Visiting Cork City
When you visit St Fin Barre’s Quarter it’s not hard to see why Cork City was included on National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list. The area around the cathedral includes some of Cork’s most historically important features and invites you to linger and explore.
From the grounds of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, where St Fin Barre established a monastic settlement in 603AD that is acknowledged as the birthplace of the city, walk along Proby’s Quay past the Beamish and Crawford Stables that testify to Cork’s great brewing tradition and take in the south channel of the River Lee as it flows under the city’s oldest bridge,South Gate Bridge. Experience the Viking influence as you walk up Keyser’s Lane (derived from the Norsk”route to the quay”) and arrive at the imposing Elizabeth Fort.
From its walls you can survey the whole of the quarter, from Nano Nagle Place to the Bishop’s Palace and beyond to UCC, as well as the bustling city centre of Cork, an island in the Lee that still retains many of the features of the medieval walled city.
Ready for a coffee or something more substantial? You have plenty of choice with Alchemy, Tiramisu and Proby’s Kitchen all within 5 minutes walk of the cathedral, and Quay Co-op and Nano Nagle Place just a little further. If art is your scene pop along to the Lavit Gallery on Wandesford Quay taking in yet another view of the River Lee and from there choose from the numerous experiences that Cork City has to offer or just take a seat by the Lee and watch the world go by.
Elizabeth Fort
Built almost 400 years ago, Elizabeth Fort regularly caught the eye of attacking forces, right up until the Irish Civil War of the 1920s. In fact, after the original structure took shape in 1601, locals were so worried by the potential for invasion that they destroyed it. Bad
idea: when order was restored, the people of Cork were made to rebuild it again at their own expense. The fort was replaced in 1624 and Oliver Cromwell is said to have added improvements while besieging the city, resulting in roughly what we see today. Take a stroll along the ramparts – many claim this offers the best view over Cork city.
Explore the Historic English Market
Dating back to 1788, the English Market is one of the oldest covered
markets in Europe. Wander through its stalls to discover a variety of local produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts. It’s an ideal spot to experience Cork’s culinary heritage.
UCC campus
There’s nothing quite like a stroll through University College Cork, along the leafy banks of the River Lee. The trees adorning this verdant campus lend it a stately air; in the President’s Garden, there even stands one that was brought back from the trenches of the First World War as a sapling that had sprouted in the pocket of a fallen soldier. Indoors, the award-winning Lewis Glucksman Gallery hosts regular exhibitions and continues the university’s proud tradition of nurturing the visual arts. Infact, the entire campus is dotted with numerous works of sculpture, photography, print and paint. See how many you can spotas you ramble through the grounds.
Visit Nano Nagle Place
Nano Nagle Place is an unexpected oasis in the centre of bustling Cork City, a place that celebrates Nano Nagle’s vision of empowerment through education, community inclusion and spiritual engagement for a contemporary world. The complex houses an award-winning museum, regenerated heritage buildings, walled gardens, a design shop & Cork focussed book shop and the wonderful Good Day Deli. The beautifully restored convent buildings are home to several community education projects.
Ring the Shandon Bells at St. Anne's Church
Climb the 132 steps of the Shandon Bell Tower to ring the iconic bells and enjoy panoramic views of the city. This hands-on experience allows visitors to play selected tunes on the bells, making it a memorable activity.
Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys.
Stroll Through Fitzgerald Park and Cross the Shaky Bridge
Fitzgerald Park offers a serene escape with sculptures, a pond, and the Cork Public Museum. Don’t miss crossing Daly’s Bridge, affectionately known as the “Shaky Bridge,” a pedestrian suspension bridge that gently sways as you walk across.
Experience the magnificent River Lee from a curragh
Interested in trying your hand at rowing a traditional Irish currach (hand-crafted in Cork)? Naomhóga Chorcaí offer public rowing on a first come first served basis at Shandon Boat Club on the Marina every Saturday morning at 10.30am.