Top Cork Arts & Design in 2026

History enthusiasts uncover a piece of Cork's past with a visit to the Cork City Gaol. Step into this castle-like former prison, and find a museum showcasing the realities 19th century prison life. With your entry, enjoy a self-guided tour of the prison complex, an optional audio guide upgrade, and access to the Radio Museum, which presents relics from when the Gaol was a broadcasting station.

Ireland’s second city was shaped by centuries of rebellion and invasion. On this walking tour around Cork’s medieval quarter, you’ll hear tales of the rebels and rulers who roamed these streets during its turbulent history. You’ll hear how Vikings sailed up the River Lee to establish settlements that grew into medieval Cork. As you wind through narrow streets, once canals in this ‘Venice of the North,’ you’ll learn how public executions at Gallow’s Green became entertainment for crowds of 20,000. You’ll also hear the miraculous story of the hanged man who survived his execution – and then interrupted a theatre performance to share the news. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Cork’s remarkable history, brought vividly to life through tales of saints and sinners, rebels and rulers.

A local guide walks a small group through old Cork, telling the city's stories where they happened. This tour is 75 - 90 minutes on foot through the centre of the city. You'll hear about the people who made Cork what it is: the rebels and the hunger strikers, the scientists and the rogues, the ones history remembered and the ones it forgot too quickly. Cork punches well above its weight for interesting characters, and most of them never make it onto the standard tourist trail. The stories change depending on who's on the tour and what catches people's interest. Some groups want the Vikings or War of Independence in detail. Others want the stranger, more surprising corners of the city's past. There's plenty of both. Groups are kept small, so it stays a proper conversation rather than a lecture.

Maximize time in Cork City with a guided walking tour focused on local history and culture. Meet your guide and set out on a stroll through Ireland’s Second City including top landmarks such as St. Patrick Street, the Huguenot Cemetery, and Coal Quay Market. Hear stories about the maritime and merchant history of Cork City as you get your bearings and see the English market, Nano Nagle Bridge, and more.

Marvel at the mighty Cliffs of Moher and the wild landscape of the Burren—and leave the transit to someone else for hassle-free logistics—on this full-day coach tour from Cork. Enjoy dramatic views along the Atlantic coast as you stand atop the 702-foot- (214-meter)-high sea cliffs, then walk the vast karst plain of the Burren. Plus pay a visit to Ireland’s 2014 City of Culture, Limerick, and pose for photos at Bunratty Castle.

Experience a private journey through Ireland’s Ancient East, travelling in comfort with your dedicated chauffeur-guide as centuries of history and dramatic coastal scenery unfold along the way. Departing from Cork, discover a region where Viking heritage, ancient kingdoms, and breathtaking landscapes come together. We begin in the medieval town of Youghal, a former Viking settlement, where a visit to St Mary’s Collegiate Church reveals over 900 years of remarkable history. We then follow the spectacular Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, with scenic stops to admire its rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and sweeping Atlantic views. Tailor the day to your interests with a visit to either the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal or the iconic Rock of Cashel, once home to the Kings of Munster. Enjoy Ireland’s Ancient East at a relaxed pace, discovering its rich heritage, dramatic landscapes, and timeless stories on a personalized journey designed around you.