Things to do in Cork

Cork is a great place to wander around, especially the quays, narrow lanes, markets and Shandon area. All of the attractions are in a small area, so exploring them on foot is the best way. There is a network of footbridges and quays which will help to get you orientated. St Patrick street is the main thoroughfare and winds along the south side of the river. Here you will find the main shopping area, along with some good restaurants and pubs.

The Cork Butter Museum

This unique museum on O’Connell Square celebrates one of the great Irish success stories. Cork used to have the largest butter market in the world and it had a major influence in the city's prosperity from the late 18th century onwards. The museum recalls the early dairy trade in Ireland and how milk was churned into butter and preserved in the bogs for later use. It goes on to describe how, in the 18th century, Cork became the main supplier in the Atlantic for both the British Navy and trade convoys.

The following century, it was fortunate to survive the catastrophic famine that hit the area and decimated the city. It was able to do this by changing its focus and concentrating on the lucrative English butter market. Finally, the story is completed by an informative video on the modern success of the Kerrygold brand. The museum is located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, next to the Firkin Crane Theatre.

Blarney Castle

Situated in the village of Blarney, five miles northwest of Cork, this landmark is famous for its stone, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow eloquence on all those who kiss it. Over the years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. A number of world leaders and American presidents have been attracted by its mystical powers.

The castle was built nearly 600 hundred years ago and is the third to have been erected on this site. The stone itself is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, you have to lean backwards from the parapet walk while holding on to an iron rail. Take some extra time to relax and enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens of lawns, shrubs, flower beds and trees, which gently slope towards the lake.

Crawford Municipal Art Gallery

Crawford Art Gallery welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year and can be found in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House. There is a permanent collection of over 2,000 works including 18th century Irish and European paintings and sculptures, and contemporary video installations. Make sure you see the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, brought to Cork in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome. The collection is particularly strong in Irish art of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

St Finbarrs Cathedral

This is one of the major landmarks of Cork and can be seen all the way from the harbour. It is built on the site of the original monastic settlement of St Finbarr, which was founded in the 8th century. A church has stood on this site ever since. Few traces remain of the medieval buildings, although there are some entries in the chapter minute books that give an idea of its size and appearance. The communion vessels are still in use and include a silver gilt chalice from 1536. 

During the siege of Cork in 1689, the cathedral suffered extensive damage when it came under fire from the nearby Elizabeth Fort. When the steeple was demolished in 1865, a 24-pound cannon was discovered imbedded deep in the masonry. It now hangs from a chain in the ambulatory.

William Burgess was appointed architect for a new cathedral and the building was completed in 1878. It has a distinctive triple-spired edifice, built in the Gothic Revival style and decorated with stone tracery. The magnificent interior has painted and gilded apse ceilings and the stained glass windows tell the story of Christ's life.

The Cork Opera House

The Opera House has been part of the pattern of the cultural and social life of the city for 150 years and is the only purpose-built Opera House in the country. It was extensively renovated in 1993, and now displays a modern and striking façade. It plays host to many events throughout the year including opera, dance, drama, musicals and concerts.

Cork City Gaol

This listed building is an important part of Irish architectural heritage. It dates to 1824, and is a fine example of the work of Sir Thomas Deane. From the outside, it looks more like a castle than a purpose-built prison, with a number of interesting and unusual features. The building has a number of classical Gothic details such as turreted battlements and dripstones. You can take a leisurely tour around the Gaol with a taped guide that focuses on social history, interspersed with characters of national importance. The Gaol can be found at Sunday's Well, approximately 30 minutes walk from the city centre.

Museums

The Cork Public Museum is set in 18 acres of gardens, in an unspoilt part of the city. The building was first turned into a museum in 1909, when it housed the municipal offices after the burning of the City Hall by the Black and Tans; it re-opened as the present museum in 1945.

The collections cover the economic, social and municipal history of the city and surrounding area from the Mesolithic period onwards. Of particular note are the displays featuring civic regalia and the trades and crafts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Look out for the fine collections of Cork silver, glass and Youghal needlepoint lace. The museum is located in Fitzgerald Park and can be reached by following signposts from Cork city centre.

The other museum worth visiting is the Radio Museum Experience, which can be found at the City Gaol. It features a large collection of early radios, a selection of popular archive recordings and a reconstruction of the first radio station in Cork.