Cork is definitely up there as one of the most popular, must-visit places in all of Ireland. It’s naturally and culturally beautiful, and it makes for a fantastic alternative to visiting the major cities like Dublin, Belfast, and Galway. If you’re looking for a genuine Irish experience, Cork could be everything you’re looking for.
To help wet your whistle further, today we’re going to dive into the eight amazing and awesome things you’re going to need to squeeze in while on your visit here. Let’s dive straight into it!
- Visit the Fota Wildlife Park
If you’re an animal lover, you can’t not go to the Fota Wildlife Park. Hailed as one of the best attractions in all of Ireland, there’s a treat here the whole family will enjoy. Only 20 minutes away from Cork, this is a day out you won’t forget! There’s everything you can imagine!
2. Try a Local Pub
You can’t go anywhere in Ireland without checking out some of the local breweries, pubs, taverns, and inns. In Cork especially, there’s so much choice, all authentic and genuine places. Get yourself some pub grub after a long day out and feel fully at home. Keep an eye out for the oldest pub, The Old Thatch Pub, that has been in the current family since the 1600s!
3. Visit the Inchydoney Beach
And who said Ireland isn’t the place to go for a beach holiday? Inchydoney is the name of a small island located around an hour’s drive away from Cork but is easily accessible via the bridges to the mainland. It’s beautiful. It’s serene. On a summer’s day, we guarantee there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.
4. Visit Dursey Island
Accessible by cable car over an ocean pass, which is an adventure in itself and the only cable car in all of Ireland, this is a sparsely populated island that is a haven to explore. Easily one of the most popular tourist attractions, do an online search to see why.
5. The Garnish Island Gardens
The title says it all. The gardens of Garnish Island can be reached by ferry (complete with a stop to see the seals along the way), and once there, you’ll find some of the rarest plants in the world. It’s a crazy exotic place that will take your breath away.
6. Explore the Titanic
Do you know the scene in the Titanic movie where everyone boards the vessel before taking off? Yeah, that was in Cork. It was actually in the Cobh, which is a little nearby, so make your way there if you’re a lover of the movie! You’ll get a boarding pass and everything!
7. Go Whale Watching
Yes, it really does seem that Cork has everything. Head out to West Cork, and you’ll find dolphins, minke whales, basking sharks, and even humpback whales if you head south enough! Easily one of the best things to do in Cork, Dublin.
8. Explore Cork Itself
Obviously, there are loads of do in and around Cork, but make sure you don’t forget to actually spend some time in the city itself and seeing everything it has to offer. And there’s a lot. From glorious markets to beautiful views and the main sweeping river, no day is boring spent in Cork.
Summary
There’s no doubt that Cork is one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Ireland, and there’s no shortage of things to do while you’re there. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket, and away you go! Enjoy yourself!
