Cork City is Ireland’s second largest city located in the southwest corner of Ireland and is a vibrant and thriving city with a wealth of historical and cultural attractions only waiting to be discovered. In this article we take a look at just 7 must see attractions in Cork City. For further details please read on…
Cork City Gaol is a 19th century prison that will take you back in time to trace the life of a suffering prisoner. This must see attraction will take you on a journey to the cells that today contain life size models with great sound effects. The exterior of the Gaol does not reflect the interior and one could be mistaken for thinking that it is actually a castle! This is an outstanding piece of Georgian and Gothic architecture.
The Gaol is located just 2 km outside Cork city centre and is easily accessible by foot or by public bus which pass the gaol on a frequent basis. Guided tours are available and are offered in 8 different languages. Onsite, there is a café offering a ‘Victorian prisoner’s fare’ and ‘The prison governor’s menu’!
2. Treat your taste buds with a trip to the Old English Market. Browse the many food stalls and sample and purchase the wonderful produce on offer. From fresh fish to meat, breads and cheeses, traditional white and black-puddings, jams, pastries, fruit & veg, organic produce and so much more.
For further details on this wonderful food market in Cork City check out our article on: Tickle your taste buds at Cork’s Old English Food Market
University College Cork or UCC as it is also referred to is located in cork city situated along Western Road and College Road just a few minutes walk from the city centre. This campus was founded in 1845 and was originally known as ‘Queen’s College’, just like ‘Queen’s University College’ in Belfast. Onsite there is a visitor centre where you can arrange a guided tour of this magnificent college and campus. Tour duration is approximately 50 minutes and it is advisable to book a tour in advance. The tour costs €4.00 per person and €15.00 for a family. You can also avail of a public tour between the months of May to October. These operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 3pm.
4. Cork’s Shandon Bells date back as far as the 6th Century. Located in the Church of Saint Anne’s in Shandon, the Shandon Bells look out over Cork City. Reaching 37 metres in height, the steeple of The Church of Saint Anne can be seen from all angles of the city and offers panoramic views of the city by the River Lee. Visitors can climb the tower and absorb stunning views and you may even get a chance to ring the bells! Check out our article Cork’s Shandon Bellsl for further details.
Beamish and Crawford is the longest-established brewery in Cork. Located in South Main Street in Cork City this brewery was established in 1792 and remains as popular as ever today. A tour of the brewery comes highly recommended and is only suitable for people over 18 years as the tour includes samples of the produce!
Located in the Shandon area of Cork City, The Cork Butter Museum celebrates the story of butter making in Ireland dating back as far as the nineteenth century. Here you will learn the many methods used: How butter was preserved, the utensils and equipment used in butter making, how butter was packaged, sold and much more.
7. What better way to explore Cork City than by foot? Take an independent tour of Cork’s streets and discover the city’s many sights, sounds, architecture and of course it’s people and legendary hospitality.
So there you have it, just a selection of some great tourist attractions worth visiting in Cork city.
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Have you visited any of these tourist attractions? Perhaps you would like to add to this list? As always we would love to hear from you - leave your comment in the comment box below. Thank you.
