CORK & KINSALE
Cork, often called the ‘Real Capital’ of Ireland, is a buzzing, youthful city built on the River Lee. It seamlessly blends historic architecture with a vibrant modern arts and culinary scene, all encapsulated by its unique island setting.
Kinsale, a charming, colourful harbour town and the official start of the Wild Atlantic Way, is steeped in maritime history. Known as Ireland’s Gourmet Capital, it offers stunning coastal scenery and centuries-old star forts.
Most Popular Attractions
Cork City Core:
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral: A magnificent French-Gothic Revival cathedral with stunning stained glass and a rich history.
The English Market: A historic, covered food market dating back to 1788, famous for its local produce and artisan stalls.
Shandon Bells & St. Anne’s Church: Climb the tower and ring the famous bells over the city; an iconic Cork experience.
Crawford Art Gallery: Housed in a former customs house, featuring a collection of Irish and European art, including works by local artists.
Cork City Gaol: A fascinating museum detailing the social history and conditions of 19th and early 20th-century prisoners.
Elizabeth Fort: A star-shaped fort with a rich history, serving over time as a military barracks, prison, and police station.
The Lifetime Lab: A fascinating museum and interactive centre detailing Cork’s industrial and water history, located at an old waterworks.
St. Patrick’s Street: Cork’s main shopping street, known for its curved shape and bustling atmosphere.
Opera House: A major venue for opera, drama, and comedy, central to Cork’s cultural life.
Greater Cork Area & History:
Blarney Castle & Stone: Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone to gain the ‘gift of the gab’ in this historic, sprawling castle grounds.
Fota Wildlife Park: A large, open park where animals roam freely, focusing on conservation and education.
Spike Island: Known as ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz,’ this historic island fortress has been a monastery, a fort, and a prison.
Cobh: A scenic town and a major port, the last port of call for the Titanic and a primary departure point for Irish emigrants.
Midleton Distillery (Jameson Experience): Home of the famous Jameson Irish Whiskey, offering tours and tastings.
University College Cork (UCC): A beautiful university campus with gothic architecture and the Stone Corridor of Ogham Stones.
Kinsale & Coastal Charm:
Charles Fort: A magnificent 17th-century star-shaped fort offering stunning views over Kinsale Harbour and the Atlantic.
Desmond Castle & International Museum of Wine: A medieval tower house in Kinsale that hosts a unique museum dedicated to the story of Irish wine history.
Kinsale Harbour: A picturesque, natural harbor famous for its sailing, colorful townhouses, and excellent seafood restaurants.
Old Head of Kinsale: A dramatic, narrow headland known for its world-class golf course and the Old Head Lighthouse.
Courtmacsherry Bay: A beautiful coastal area offering scenic walks and views of the Atlantic.
Gourmet Food Town Experience: Explore Kinsale’s reputation as a leading culinary destination, sampling local seafood and award-winning restaurants.
Dock Beach: A small, sheltered beach near Kinsale, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Activities & Experiences
Kiss the Blarney Stone: Visit the world-famous Blarney Castle, climb to the top, and kiss the Blarney Stone to be bestowed with the “gift of the gab” (eloquence). Explore the beautiful gardens and grounds.
Feast at The English Market: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this historic, bustling, covered food market, which has been a culinary institution since 1788. Sample local artisan produce, from cheeses to fresh seafood.
Explore Charles Fort: Wander through the star-shaped, 17th-century military fortress near Kinsale, one of the finest surviving examples in Ireland, offering incredible sea views over Kinsale Harbour and the Old Head of Kinsale.
Take the Jameson Distillery Experience: Head to Midleton, East Cork, for a tour of the distillery where you can come face-to-face with the world’s largest pot still and enjoy a premium Irish whiskey tasting.
Walk the Scilly Walk: Enjoy a picturesque 6km coastal path from Kinsale town to Charles Fort, passing grand houses and offering stunning views of the harbour. Stop for a pint at one of the famous pubs along the way (like The Bulman or The Spaniard).
