Travel to Cork

Travel to Cork

The charming town of Cork has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and its small size makes it a great place to wander. The thriving cultural scene and lively nightlife, together with a good choice of quality restaurants, ensures that it has a steady stream of visitors throughout the summer months.

Transportation to Cork

The most popular way of reaching Cork is by plane, as there are routes to London and other UK cities as well as to mainland European cities. The airport is the gateway to southwest Ireland and is located just five miles from the city. The road network is good, so driving is also a popular choice, although you would obviously need to book a ferry if travelling from the UK. Long distance bus services connect with hundreds of cities in Europe, providing a cheap and comfortable means of travel.

What to see

The city boasts a thriving arts culture and has the most important gallery outside of Dublin, the Crawford Art Gallery. The Opera House has been a part of city life for a long time and hosts a wide range of events including dance, opera, musicals and drama. One of the most famous landmarks in the area is Blarney Castle, and thousands of people flock to the 600-year-old castle every week to kiss the mystical stone.

The city also has interesting Gothic churches including St Finn Barres Cathedral, which was originally built in the 8th century and then refurbished by William Burgess, in 1879. The Cork Butter Museum recalls the importance the butter trade had on the city and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand.

Daytrips

There are some interesting attractions in the area around Cork including the beautifully preserved port town of Cobh. The attractive seaside town of Kinsale is popular with sailing enthusiasts and is the site of the 17th century Charles Fort. A couple of hours drive away is Waterford, famous for Waterford Crystal. The town has a medieval feel, with city walls, narrow alleyways and a Norman tower.

Activities and leisure

Two of the most popular sports to be found in the area are hurling and Gaelic football. They have a large and passionate following and it's worth going to a match if you have the chance. If you wish to participate in leisure activities here, there are many to choose from. The River Lee, which runs through Cork, as well as the nearby Blackwater River and the many lakes, present fine opportunities for fishing. Additionally, there are plenty of golf courses in the area.

Safety issues

Cork is a good holiday destination and the crime rate is low, but visitors should always remain alert to possible dangers. Bag-snatchers and pickpockets are the most common problem faced, so it should be fairly easy to take the necessary precautions and have a problem-free holiday. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family to safeguard against accidents and unforeseen problems.