Cork walking tour & city guide

The city

The English Market, a covered market since 1788, is the heart of Cork's food scene. St Patrick's Street is the main shopping street, and you can ring the Shandon Bells in St Anne's Church. St Fin Barre's Cathedral is a gothic revival masterpiece.

Around Cork

Blarney Castle is home to the Blarney Stone, said to give the gift of eloquence. Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic, has colorful houses and a cathedral above the harbor.

A day in Cork

Start at the English Market, a covered food market. Walk to St Fin Barre's Cathedral and up to Shandon, where you can ring the bells.

In the afternoon, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, or go to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic.

Good to know

Cork is Ireland's second city and a food capital. The city center sits on an island between two channels of the River Lee.

It is a good base for exploring West Cork.

Around the city

The city's lanes and quays are lined with independent cafés and bookshops, and locals are proud of their own beers, black puddings and humor. From Cork, it is easy to explore the coast: Cobh, with its colorful terraced houses facing the harbor and the towering St Colman's Cathedral, is just 25 minutes by train. Spike Island, once a fortress and prison, is reached by ferry from Cobh. West Cork, with its fishing villages and islands, is perfect for a slow road trip.