Things to Do in Cork: Tours, Day Trips & Hotels

Cork, where the River Lee meets a rebel heart. Taste your way through the city, kiss the Blarney Stone, then follow the Titanic’s last stop to Cobh and the harbours of Kinsale.

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Day trips from Dublin
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Things to do Blarney, Cobh & Kinsale From Dublin Getting there Hotels FAQs

Photo @imjamie

Top things to do in Cork city

Ireland’s second city is built on an island in the River Lee. It’s compact, easy to walk and famous for its food, so a local guide is the quickest way in.

Food tourCork Tasting TrailLocal cheeses, seafood and whiskey on a 2-hour food trail with Fabulous Food Trails.See tour → Walking tourHysterical Histories Walking TourA “choose your own adventure” walk through Cork’s history.See tour → Walking tourCork City RambleA 90-minute stroll through the city’s history and colourful streets.See tour → Food tourCork Historic Doughnut TourCork’s food history, with doughnuts along the way.See tour → Boat tripCork City SafariA sea safari from Monkstown in Cork Harbour up towards the city by water.See tour → EveningHysterical Histories Dinner TheatreDinner while actors bring Cork’s history to life.See tour →

PicTours Cork Afternoon tea at Hayfield Manor Afternoon tea at the Maryborough Ballymaloe cooking demo The Big Escape Cork

Book Cork tours and experiences

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Blarney, Cobh, Kinsale & the Cork coast

Cork city is the base for the county’s best-known days out: the Blarney Stone, the Titanic town of Cobh, Midleton whiskey and the harbour at Kinsale.

BlarneyBlarney Castle, Gardens & VillageBlarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone, plus its gardens and village.See tour → CobhCobh Cultural TourA 2-hour walk through Cobh’s streets and waterfront with Cobh Heritage Centre.See tour → CobhThe Queenstown StoryThe story of Irish emigration through Cobh, once called Queenstown.See tour → WhiskeyCoastal Cork & Midleton DistilleryThe Cork coast and the Midleton Distillery with Ireland Whiskey Tours.See tour → KinsaleWhale & Wildlife Tour, KinsaleLook for whales, dolphins and seabirds off the Kinsale coast.See tour → KinsaleKinsale by Sea SafariThe Kinsale coastline aboard a high-speed RIB with Cork Sea Safari.See tour →

Kinsale Coast Bike Tour Kinsale Cruise Sheep’s Head Way walk Fota Wildlife Park & Cork

Cork day trips from Dublin

Short on time? These guided tours leave from Dublin and handle the transport for you.

By trainCork, Blarney & Cobh by TrainTake the train south for Cork city, Blarney Castle and Cobh in one day.See tour → From DublinCork and Blarney Day TourCork city and Blarney Castle on a day tour with Your Irish Tour.See tour → From DublinBlarney, Cashel & Cahir CastlesThree castles in one day, including Blarney and the Rock of Cashel.See tour →

Planning more? See our guide to day tours from Dublin.

More Cork tours and activities

Getting to Cork from Dublin

By bus

Express coaches run between Dublin and Cork. Book ahead for the best fares.

Grab your ticket

By train

Trains leave Dublin Heuston for Cork Kent about every hour and take around 2.5 hours.

By car

Head south on the M7, then the M8. Need wheels? Compare car hire in Dublin.

Hotels in Cork

Stay a night or two to see the city, Blarney and the coast. Search dates and compare prices.

Flights to Cork

Cork FAQs

How do I get to Cork from Dublin?

Trains run about every hour from Dublin Heuston to Cork Kent and take around 2.5 hours. Express coaches also run between the two cities, or you can drive south on the M7 and M8.

Can I visit Cork as a day trip from Dublin?

Yes. Guided day tours from Dublin visit Cork city with Blarney Castle, and some add Cobh or the Rock of Cashel. The train also makes a do-it-yourself day trip possible.

What are the best things to do in Cork?

Eat your way around the English Market and the city on a food tour, join a walking tour, kiss the Blarney Stone, learn the Titanic and emigration story in Cobh, and visit the harbour town of Kinsale.

How far is Blarney Castle from Cork city?

Blarney is a small village just outside Cork city, a short bus or taxi ride from the centre, so it is easy to combine with a day in Cork.

Is Cobh worth visiting from Cork?

Yes. Cobh, once called Queenstown, was the Titanic’s last port of call and the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants. Local tours and The Queenstown Story tell that history.

How many days do you need in Cork?

Two days covers the city and Blarney. Add a third for Cobh, Kinsale or the coast of West Cork.

Plan your Cork trip

Food, castles, the Titanic’s last port and the coast of West Cork, about 2.5 hours from Dublin.

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