Visit Cork City Gaol: Step back in time at this magnificent, castle-like building, an interactive museum offering a fascinating look at 19th and early 20th-century life, both inside and outside the prison walls.
Discover Kinsale’s Colourful Streets: Spend an afternoon strolling through the narrow streets of Kinsale, admiring the brightly painted houses and browsing the unique boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops.
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Explore Cork City from a unique perspective by kayaking on the River Lee, or take a guided kayak/SUP trip in the waters of Kinsale Harbour and the River Bandon.
Ring the Shandon Bells: Climb the Shandon Tower (St. Anne’s Church) in Cork City and get the chance to ring its famous bells yourself, a memorable musical experience with excellent panoramic views of the city.
Sample Local Beverages: Tour the Kinsale Mead Co., Ireland’s first new meadery in 200 years, to learn about and taste this ancient honey-based alcoholic drink. Alternatively, visit Blacks Brewery and Distillery for craft beer and spirits.
Take a Wild Atlantic Way Drive: Use Kinsale as a starting point to drive a section of the Wild Atlantic Way, especially the scenic route out to the Old Head of Kinsale, for dramatic coastal cliff views.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Best for the Centres: Cork City’s centre is compact and built on an island between two channels of the River Lee, making it very walkable. Similarly, Kinsale is small enough to be easily explored on foot.
City Bus Network: Cork City has an extensive and reliable bus network operated by Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link.
TFI Leap Card: Purchase a reusable, pre-pay TFI Leap Card for cheaper fares and ease of use on Bus Éireann services in the city. You can top it up at newsagents and ticket machines.
Key Routes: Bus routes are essential for getting to attractions just outside the city centre, like the Cork City Gaol (uphill) or Blarney Castle (Bus 215).
Connecting Cork City & Kinsale: The best way to travel between the two is by bus.
Bus Éireann Route 226/West Cork Connect Route 228: These services connect Cork City Bus Station (Parnell Place) to Kinsale town centre. The journey is approximately 45–60 minutes, and the bus is frequent, making it an easy day trip option from the city.
From the Airport (Cork Airport – ORK): The Bus Éireann Route 226 also connects Cork Airport directly to Cork City Centre and continues on to Kinsale, providing a direct and affordable link for arrivals.
Taxis & Ride Shares: Taxis are readily available in Cork City and Kinsale, especially from main ranks or by booking via a local app/phone call. They are a good option for evening travel or quicker, direct trips, but will be significantly more expensive than the bus.
The “Rebel City” Identity: Cork is known as the “Rebel City,” a nickname stemming from its history of resistance, most notably during the Irish War of Independence. You’ll hear locals assert that Cork is the “real capital” of Ireland, a humorous local tradition—embrace their fierce pride in the county!
Foodie Heaven: Both Cork City and Kinsale are renowned for their culinary scenes.
Kinsale: Considered Ireland’s “Gourmet Capital.” Look out for exceptional fresh seafood.
Cork City: The English Market is the heart of the food culture. Don’t leave without trying local specialities like Spiced Beef (especially at Christmas, but found year-round) or a hearty bowl of Seafood Chowder.
“The Craic” is the Culture: Socialising in a traditional Irish pub is central to the experience. Pubs are community hubs for conversation, storytelling, and often spontaneous traditional Irish music sessions (‘céilís’ or ‘trad sessions’). Don’t just drink and leave; enjoy the atmosphere and strike up a conversation with a friendly local (a “Corkonian”).
Kinsale’s Colour: The town’s vividly painted buildings are a huge part of its charm. Be sure to walk past the brightly coloured shops and pubs for the perfect photo opportunity.
Tipping Culture: Tipping is appreciated for good service, though less strictly expected than in the US.
Restaurants: 10-15% for table service is customary if no service charge is included.
Pubs: Tipping for just drinks is not common, but you may offer the bartender a euro or two if they’ve provided excellent service over an evening (known as “buying the bartender a drink”).
