Cork City Centre Travel Guide

Cork

English Market showing markets, food and interior views
Cork City Centre
Cork City Centre
English Market which includes markets, interior views and food
Cork City Centre

Corkis officially Ireland's second city,but it is affectionately known by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland'. It is a city made fordiscovering on foot, thanks to the River Lee which flows around its centre,creating a compact island that is jam-packed with grand Georgian streets,intersected by medieval alleys and modern architectural triumphs such as theopera house.

Exploring Cork on foot will open out to you interesting waterways,lively traditional bars, modern art centres, historical buildings, fascinatingindependent shops and some of the best restaurants that Ireland has to offer.

Shopping inCork

Corkis a shopper’s delight, not least because it still has a number of thrivingindependent traders that help set its shopping district apart from theinterchangeable chains that dominate many other cities. Taking a stroll throughthe winding alleys around Grand Parade and Patrick Street you will discovermany quirky independent retailers offering vintage clothes, handmade crafts andbespoke jewellery. When the shopping becomes too much there are also plenty ofatmospheric cafes to relax and discuss your purchases in.

Restaurants inCork

Corkhas the best foodie scene in the country and lovers of fine foods are spoiltfor choice when it comes to eating out. It’s not just in restaurants, however,where Cork’slove of gastronomy comes to life: a trip to the EnglishMarket on Princes Street is enough to work up a hearty appetite initself, with beautifully presented local produce (cheeses, ham, salmon,buttered eggs, sausages and artisanal breads) mingling with quality importslike olives and wines.

Views of Cork

Some of the finest views of Cork can be enjoyed fromtwo historic buildings: Elizabeth Fort and CorkCity Gaol. On Sundays the ElizabethFort Market Festival will reward you with more than stunning views: Irishcrafts, gourmet food and entertainment are also hosted within its historicwalls. The views of the west of the city, including Cork’s university, fromthe old Gaol make it well worth the bus or taxi ride out to it.

Sport in Cork

PáircUí Chaoimh is a 50,000 capacity stadium in Ballintemple. It is the home of the Cork Gaelic AthleticAssociation, so you can always catch live football here on match days or enjoya tour of the grounds every Monday and Wednesday.

Nature in Cork

With the tranquil River Lea never far away Cork provides manychances to get away from it all, whilst never being too far away from theamenities of the city. FitzgeraldPark offers tranquillity and natural beauty in the heart of Cork, whilst Lough Park is set around a freshwaterlimestone lake teeming with wildlife just one kilometre south-west of the citycentre.

Enjoy Cork

With a warm welcome on every corner, modern artgalleries, cosy pubs, great restaurants, historic buildings, regular festivalsand shops with a difference, Corkhas certainly claimed its place as the ‘real capital of Ireland’ in the hearts of its manyvisitors.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Cork City Centre

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

4 out of 5
Southmall, Cork, Co. Cork
The price is ฿5,320 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
฿5,320
฿6,038 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Clean, conveniently located near restaurants and shops."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
76 South Mall Street, Cork, Cork
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿7,018 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿7,018
฿7,965 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cork. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Amazing hotel! I felt like I was in the Titanic. Frederick Douglas lounge don’t miss it - complementary beverages for hotel guest"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Imperial Hotel
Clayton Hotel Cork City

Clayton Hotel Cork City

4 out of 5
Lapps Quay, Cork, Cork
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿6,324 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿6,324
฿7,177 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Well situated in city centre to provide a good insight to Ireland. From exploring history, cuisine, shops, both within the city and from surounding regions. Well worth a return to the friendly welome to departure."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Clayton Hotel Cork City
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blarney Castle and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (255 reviews)
"This room was perfect for myself. The bathroom was very nice and clean. The bed was a little uncomfortable, but nothing that would stop me from staying again!"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Leonardo Hotel Cork

Leonardo Hotel Cork

4 out of 5
Andersons Quay, Cork, Cork
The price is ฿4,517 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿4,517
฿5,127 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Fabulous staff & comfy room
"The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. From the front desk clerk giving recommending places nearby to eat, to the friendly breakfast room team and the extra assistant at check out. These were some of the best hotel staff I have encountered on my extended 3 month trip around Europe. The room ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Leonardo Hotel Cork
Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

Destiny Student - Broga House Cork

1 out of 5
Washington St., Cork, County Cork
The price is ฿4,612 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿4,612
฿5,234 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Blarney Castle ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (120 reviews)
Great value for money and godd location
"Place was clean and comfortable and very conveniently located near to the bus stop we needed to get to our end destination. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Being 6ft5 the bed was a little small for me but was fine for a short stopover"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Destiny Student - Broga House Cork
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Cork City Centre

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Huguenot Quarter

While visiting Huguenot Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like St. Patrick's Street and Paul Street.

Huguenot Quarter
St. Anne\'s Shandon Church featuring a city

Shandon

4/5(10 area reviews)

Shandon is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bells of Shandon or St. Anne's Shandon Church.

Shandon
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Victorian Quarter

4/5(33 area reviews)

Victorian Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Everyman Palace Theatre and Leisureplex while you're in town.

Victorian Quarter
Glucksman Gallery which includes modern architecture

South Parish

If you're spending some time in South Parish, Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and Elizabeth Fort are top sights worth seeing.

South Parish
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Fairhill

When in Fairhill, you can plan a visit to Bells of Shandon and St. Anne's Shandon Church, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fairhill
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Wilton

When in Wilton, you can plan a visit to Musgrave Park and Turners Cross, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wilton

Cork City Centre Travel Guide