Gransnet forums

Travel

Recommendations for Cork Ireland

(35 Posts)
Schnackie2 Wed 14-Oct-26 15:01:10

Ryanair is having a sale and I impulsively bought return tickets to Cork for 3 days (£33.94). I've heard such lovely and charming tales about the Cork area, and I'm hoping for a fun visit. I will be travelling solo. I would love some recommendations from anyone who has travelled to Cork and enjoyed a particular B&B, pub, restaurant, or whatever. Thanks in advance!

NotSpaghetti Wed 14-Oct-26 15:15:38

Are you intending to stay in Cork?

bookwormbabe Wed 14-Oct-26 15:18:12

If you can get there for a day trip, Kinsale is lovely. One of my favourite places on earth.

NotSpaghetti Wed 14-Oct-26 15:23:31

Or Clonakilty (just along from Kinsale) - which is mine!

DollyRocker Wed 14-Oct-26 15:39:50

bookwormbabe

If you can get there for a day trip, Kinsale is lovely. One of my favourite places on earth.

My family hail from Kinsale. It is stunning! Skibbereen is lovely too.

NotSpaghetti Wed 14-Oct-26 21:43:37

Surely there are truly lovely things to do in Cork though.
Museums, galleries, pubs, music...

Schnackie2 Thu 15-Oct-26 00:29:09

If I don't get a specific recommendation for somewhere outside of Cork, I will be searching Airbnb, Booking.com etc, for a place in Cork. Thanks for comments so far.

BlueBelle Thu 15-Oct-26 04:46:15

I ve visited Cork many times it’s quite a small city, nice but nothing that I ve found different to any other small city it has its MacDonalds and Primark equivalent etc Parking can be difficult The area surrounding is lovely I can’t help on accommodation I have family living outside Cork so never needed it I d try Airbnb outside the city to avoid, city prices.
I m sure there’s loads of pubs I personally haven’t been in any museums or galleries but I m sure there are some of interest

Rosarie Thu 15-Oct-26 05:15:17

Saint Finnbarres Cathedral designed by William Burgess is well worth a visit , the English Market visited by Queen Elizabeth , the Public Museum in Fitzgerald’s Park , Elizabeth Fort , Nano Nagle Place if you have an interest in Education , Shandon which has a clock older than Big Ben and you can play the bells , The Butter Museum where butter was shipped around the world Oliver Plunkett Street which is a hub for shops pubs and restaurants . The Crawford Art Gallery is closed for renovations Blarney Castle is a bus ride outside the city Cobh ,where the Titanic made its last stop you can reach by bus or train a short journey

BlueBelle Thu 15-Oct-26 06:12:04

Blarney castle is worth a visit and if like me you are terrified of heights don’t be the (brave /quaking inside) idiot who kisses the Blarney stone, hanging backwards over a precipice with some guide holding your legs, and while telling your grandkids with a smile 🥶it’s fine.

Farmor15 Thu 15-Oct-26 08:26:37

The main attractions of Cork city, mentioned by Rosarie above, can be covered in one day. Cobh (pronounced Cove!) is easily reached by train and worth an outing.
For a short visit without a car, I'd suggest booking somewhere near city centre.

BlueBelle Thu 15-Oct-26 08:43:25

Farmor much more expensive in the city centre though

Farmor15 Thu 15-Oct-26 09:30:06

There's a place called Isaac's, very conveniently located, which I've heard of for some years, though not stayed. It started off as a hostel but now described as boutique hotel. Prices seem quite reasonable, but obviously will depend on dates. Monday 26th October is a public holiday in Ireland and schools will have mid-term break that week- so prices up and availability down!

blueblossom Thu 15-Oct-26 09:50:58

With three days, I wouldn't try at all to fit in all too much around Cork. At the English Market, I would take a bit of time in any case. In the city center one is after that anyway already and can walk around a bit more.

Cobh would maybe be something for one of the days. To Cobh one also gets by train, after all. For three days, I would probably save myself a rental car. Do you actually plan to stay all three nights directly in Cork?

Shel1951 Thu 15-Oct-26 10:25:34

I live in Kerry and often go over to(60miles) Cork,
I love The English Market, Kinsale,Bantry, Clonakilty,
If you get to Kerry,Killarney, gap of Dunloe,Ladies view,Kenmare,the west coast of Ireland is stunning....

Woollywoman Thu 15-Oct-26 10:38:52

Definitely try the English Market restaurant. I was taken there by a friend, and it was a real treat.

LOUISA1523 Thu 15-Oct-26 10:53:36

I went for the day from liverpool ( 12.99 flight each way)....landed at 8.30am....flight home around 7pm ....it was long enough ..

Chardy Thu 15-Oct-26 10:57:55

Shel1951

I live in Kerry and often go over to(60miles) Cork,
I love The English Market, Kinsale,Bantry, Clonakilty,
If you get to Kerry,Killarney, gap of Dunloe,Ladies view,Kenmare,the west coast of Ireland is stunning....

Co Kerry is one of the loveliest places in the world. Have booked various Airbnbs there several times and never been disappointed.

Schnackie2 Thu 15-Oct-26 12:44:16

Thank you all so much for the great suggestions and advice. I have a driving license but think I'll stick to public transportation. The English Market is definitely on my list. Gransnet is so great for queries like this. Obviously I've been searching online, but it's nice to get personal favourites and a bit of 'feeling' for a place! smile

Hedgehog2908 Thu 15-Oct-26 13:41:42

The Titanic museum in Cobh is certainly worth a visit. We stayed in s beautiful spa resort just outside Cork - Fota Island. Well worth seeing

Menopauselbitch Thu 15-Oct-26 13:54:18

bookwormbabe

If you can get there for a day trip, Kinsale is lovely. One of my favourite places on earth.

Kinsale is also one of my favourite places.

Greciangirl Thu 15-Oct-26 14:15:34

We stayed at the River Lea hotel in centre of Cork.
Just for a couple of nights while visiting friends .
It’s expensive but luxurious.

If you can afford it go there.
You are central for everything.

lovemarmite Thu 15-Oct-26 14:16:49

I agree Cobh is a lovely day out with a scenic train ride. Lots of cafes and character pubs, great Titanic museum, colourful houses and a cathedral with stunning stained glass.

barbaraellen Thu 15-Oct-26 14:30:03

Try TripAdvisor for suggestions of where to go, eat and stay.

Mamissimo Thu 15-Oct-26 14:40:55

Love Isaac's Hotel - it's where we stay whenever I go 'home'. It's central and a lovely walk down to the English Market. I agree with a trip to Cobh - easy by public transport. The Jamieson's distillery is also easy to get to by public transport and has an interesting tour. I just love wandering around Cork because most of my DNA comes from there so it's under my skin!