Hidden Gems & Local Favourites:
Elizabeth Fort: Often less busy than the Gaol, this 17th-century star fort offers fascinating history and free entry (or a very low cost, depending on the season) with fantastic views over the city.
Nano Nagle Place (Cork City): A tranquil oasis and an award-winning museum/heritage complex that tells the story of Nano Nagle and the impact of the Presentation Sisters. It includes beautiful hidden gardens and a lovely cafe.
The Tap Tavern (Kinsale): A truly traditional, classic Kinsale pub often cited by locals as an authentic spot for a quiet pint.
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral (Cork City): A magnificent, imposing French-Gothic Revival cathedral that is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, well
Top Restaurants
Farmgate Café (English Market) [$15-$30] – Located right within the historic English Market in Cork City, this cafe serves simple, traditional Irish food using ingredients sourced directly from the market, offering a truly local experience.
The Castle Cafe [$15-$30] – Situated beside Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, this is a beloved, family-friendly spot known for its casual setting and menu focusing on locally sourced Irish ingredients.
KC & Son & Sons [$10-$20] – A legendary takeaway in the Douglas area of Cork City, famous for its massive, custom-made fast food wraps and rolls, a true local institution with a perpetual queue.
Oyster Tavern [$20-$35] – A beautifully restored historic venue in Cork City, serving up elevated Irish and seafood dishes in a lively yet classic setting, popular with Corkonians for a drink and a bite.
Jim Edwards [$20-$40] – A well-established classic pub and restaurant in Kinsale, known for its warm atmosphere and reliable menu of fresh local seafood and traditional Irish fare.
Market Lane Restaurant & Bar [$20-$40] – A bustling Cork City restaurant that focuses on local and seasonal produce, with a menu of contemporary Irish comfort food that’s a hit with the local crowd.
The Bulman Bar & Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located right on the water in Summercove near Kinsale, this atmospheric pub offers excellent seafood and bar food with beautiful harbor views.
High Tide Kinsale [$20-$40] – A cozy, family-owned restaurant in Kinsale run by a Ballymaloe-trained chef, emphasizing local seafood, steaks, and a good selection of gluten-free options.
Fishy Fishy [$30-$50] – A highly acclaimed seafood restaurant in Kinsale, though popular with visitors, its commitment to the absolute freshest local fish makes it a must-try for any seafood lover.
The White House [$20-$35] – A reliable and popular spot in Kinsale for both locals and tourists, offering a varied menu of fresh local seafood, steaks, and international dishes in a classic pub setting.
Goldie [$35-$55] – A small, bustling Cork City bistro that specializes in seafood, offering a fresh, modern, and exciting take on the catch of the day with bold, innovative flavors.
Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House [$30-$50] – Located in Cork City, this spot combines an in-house nano-brewery with a smokehouse, serving up excellent quality, meat-focused dishes cooked over wood and charcoal.
Paladar Bar [$25-$45] – A Latin American-inspired cocktail bar and kitchen in the heart of Cork City, known for its creative tapas-style dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
The Glass Curtain [$35-$55] – A modern brasserie in Cork City’s former Thompson Bakery, offering a menu that’s innovative and inspired by global flavors while championing local produce.
Cask [$25-$45] – A chic and trendy bar in Cork City known for its inventive, seasonal cocktails and a concise menu of small plates that are perfect for sharing.
Miyazaki [$15-$30] – A small, renowned Japanese takeaway in Cork City (with limited seating) celebrated for its authentic and high-quality sushi and noodle dishes.
Ichigo Ichie [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred Japanese fine dining restaurant in Cork City, offering a kappou-style omakase (chef’s tasting menu) that changes with the local seasons.
Greenes Restaurant [$60-$90] – Located in Cork City in a dramatic setting beside a waterfall, this Michelin-recommended restaurant offers modern, creative Irish cuisine with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
Bastion [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Kinsale offering a refined dining experience with inventive tasting menus that showcase the best of the Irish larder, run by chef Paul McDonald.
