Setting foot in Ireland is like stepping back in time. Full of castles, moody landscapes, and quaint little towns, you could easily spend years in this country and never get bored. Did you know that Cork, Ireland is the Republic of Ireland’s second-largest city? Don’t let this fool you! Its population is only a little over 200,000 people. A large city with small-town vibes, Cork has something for everyone. If you only have 48 hours in Cork, we’re here to help. Here are all the spots you visit if you have a limited amount of time. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
Slightly northwest of the city of Cork lies one of Ireland’s most impressive attractions—Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone. If you choose to go inside the castle, you can climb the battlement to kiss the famous stone! It is said that kissing this stone will instantly give visitors the Irish “gift of the gab”. We’ll leave it up to you to find out if this is true! The castle grounds are equally stunning, and a visit to Blarney Woolen Mills is a great place to purchase Irish sweaters and other gifts.
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
A short walk from the center of town will bring you to St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral—a stunning 19th-century Anglican cathedral. The cathedral still hosts church services, but visitors can wander inside and admire the architecture. The exterior is made with Cork limestone, and the interior walls are Cork marble. You could easily spend an entire morning admiring the stained glass windows, carved icons, and other hidden jewels of this building.
Fitzgerald Park
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, why not have a picnic like a local? Fitzgerald Park can be found on the outskirts of the city and is a stunning green park right on the banks of the River Lee. Wander through the gardens, visit the Cork Public Museum, sip on a coffee, or just sit and enjoy your surroundings.
Fota Wildlife Park
A quick, few-kilometer drive out of Cork will bring you to the Fota Wildlife Park—a 70-acre wildlife park that is home to a variety of interesting animals. Please note that this park is not a zoo; the animals are (mostly) free to roam around in their environment, and you may even find that you have a furry visitor at lunch! Because of this, you should expect to set aside a few hours for walking through the park.
Cork City Gaol
The historic Cork City Gaol originally opened in 1824 and closed down in 1923. This prison originally held both male and female prisoners but was converted to an all-female prison in 1878. Right before the gaol closed down, men were held as prisoners there once again. Nowadays, this stunning, castle-like building can be toured for a small fee. The cells are furnished with life-like wax figures and the graffiti on the walls instantly takes you back in time. If you’re interested in Irish history, this is a must-see attraction.
The English Market
One of the world’s oldest municipal markets, the English Market can be found right in the heart of Cork. Wander through this roofed market to find artisan bread, seafood, fruit, and other local goods. Sample farm-fresh food, grab a coffee, or simply sit and enjoy the stunning fountain at the market’s center.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Another attraction on the banks of the River Lee, Blackrock Castle Observatory is both an observatory and a visitor center. Explore the castle, gaze in awe at the planetarium, or watch a film at the cinema. The observatory also hosts interactive exhibits dealing with nature, space, and science.
Spike Island
Did you know that Spike Island used to be the site of the world’s largest prison? Nowadays, a quick ferry ride from Cork will bring you to this island filled with history. Spend an afternoon touring the old fortress, visiting the gift shop, or wandering the grounds.
Meandering the streets of Cork
If you’re someone who likes to take it easy and travel without a plan, don’t feel like you need to do everything on this list. While all of these sites are filled with beauty and history, simply wandering the streets of Cork will bring you joy. Stop in at a local cafe such as Alchemy Coffee, or grab a pint of Guinness at Jim Cashmans Pub. Some of the best travel memories are made when you least expect them.
Are you feeling inspired? Although we may not be traveling right now, it’s never too early to start planning your dream trip. If you’re ready to dig deeper into everything that Ireland has to offer, check out our 7-day Ireland expedition. If you choose to travel with Acanela, you’ll get to explore Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway, and more! You can peruse the full itinerary here.
This post was written by Kiri Rowan
Check out more of her adventures on Instagram at @kirirowan