There are options to fit every budget when it comes to travelling around Cork. From cycling and walking to buses, trains, private coaches and car hire.
Cork city is a compact and very walkable city. Visitors can enjoy one of four heritage-related walking trails in the city centre (‘Cork Walks’), admire the Ardú street art on foot, or explore Cork through one of many more self-guided and guided walking tours around the city and county. Further afield, consider doing one of many beautiful walking tours and hikes across the county, with trails to suit all abilities, as a perfect way of connecting with nature in our breathtaking countryside.
We ask that all visitors respect the environment during their visit and follow the Leave No Trace principles of responsible stewardship, aiming to minimise any negative environmental and social impacts from outdoor activities.
Cycling is a great way to save money and keep fit. It’s good for the environment and is often the fastest way to get around. TFI Bike Share allows you to rent bikes so you can easily and quickly get around the Cork City. There are over 30 bike dock locations in the city making this is the ideal way to get around and see all the sights.
Bikes are available from 6am to midnight. Journeys of 30 minutes or less are free and visitors can sign up for a 3-day pass using a credit card. The TFI Bikes App is perfect for cycle adventures in the city on the TFI Bikes, with help on station locations, bike and stand availability & route planning.
The Cork City Cycle Map has suggested routes that you can explore. Alternatively, take a guided cycling tour around the city or county, or join Cork’s Cycling Festival.
Buses are a great way to travel especially on longer journeys.
Bus Éireann operate a huge number of routes from Cork city centre to all parts of Cork including towns and villages on the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East. Cork’s main bus station is located at Parnell Place in the city centre, all intercity services to the county leave from here. West Cork Connect also provides bus links from West Cork to the city centre. Cobh Connect buses serve the Cobh-Cork City route while the Local Link minibus network spans the entire county.
You can purchase a TFI Leap Card, which is up to 30% cheaper than cash single fares and can be used on Cork City bus services (operated by Bus Éireann) as well as Cork commuter rail services on the Cork-Cobh and Cork-Midleton lines.
If you want to put your feet up and do some window gazing at Cork’s lush green countryside, travelling by rail is the way to go. Cork’s rail network in the east runs from the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh to Midleton (home of the famous Jameson Distillery). In the west it runs from Cork City to Mallow (Mallow Castle).
You can purchase a TFI Leap Card, which is up to 30% cheaper than cash single fares and can be used on Cork City bus services (operated by Bus Éireann) as well as Cork commuter rail services on the Cork-Cobh and Cork-Midleton lines.
Irish Rail
Although we encourage visitors to use public transport where possible, if you want to have the freedom to get off the 'beaten track' and discover some of Cork's hidden gems in more rural areas, then you may need a car or motorbike.
Most international car hire companies operate in Cork. In order to rent a car in Ireland, you must present a valid driver’s license and a credit card. We ask visitors to consider the climate when hiring cars, and opt for smaller, electric models, where available.
Don’t forget, we drive on the left-hand side in Ireland!
Please be aware of Ireland’s alcohol-related driving laws. For a safe and enjoyable holuday experience it is recommended that you never drink and drive.
We are constantly striving to enhance our tourism experience for visitors with additional needs or accessibility challenges. Cork City ‘Hop-On-Hop-Off’ Tour Bus is wheelchair-accessible, allowing visitors with mobility issues the option of taking a sightseeing tour around some of the City’s main tourist attractions.
The Visit Cork Accessibility Guide provides reliable and easy to access information on attractions, transport lines, hotels and venues throughout the region, that support visitors with accessibility challenges.
Click or tap on the red button below to view the Pure Cork map. This is the official tourism map for Cork city and county. The map is in PDF format and is 5MB.
Download Pure Cork Map