Rare at The Blue Haven [$80-$130] – A fine-dining restaurant in Kinsale with a tasting menu that blends hyper-seasonal local ingredients with bold international flavors, often featuring influences from Indian spices and French techniques.
Paradiso [$50-$80] – An icon of the Cork City food scene, this long-standing restaurant is famous for its unique, flavor-driven vegetarian cuisine and its focus on sourcing high-quality local vegetables.
Orchids Restaurant [$70-$110] – A premier dining choice in the 5-Star Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork City, offering an elegant setting and a menu of modern European cuisine crafted with high-quality ingredients.
Izz Cafe [$10-$20] – A small, beloved cafe in Cork City that celebrates traditional Palestinian cuisine, famous for its homemade hummus, falafel, and specialties using imported Palestinian olive oil.
Jacques Restaurant [$30-$50] – A long-standing, family-run restaurant in Cork City, set in a beautifully restored Georgian building, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes with a great lunch/tapas bar area.
The SpitJack [$30-$50] – A restaurant in Cork City specializing in rotisserie cooking, focusing on high-quality Irish meat, though they also offer excellent vegetarian options.
Liberty Grill [$20-$40] – A popular Cork City spot for all-day dining, offering a menu with New England influences, particularly known for its great brunch and fresh seafood from the English Market.
Box Burger [$15-$25] – A casual, highly-regarded burger joint in Kinsale, known for its gourmet burgers, sides, and milkshakes, perfect for a satisfying, non-fancy meal.
Good Day Deli [$10-$25] – A sustainable food cafe in Cork City with a focus on local, seasonal, organic, and fair-trade food, often featuring a subtle South Pacific influence.
The Black Pig Wine Bar [$20-$40] – Located in Kinsale, this atmospheric wine bar offers a large selection of wines by the glass alongside a daily hot special and high-quality local charcuterie and cheeses.
Crane Lane Theatre [$15-$30] – While primarily a popular Cork City late-night bar and music venue, their pizza kitchen offers great, late-night gourmet wood-fired pizzas, a local favorite for a casual bite.
Oliver Plunkett [$20-$35] – A traditional, music-focused pub in Cork City that serves excellent Irish food alongside its famous live traditional music sessions, popular for an authentic atmosphere.
The Fish Market at Glenmar Seafood [$15-$30] – A simple fish market and takeaway/casual seating spot in Kinsale offering the freshest possible local seafood, often mentioned by locals as a top-quality, no-frills option.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Cask: Found in Cork City’s vibrant Victorian Quarter on MacCurtain Street, this award-winning bar is a pioneer of Cork’s cocktail scene, offering a seasonally-inspired, farm-to-glass drinks menu that changes every 12 weeks.
Paladar: A sister bar to Cask, located on Bridge Street in Cork City, this Latin American-inspired cocktail bar and kitchen brings South American spirit with unique cocktails, food, and music.
Upstairs at Arthur Mayne’s: Situated above the well-known Arthur Mayne’s on Pembroke Street in Cork City Centre, this intimate, late-night cocktail bar is set within a 300-year-old building, offering handcrafted cocktails by candlelight.
Edison: Located on Washington Street in Cork City Centre, this trendy, picture-perfect bar is known for its vibrant atmosphere and Instagram-worthy interior, attracting cocktail lovers with its drool-worthy drinks.
Pigalle Bar & Kitchen: Just a short stroll from the heart of Cork City on Barrack Street, this bustling cocktail bar has evolved into a restaurant but retains a strong reputation for its quality, creative cocktails, and use of local produce.
Soho: A modern, four-storey favourite located on Grand Parade in the heart of Cork City, which includes the Perch Rooftop Bar, offering phenomenal city views and popular cocktails.
Fitzgerald’s Bar: Tucked within the Imperial Hotel on the South Mall in the heart of Cork City, this refined spot blends vintage glamour with modern sophistication, offering expertly crafted cocktails and live music.
