Local Attractions
Corkmas 2024
Experience Christmas in Cork!
80 plus seasonal events are taking place across the city centre, suburbs and urban towns over the next six weeks – from parades, pantos, Christmas fairs, choral singing, to wreathmaking and movies. The map was created to increase awareness of the substantial and varied seasonal offering from the city’s cultural and arts organisations, charities, libraries, business and community groups.
View HERE
Vienna Woods Woodland Walk
Discover the charm of Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel Woodland Walk, with captivating views of the Glashaboy River. Immerse yourself in the magic of our woodlands, offering enchanting walks and hidden fairy realms. Experience the wonder of nature on our woodland paths, where every step unveils the beauty of plants and trees. An elegant escape into a world of make-believe and tranquility awaits.
Things To Do in Cork
The Lonely Planet listed Cork City as #3 top cities to visit in its list of the “Best in Travel”. Cork offers an abundance of attractions and experiences for visitors looking to sample a little piece of local flavour. Cork is renowned for its European Capital of Culture title and offers the world’s largest natural port. Enjoy its outstanding night-life, Irish trad-sessions and our renowned cuisine. Cork has a variety of attractions and activities to discover. It is made up of historic and interesting towns where there’s many stories to discover. Discover the heritage and history of Cork, the greenness and sprawling fields of the countryside and experience the charm of our port city. Here at Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel, we have set out some of the many adventures you can be beguiled by in our wonderful, little city and county.
Click here for a few of the attractions and sites you can explore.
Cork is part of both Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way so you get the best of both worlds. It’s Ireland’s Maritime Havan with thousands of experiences to be had.
From walkways, to castles, to beaches and more there’s something for everyone in Cork. Check out Pure Cork, the official tourism website for Cork, Ireland, for further information.
Download the 2024 Discover Cork Brochure Here!
Explore Cork Mobile App
Cork County Council has launched a unique, ‘one-stop-shop’ tourism app, featuring over 850 places to see and things to do throughout County Cork.
Download the free app on the app store and the google play store
Google Play Download For Android
App Store Download for IOS
Check out our Blog on some helpful resources to help plan your trip to Cork, Here.
Snugly nestled between Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and Ancient East is the Maritime Haven of Cork and city and county at large takes the best of its neighbours; the natural beauty of the Irish coastline, and a rich culture and heritage, and puts its own unique stamp on them!
Cork has been recognised and celebrated as a unique tourist destination through the ‘Pure Cork’ storytelling platform, a collaborative initiative, which was formed by the proud people of Cork to allow the people that know the county best to share stories of her significant maritime history spanning over a thousand years, set against the backdrop of a beautiful coastline.
Maybe you are visiting Cork with family and friends, and looking for the best spots to socialise or fun shared experiences? Maybe you want to soak up the history and stories of the people, the land, and the culture of Cork? Or perhaps or you are seeking the restorative effects of Ireland’s natural landscape and coastline? Whatever the reason, Cork invites visitors to discover a special and unforgettable way to stimulate all of their senses. So get yourself to Cork and breathe in the Pure Cork air!
We have included some of the best and most popular attractions, things to do, and festivals and events taking place in Cork on our website, of course if you have something specific in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our front of house team, who can answer any questions you may have!'
For more information and attractions around Cork, click here. Or read below on Family Friendly Attractions, Cultural Attractions, Attractions Outside the City or Events and Festivals. Cork is the city which has whatever your heart desires.
Click here to view a Cork's Vienna Woods leaflet with information on what to do and see while in Cork!
Tour the City
Discover the city like never before with RebelCityTour.com! Our tours are designed for the adventurous soul, offering you an insider's view of the hidden gems and vibrant culture that most visitors miss. Led by passionate local guides, each tour is a unique journey through the city's most intriguing neighborhoods, secret spots, and historic landmarks. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a True. Cork. Rebel.
We have the perfect experience to make your visit unforgettable. Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the authentic, rebellious spirit of the city. Book your adventure today and see the city through the eyes of a Rebel!
Cultural Attractions
Old Jameson Distillery, Midleton
Jameson whiskey is world renowned in Ireland. The old Jameson Distillery allows you to jump into to the history with a Jameson Experience Tour.
Midleton is probably most famously known by the famous Old Midleton Distillery which is home to Jameson Whiskey. The Jameson tour commences with an audio-visual presentation. Guests accompanied by a tour guide follow the OLD Distillery Trail through various historic and architecturally unique buildings. The visitor can encounter restored machinery and dramatic recreations of the steps of whiskey production.
Each visit ends in the Jameson Bar with an Irish whiskey tasting session where you will have the opportunity of becoming a qualified Irish whiskey taster with a presentation diploma. Afterwards you can relax in the restaurant which specialises in country farmhouse fare or perhaps have a browse in the gift shop and craft shop.
