Cork is the ideal destination for a city break while a day trip to explore the charming villages of Cork county is also an option.

CORK

Historical Attractions

Fota House & Gardens

One of the finest examples of regency architecture in Ireland, set in superb gardens, with exciting discovery and educational activities for children.

Queenstown Heritage Centre

Tells the story of millions of Irish who emigrated to the USA from Cobh.

Barryscourt Castle

OPW castle which hosts an exhibition on The Arts in Ireland and houses reproduction furniture and utensils. The gardens feature an orchard and a 16th century walled herb garden.

Lifetime Lab (Old Cork City Waterworks)

Lifetime Lab, on the banks of the River Lee, is a unique attraction for visitors of all ages with its modern interactive exhibition, themed playground, beautifully restored buildings and equipment and scenic views over the River Lee.

Fitzgeralds Park & Public Museum

Cork Public Museum is housed in a two storey Georgian house commanding a central position in Fitzgerald Park, Cork. The collections of Cork Public Museum are as rich and diverse as the history of the city itself. They have an original archaeological collection that features some of the most important archaeological finds from the Cork region. Classical archaeology is also represented in Cork Public Museum with a small but impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece.

Spike Island

Visit "Ireland's Alcatraz" and explore prision life over 1300 years ago. Easily accessible by boat from the charming town of Cobh.

Food & Drink

The Jameson experience

Built in 1825 a 1 hour tour takes you through the buildings, the large water wheel and the largest pot still in the world- followed by a tasting!

Midleton Farmers Market

Takes place every Saturday from 10.30am to 1pm, it is an important part of this bustling market town

Walking Activities

Ballyannan Woodland Walk

Mature mixed woodland located on the Owenacurra Estuary dating back to the mid 17th century

Family Attractions

Fota Wildlife Park

70 acres of open countryside with 90 species of exotic wildlife from 5 different continents, including giraffes and cheetahs.

Trabolgan

Tennis, go-karting, archery, live shows, paddle boats, aeroball, crazygolf, kids corner.

Leahys Open Farm

Gardens, crannog, coffee shop, adult maze, animals, go-karts, mouse shed, indoor and outdoor play areas, sandpit, kiddies maze.

Rollerjam

Rollerjam is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for children and adults alike proudly boasting Irelands largest roller rink, it's the perfect place to hold events, birthdays, celebrations or just for families or friends looking to pop on a pair of skates and join in on the fun. Rollerjam caters for food, snacks, teas/coffees and we also serve wine strictly to the adults of course.

Kart World

Kart World, a purpose-built Kart circuit, 800m long and 8m wide, has the largest floodlit hire facility in Watergrasshill, Cork. With up to 20 karts on the track at any one time, Kart World can cater for any size group. Computerised race meetings and lap times on an Arrive and Drive basis. The track is flood-lit for your night-time enjoyment. The track is licensed by R.I.A.C. for all classes of Racing karts.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tour

There is no better way to see Cork City than the “Hop On, Hop Off” Tour. See all of Cork’s famous sights such as the Cork City Gaol, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, City Hall, the English Market, City Library, the Triskel Art Centre, Cork Opera House, St. Anne’s Church, the Shandon Butter Museum, the Custom House, City Library, the Courthouse, Museum & Fitzgerald Park, & Elizabeth Fort. With a ticket that is valid all day, you can get on and off as often as you wish.

Blackrock Castle & Observatory

A trip to CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory is filled with fun and educational things to do for kids, families, school groups and science enthusiasts.

Outdoor Activities

Ballincollig Regional Park

Includes a former Gunpowder Mill and measures approximately 130 acres in size containing 52 structures in varying stages of decay surviving from the gunpowder manufacturing process. The site is approximately 2.4 kilometres in length and the River Lee runs the entire northern length of the site. The park contains soccer pitches, a rugby pitch, walkways, a skateboard facility, and free-to-use outdoor fitness equipment.

Blarney Castle & Grounds

By kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, it is claimed that one can receive the "Gift of the Gab" (eloquence, or skill at flattery or persuasion). The Castle grounds are as breathtaking as the castle itself – with beautiful flower lined walkways and picnic areas.

Farran Woods

Farran Forest Park has ample car parking and a playground. Other notable features include a wildlife enclosure and a large duck pond. The wildlife enclosure holds a small herd of red and fallow deer which can easily be viewed from the way-marked Enclosure Trail that skirts the boundary fence. The duck pond is home to duck species such as mallard, teal, widgeon, shoveler and greylag, white fronted, barnacle, snow and Egyptian geese.

Shopping

Blarney Woollen Mills

Built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was originally known as Mahony's Mills. It was a water powered mill, producing mainly tweeds and woollens. After closing in the early 1970s, the mills was re-invented by local entrepreneur Christy Kelleher as a gift store servicing tourists visiting the village. It is to this day a favourite with visitors to the small tourist village.

Golfing

Lee Valley Golf

Located only 10 minutes from Ballincollig, the 18 hole Championship golf course was designed by Irish Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jnr and has been included in the top 100 Irish Golf Courses by Golf Digest on three separate occasions. A test for all golfers, the parklands course has modern clubhouse and catering facilities, and is the ideal destination for a golfing break in Ireland.

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