Getting to Cork

Visitors to Cork can choose from a variety of options for getting here. Cork International Airport handles flights for southwest Ireland, and is the most popular means of travel for those coming from abroad. There are domestic and international routes and the airport is situated just five miles south of the city centre.

The road network is well developed, so driving is also a good option, although you would obviously need to book a ferry if travelling from the UK. Long distance bus services are worth considering, as they are affordable and combine the bus and ferry ticket.

By car

Reaching Cork by car is relatively straightforward as the road system connects all of the large cities. Main roads serving the city include the N8 from Dublin, N25 from Waterford, N20 from Limerick, N22 from Killarney and the N71 from West Cork. From the east, take the Carrigaloe-Glenbrook ferry from Cobh across Cork harbour.

By rail

Travelling to Ireland by train is a popular choice, as there is an extensive rail network. The Channel Tunnel connects Britain and France, so train travel to other European cities is straightforward. You can organise your journey by train through the InterRail service offered by Larnrod Eireann, Ireland's national rail carrier. There are Channel services from Britain, with ferry connections taking you across the Irish Sea, by both day and at night.

Trains from Kerry, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford arrive at Kent Station, less than a mile out of the city centre on the Lower Glanmire road. There are direct intercity rail services to Heuston Station in Dublin and commuter services to the town of Cobh by Cork harbour.

The station facilities include public toilets, a car park, luggage trolleys, a bookshop and a restaurant. Irish Rail Travel Centre can be found on platform 4. If you intend to use the rail service as your mode of transport while in Ireland, you may want to consider one of Larnród Éireann's Explorer Tickets, which offer discounted prices.

By bus

Long distance bus services from Britain to Ireland are operated by Eurolines in conjunction with Bus Eireann (www.buseireann.ie). You can travel from over 1,500 locations within Britain and from over 400 destinations throughout Europe. The luxury buses are all equipped with onboard toilet facilities and reclining seats. Within Ireland, Bus Eirann provides a nationwide expressway service, provincial service and city service. The bus station is located at Parnell Place, alongside Merchant's Quay.

By air

Cork Airport is located a short distance from the centre of the city and offers a choice of both domestic and international flights. A good bus services operates between the airport and the city or alternatively, taxis and car hire are also available. The airport offers the normal range of facilities including ATMs, bureaux de change and information desks.

By ferry

Cork can be accessed easily from Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin ferry ports.
The nearby ferry port, called Ringaskiddy, has a natural deepwater harbour and is the ideal entry point for visiting ferry and cruise passengers. There is a bureaux de change and a café, and all areas are accessible to disabled passengers. The ferry port is approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Cork and there is a bus service to meet arriving ships.

Brittany Ferries (www.brittanyferries.ie) operates a ferry once a week each way between Ringaskiddy and the port of Roscoff in Britanny, France. The average crossing time is 13 hours. Swansea Cork Ferries (www.swansea-cork.ie) operates a ferry service between Cork and Swansea, Wales. Other options include Irish Ferries, which have connections between Dublin and Holyhead in Wales; Rosslare and Pembroke in Wales as well as between Le Havre and Roscoff in France. If you arrive at any of the other Irish ports, you can travel to Cork without difficulty.

Cork Airport

All international and domestic flights arrive at Cork Airport (Aerfort Chorcaí). Nearly three million passengers pass through its doors every year, making it Ireland's third busiest airport and the main gateway to the south of the country. The single terminal building has a range of facilities including a bank, ATM and currency exchange services as well as shops, a café lounge and bar. Facilities specially adapted for people with disabilities include telephones, toilets and lifts, and the main terminal building is easily accessible.

Cork Airport transportation

The airport is situated just five miles south of Cork on the Kinsale road, and a bus service connects to Parnell Place in the city centre. There are departures every 25 to 45 minutes from early in the morning, except on Sundays, when there are just four bus departures during the day. The airport taxi rank is located outside the Arrivals area of the terminal building and is served by registered taxis. Fares are moderately priced and it's a good idea to have the exact address of your destination.