Monk Cocktail Bar: Located upstairs in the Franciscan Well Brewery near the river in Cork City, this bar offers a beautiful and sophisticated space for enjoying inventive cocktails.
Nudes: A cocktail bar on Lavitts Quay, Cork City, in the premises formerly occupied by Crack Jenny’s, offering a modern spot for mixed drinks.
Resistance Cocktail Bar: Found upstairs in The Liberty on South Main Street in Cork City, this venue is known for its beautiful decor and tasty cocktails.
The Black Pig: Located in Kinsale town, this is a sophisticated spot known for its amazing wine list, but it also serves cocktails and delicious small plates in a cosy atmosphere.
The Blue Haven Bar & Bistro: Situated in the heart of Kinsale town, this venue offers an exceptional cocktail selection alongside a fine dining experience, often with a lively atmosphere in the bar.
The Supper Club: A noted cocktail venue in Kinsale, known for its focus on mixed drinks and a refined atmosphere.
Vista, Café Bar & Bistro: Found in Kinsale with beautiful views overlooking the harbour, this spot offers a lovely backdrop for enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine.
The Shelbourne Bar: Located in Cork City’s Victorian Quarter on MacCurtain Street, while famous for its extensive Irish whiskey collection, it also expertly crafts classic whiskey cocktails like its signature New Cork Sour.
Reardens: A spacious and lively establishment on Washington Street in Cork City, which transitions from a traditional Irish pub feel by day to an energetic nightclub with a great dance environment at night.
Havana Browns Nightclub: Known as one of Cork’s leading nightclubs, located on Washington Street in Cork City, offering a prestigious and high-energy clubbing experience.
The Crane Lane Theatre: A popular venue near Phoenix Street in Cork City, known primarily for its live music (bands, jazz) but also hosting DJs late at night, creating a lively club atmosphere.
An Bróg Bar + Kitchen: A lively and alternative spot on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City Centre, famous for its energetic live music and late-night atmosphere, attracting a young crowd.
The Pavilion (The Pav): Located on Carey’s Lane in Cork City Centre, the upstairs Pavilion has been restored as a multifunctional venue with a cocktail bar and hosts DJs and club nights until late, featuring a stunning vaulted ceiling.
Voodoo Rooms: A popular nightclub on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City, offering a vibrant atmosphere with music from the 80s, 90s, and beyond, perfect for dancing.
Popscene Late Bar & Club: Located on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City, this spot is an absolute gem for lovers of classics and a blast from the past, with a lively, nostalgic club atmosphere.
Angels Cork t/a The Asylum Bar: Situated on Leitrim Street in Cork’s Victorian Quarter, this venue offers a chill yet electric atmosphere for a late-night out, known for its friendly staff and reasonable drink prices.
The Old Oak: A popular traditional bar in Cork City Centre, known for its lively atmosphere and late-night entertainment, attracting a younger crowd.
Chambers: Located on Washington Street, this is Cork’s prominent LGBT-friendly bar that features a rocking dancefloor on the weekends.
Dali: A vibrant hub on St Patrick’s St, Cork City, that captures the spirit of the city’s nightlife, functioning as a late-night venue, particularly downstairs with a dedicated bar.
The Bodega: Located on Cornmarket Street in Cork City Centre, this large venue (set within St Peter’s Market) features four bars and functions as a popular spot for live music and a bustling late-night experience.
The Poor Relation: Located on Parnell Place in Cork City, this quirky venue is known for its eclectic feel and often hosts live music and DJ sets late into the night.
The Vicarstown: Found on North Main Street in Cork City, this popular late bar hosts DJs and various club nights, including regular theme nights, ensuring a busy dancefloor.
Sober Lane: Though a lively gastropub on Sullivan’s Quay, its courtyard area often transforms into a vibrant, late-night spot with music and a great buzz, popular with locals and tourists.