T: +353 (0) 21 461 3594 E: midleton@jamesonwhiskey.com
Crawford Art Gallery
Crawford Art Gallery is a National Institution and regional art museum for Munster. If you enjoy visual arts, both historic and contemporary this is the place to be. With ongoing and changing exhibitions there’s always something new to see or you could come back and see your favourite. That is not all it has to offer with talks, events and learning there’s always something to delve into. Located in the heart of the city it is a critical part our city’s history and culture.
The Crawford Art Gallery offers a range of free, family-friendly activities every Sunday, including guided gallery tours, musical performances, kids' art workshops and storytelling sessions.
Vienna Woods has a connection to Crawford Art Gallery. The uncle of AF Sharman Crawford previous of owner of Vienna Woods Country House Hotel funded the extension of the old Custom House at Emmet Place and donated many works of art to the new school.
T: +353 (0) 21 480 5042 E: info@crawfordartgallery.ie
Admission: Free
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Cork's Anglican Cathedral is situated in the centre of Cork City. Designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870, the Cathedral lies on a site where Christian worship has been offered since the seventh century.
Its magnificent interior includes stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, its marble mosaics from the Pyrenees and the beautiful sanctuary.
T: +353 (0) 21 496 3387 E: cathedral@cork .anglican.org
Check the website or contact the Cathedrals Office in advance.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Blackrock Castle with its towers and gunnery warded off invaders for more than 400 years and guided ships safely into port. Nowadays it’s a research observatory and science centre with a wide variety of exhibits to discover and explore including planetarium shows and interactive exhibits. With permanent and visiting attractions, you can come back and see your favourites and can see something different every time. Blackrock Observatory is perfect for both science and history lovers.
T: +353 (0) 21 432 6120 E: info@bco.ie w: www.bco.ie
Cork City Gaol
The magnificent castle is now a major and unique visitor attraction. This Gaol once housed 19th century prisoners. Visitors get a fascinating insight into day to day prison life at a time when the high walls ensured no escape and denied law abiding citizens the opportunity to see one of the finest examples of Ireland’s architectural heritage. It housed both male and female prisoners who committed crimes. It closed in 1923 to never hold a man or woman prisoner ever again. Only 4 years later Radio Eireann used it for a broadcasting station making it Cork’s first radio station until the end of the 1950’s. It wasn’t until 1993 that it was restored into a visitor attraction that is today. This restored prison is furnished with life size wax figures, fascinating sound effects and exhibitions telling the history of the prisoners and why they turned to crime.
T: +353 (0) 21 4300 5022 E: Info@corkcitygaol.com w: www.corkcitygaol.com
UCC
UCC's campus is full of many interesting buildings and features. From the Lewis Glucksman Gallery in the Lower Grounds to the Stone Corridor of the Main Quadrangle to the Crawford Observatory, UCC is a great place to spend a few hours. The stone corridor of the Main Quadrangle boasts of the largest collection of Ogham stones on public display in Ireland
UCC is already a popular tourist destination and new audio tours taking in the history and culture of the University are available from the Visitors' Centre for purchase.
It first opened as a University in 1849 when only 115 students enrolled a big difference with thousands of students enrolled today.
T: +353 (0) 21 490 1876 E: visitorscentre@ucc.ie
w: www.ucc.ie/en/discover/visit/centre/
The Butter Museum
Experience the great success story of Butter Trade in Ireland, learning about great brands like Kerrygold and Dairygold. Located in the historic Shandon Area of Cork city the museum tells the story of butter trade in Ireland and the traditional craft of home butter making. On certain dates you can experience a live butter making demonstration.
The Lewis Glucksman Gallery
The Lewis Glucksman Gallery is a cultural and educational experience located at the main entrance to University College Cork on the Western Road. It is an award-winning public gallery that includes exhibition spaces, a riverside restaurant and gift shop. The gallery promotes the visual arts through research, creation & exploration. Experience the different exhibitions and collections or even a bite to eat at their restaurant.
T: +353 (0)21 490 1844 E: info@glucksman.org w: www.glucksman.org
Elizabeth Fort
Located on Barrack Street, Cork City, Elizabeth Fort is Cork City’s 17th century star-shaped fort built in the aftermath of the Battle of Kinsale. Learn about the history of fort including how it served to reinforce English dominance and protect the walled city of Cork. It has been many things from a military barracks, a convict depot, a food depot during the Famine, a RIC station, and most recent a Garda Station. Learn about all this History at Elizabeth Fort and experience the scenic views of Cork City.
T: +353 (0)21 497 5947 E: info.elizabethfort@gmail.com
