Official tourism website for Cork, Ireland

Cork City

Ireland's fun-loving, independent-minded city is known to locals, only half-jokingly, as 'the real capital'. Built on a series of islands this ancient merchant city is steeped in maritime history and a rich artistic culture. With a thriving foodie and craft beer scene, the country's friendliest pubs and an artisan coffee bar on every corner, Cork is the best place in the world to relax, unwind and soak up the atmosphere.

You'll often feel like you're walking on water as you stroll around Cork city - the whispers of a fascinating and turbulent history as Europe's last port on the edge of the Atlantic are all around you.

Cork's ancient motto is "A safe harbour for ships" and it was around this huge maritime haven that Cork grew from a tiny 7th century settlement into the compact and vibrant city it is today.



Today this merchant city is a bustling, hive of culture. Its list of award winning restaurants and the famous English Market has made it Ireland's food capital, lauded by critics worldwide, while Cork's flourishing craft beer scene compliments the endless catalog of cosy, friendly pubs and toe-tapping traditional Irish music gigs.



Roam and revel in this beautiful city that is bursting with fun and adventure of all kinds, day and night. Revitalise, reconnect and reawaken all your senses. You never know who you might meet!


Cork City Walking Trails

Cork City Walking Trails

All four walks start from Daunt's Square at the western end of St. Patrick's Street. Click on the links below to download the PDF guides to each walk:

City Island Walk - English City Island Walk - Irish
Shandon Walk - English Shandon Walk - Irish
South Parish Walk - English South Parish Walk - Irish
University Walk - English University Walk - Irish

Getting to Cork City

Cork is the second biggest city in the Republic of Ireland and is 255km (160 miles) from Dublin. There are flights from over 50 destinations around Europe and the USA to Cork International Airport which is 8km from the city centre. There are also passenger ferry services to Cork from Roscoff in northern France and Santander in northern Spain.

Click/tap on a map pin for more information

Never miss an event or new attraction in Cork.