the most striking castles in Ireland. Dating from 1446, the castle is a tower house built on solid limestone in wonderful grounds. Whilst visiting the castle you can kiss the blarney stone! Bending over backwards to kiss the sacred rock required a head for heights. By kissing the stone you are said to receive the gift of the gab! Near to the castle is Blarney woollen mills where every type of Irish souvenir can be purchased and some fantastic woollen garments.
Another town in North Cork is Fermoy. This is a small town located on the River Blackwater. There is a great deal of fishing to be done in this town. There are also a great number of restaurants. The town hosts a Fishing Festival in the week straddling May and June.
Mallow is twice the size of Fermoy and is a prosperous town in the Blackwater Valley. There is great fishing, golfing and horse riding in the area. The Mallow Racecourse hosts Corks best horse racing. A visit to Mallow Castle is a must, this castle dates back to 1185.
Millstreet Country Park, Millstreet, Co Cork.
Tel 029 2970810. www.millstreetcountrypark.com. info@millstreetcountrypark.com.
Millstreet Country Park which extends to 500 acres is a major tourist attraction. It is located approximately 6 kilometers from Millstreet town. The park is an ideal venue for group visits and offers excellent value for a special day out. Discover the many amenities, enjoy the scenery, and the Park's environmental heritage in all its facets. We pause here to remind you that the Park is large with many miles of trails. Some are short and can be covered quickly by even the most reluctant rambler! Others are more extensive and can involve a climb up the Park so you may choose to ride them in part on the Park Transport Vehicles. These comfortable open sided vehicles driven by friendly local guides make frequent trips along preplanned trails and visitors may alight or embark from various points in the Park. By this process it is possible to explore the entire Park on wheels. There is no unseemly haste, visitors can elect to wander off to explore a particular sector on foot in the knowledge that transport will be at hand for the return journey in due course. Open 7 days 10am - 5.30pm. Gates close at 7pm. Group discounts available. €15per car exit charge, €50 season ticket.
Mitchelstown, just 30 miles from Cork City. The town is set at the foothills of the Galtee Mountains. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Ireland's Blackwater Valley. There is an extensive river network offering a wide variety of game and coarse fishing. There are also many equestrian centres, offering riding tuition, trail riding and pony trekking. The town is an important example of a planned town. It was laid out primarily by the 1st and 3rd Earls of Kingston in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Mitchelstown is situated in the blackwater valley between the Galtee and Knockmealdown Mountains. There is spectacular scenery offering fantastic walks. Also around the area are the Mitcelstown Caves.
SOUTH CORK
Kinsale
Kinsale offers so much to the visitor. Without doubt the gourmet capital of Ireland. It is also a town of great historical significance. There are so many things to do in Kinsale: Sailing, Harbour Trips, Fishing, Golf, Horse Riding, Shooting, Archery, Paintball, Windsurfing and many more watersports. Also kinsale caters for Walking and Historical Visits. There are Leisure Centres, Pottery Workshops, Taxi and bus tours.
Kinsale was the site of a battle in 1601 that was a turning point in Irish history. For over 300 years it was a garrison town and port of consequence, leaving a legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture. The people of Kinsale take the preservation of their environment very seriously, and the town is noted for its successes in competitions such as Tidy Towns and the European Entente Floriale competition.
When you go to Kinsale be sure to visit the following places: Desmond Castle and International Museum of Wine, Charles Fort, St. Multose Church and Kinsale Regional Museum.
EAST CORK
Cobh, Fota, Youghal, Midleton
Cobh is a beautifully picturesque town which was for many years the port of Cork. It always had a stong connection with Atlantic crossings. In 1838 the Sirius was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic, sailing from Cobh. The town was renowned for the last port of call of the Titanic. It is also near Cobh that the Lusitania was torpedoed in 1915. All these facts combined ensures the towns great maritime history. The town itself is dominated by the beautiful St. Coleman’s Cathedral. It is a French Gothic style of architecture. The cathedral is noted for its 47 bell carillon, the largest in Ireland. Other places of interest in the town are the Cobh Heritage Centre and Cobh Museum. There are also Harbour cruises and fantastic chances to play golf.
Fota Wildlife Park and Arboretum Park is one of Europe's most progressive Wildlife Parks with over 90 species of wildlife from five continents. It is set on 70 acres of open countryside, with many of its species wandering freely around the park's natural and attractive environment. FOTA Wildlife Park has achieved international success in breeding cheetahs and aims to be a leading contributor to the conservation of wildlife worldwide. It supports conservation initiatives in Namibia, the South Atlantic, Columbia, Madagastcar and Central America.
Web: Fota Wildlife Park
Youghal is 30 miles east of Cork city. It is located where the river Blackwater meets the sea. Sir Walter Raleigh was the towns first mayor from 1588-89. Tradition has it he planted the first potatoes here after bringing them back from the New World. The town is dominated by the old Clock Gate at the south end of Main Street. There is also the elegant red brick Town Hall on the seafront. Fox’s Lane Folk Museum, Tynte’s Castle and Red House are some other great attractions. It has a fine beach and its situation at the mouth of the River Blackwater makes it an excellent touring centre. Golf, tennis, fishing and boating are widely available.
Midleton, 17km. (12 miles) east of Cork City, is a 12th. century market town with a rich agricultural hinterland. A distillery town since 1825, it is situated in the centre of the East Cork region. This town, the home of Irish Whiskey, enjoys attractive shopping facilities, award-winning restaurants, quaint old pubs and luxurious accommodation. The Old Midleton Distillery is a very large distillery in the town which produces the bulk of Irish whiskey and gin. An interpretative centre, depicting the history, methods of distillation and other aspects of the industry, is open to the public. Other places of interest in Midleton are: Loughaderra Lake, Castlemartyr Castle & Carmelite Monastry, Garryvoe Blue Flag Beach, Bird Watching at Rostellan Lake, Medieval Cloyne, The Beautiful East Ferry, Barryscourt Castle and Trabolgan.
WEST CORK
West Cork is known for its enticing and colorful towns. The entire area offers a multitude of towns with a variety of different things to see and do. Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland and also offering the broadest range of activities, entertainment, cuisine and accommodation imaginable. Visiting West Cork provides you with a range of options that allow you to tailor your holiday to suit your personal taste.
West Cork offers a list of fantastic towns such as: Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Skibbereen, Sherkin Island, Schull, Mizen Head Peninsula, Bantry, Beara Peninsula. Each town offering its own beauty and charm.
Make sure you do not miss some of the following highlights:
West Cork Regional Museum, Clonakilty.
Lisnagun Ring Fort, Clonakilty.
Birthplace of Michael Collins, Clonakilty.
Beaches and Canoeing in Rosscarbery.
12th Century St. Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery.
Drombeg Stone Circle, Rosscarbery.
Castle Salem, N17 Skibbereen Road west of Rosscarberry.
Glandore Village, Glandore.
Liss Ard Experience, Skibbereen.
West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen.
Lough Ine and Knockomagh Woods, Skibbereen
Baltimore for Angling
Clear Island for Bird watching
Sherkin Island
Mizen Head Peninsula
Schull
The Planetarium, Schull
Road trip from Schull to Mizen Head
Bantry town and Museum
Bantry House and Gardens
Glengarriff and Glengarriff Woods
Castletownbere
Dunboy Castle and Puxley Mansion, Castletownbere
Fantastic Walks in the Beara Peninsula
Cable car to Dursey Island
Allihies and the Copper Mines, Castletownbere
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