Is Cork city worth visiting?
Don’t be fooled by it’s diminutive size. There’s a lot of fun things to see and do in Cork City in just two days. There’s everything from culture and delicious local food to historic sites and gorgeous green spaces. Cork has something to interest all ages and I think you need at least two days to do everything.
I only booked a trip to Cork to see Jack Johnson play live. So I was surprised to find a lovely city to keep me entertained apart from the gig.
How to spend two days in Cork?
Crawford Art Gallery
With a mix of contemporary and traditional works on display, there’s something for everyone at Crawford Art Gallery. I thoroughly recommend going on a free art tour to gain a further insight on the main pieces of art, the building and Cork City itself. If the sun is shining, head to the courtyard and dine alfresco at their cafe. If you’re still craving more art, visit The Glucksman.
The English Market
Rick Stein said The English Market is the best covered market in the UK and Ireland. Who am I to argue with Rick Stein! Cork is known as the culinary capital of Ireland too.
You’ll find local produce as well as food from afar and stalls to takeaway so you can have a picnic in the adjacent The South Parish Walk Gran Parade park. I’d definitely recommend eating at the Farmgate cafe located on the first floor. They serve traditional Cork dishes (Irish black pudding English black pudding) where you can really admire the 18th century market and people watch below.
Ring the Bells of Shandon at St. Anne’s Church
As Cork’s most famous building, visiting St Annes church is a must. Not sure how the locals put up with the amateur off beat noise, but ringing the bells of Shandon at St. Annes Church is so much fun and not to be missed. There’s sheet music to help you and a variety of songs to choose from including Amazing Grace to Hey Jude. After that, climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze, so much so they provide a hard hat!
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Built in 1582, Blackrock Castle Observatory still holds much of its charm which you can learn more about on the tour which takes you to the roof. There are also video stations which explain all things related to space. You’ll also get to step inside an inflatable igloo structure where you’ll get a guided talk on the stars via projection. After your visit, enjoy tasty food at the Castle Cafe which has seating outdoors and it’s lovely conservatory.
Triskel Arts Centre
If you love independent film, then Triskel Arts Centre is a must. This 1700’s neo-classical church showcases films from around the world you won’t see at regular cinemas and often have themed film seasons.
Saint Fin Barres Cathedral
My favourite piece of architecture in Cork is the Gothic, Saint Fin Barres Cathedral.
Day two – Is Blarney Castle worth seeing?
There are many day trips from Cork City you can choose from, but I think Blarney Castle is top of many people’s list. And quite rightly. I’d recommend getting there early and heading straight for the line to kiss the Blarney Stone which can get as long as an hour’s wait. Legend has it if you kiss the Blarney Stone you’ll get the gift of the gab! There’s two people to help you get into position so you can lean back. And they do clean the stone in case you were wondering like I was!
The castle gardens are beautifully landscaped and definitely worth taking a stroll around with your camera. Watch out for the leprechauns…
You can easily get from Cork city centre to Blarney Village via bus. Check out the timetable for Cork bus station for more information.
History of Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in County Cork, Ireland, famed for the legendary Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence on those who kiss it. The current structure was built in 1446 by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, though earlier fortifications date back to the 13th century. The castle played key roles in the Desmond Rebellions, Irish Confederate Wars, and the Williamite War, changing hands multiple times before being acquired by the Jefferyes family in the 18th century.
In 1874, the Colthurst family built Blarney House, a Scottish baronial mansion overlooking the lake, and they still own the estate today. The castle’s fame grew in the 19th century, with Queen Elizabeth I reportedly coining the term “blarney” to describe flattering talk that avoids commitment. Today, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most visited landmarks, blending myth, history, and natural beauty across 60 acres of gardens and woodland.
10 Interesting Facts About Blarney Castle
- The Blarney Stone is set into the battlements, 85 feet above ground — kissed by leaning backwards over a drop.
- The castle’s walls are up to 18 feet thick, built for defense during medieval sieges.
- The term “blarney” was popularized by Queen Elizabeth I in frustration with Lord MacCarthy’s evasive diplomacy.
- The stone may be a fragment of the Stone of Scone, gifted by Robert the Bruce in 1314.
- The castle features a murder hole above the entrance — used to drop boiling oil or rocks on invaders.
- The Poison Garden contains toxic plants like wolfsbane, mandrake, and opium poppies.
- The Rock Close includes druidic stones, fairy glades, and the Witch’s Kitchen, said to be haunted.
- The Wishing Steps grant wishes if climbed backwards with eyes closed — no stopping allowed!
- The castle was once used as a prison and convalescent home during wartime.
- Over 200,000 visitors kiss the Blarney Stone each year — including Winston Churchill and Mick Jagger.
Things to See and Do at Blarney Castle
- Kiss the Blarney Stone
Climb the narrow spiral staircase to the battlements and lean back to kiss the stone — said to grant the “gift of gab.” - Explore the Castle Ruins
Wander through the Great Hall, Banqueting Room, and medieval bedrooms. Look out for the murder hole and arrow slits. - Visit the Poison Garden
See caged toxic plants with historical and medicinal uses. Informative signs explain their effects and folklore. - Stroll the Rock Close
Discover ancient yew trees, druidic circles, and mystical features like the Witch’s Stone and Fairy Glade. - Climb the Wishing Steps
Perform the ritual to earn your wish — a quirky and fun tradition for all ages. - Tour Blarney House
Open seasonally, this 19th-century mansion offers guided tours of its baronial interiors and lake views. - Walk the Woodland Trails
Choose from riverside, lake, and forest paths across 60 acres of landscaped gardens and natural parkland. - Visit the Stable Yard Café and Gift Shop
Enjoy Irish fare and browse souvenirs, books, and Blarney-themed gifts. - Attend Seasonal Events
Look out for medieval fairs, garden festivals, and storytelling sessions throughout the year. - Explore Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with Cork City, Cobh, Kinsale, or the Jameson Distillery in Midleton.
Practical Information for Visiting Blarney Castle
- Location: Monacnapa, Blarney, County Cork, Ireland T23 Y598
- Opening Times:
- Jan–Mar & Nov–Dec: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Apr & Oct: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- May–Sep: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Closed: December 24–25
- Entry:
- Adults: €23
- Seniors/Students: €18
- Children (6–16): €11; under 6s free
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): €60
- Tickets: Available online or at the gate; no timed slots
- Parking: €2 flat fee; closes at designated time
- Accessibility:
- Castle not wheelchair accessible
- Gardens partially accessible; free entry for disabled visitors
- Dogs: Guide dogs only
- Food: Café and coffee hut on site
- Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
- Nearby: Cork City, Cobh, Kinsale, Midleton, Jameson Distillery
- Official Website: Blarney Castle & Gardens
An alternative day trip from Cork – Kinsale
Kinsale, which is a town on the southern coast of Ireland, is also worth visitng if you have time. Its small enough to walk around and perfect for some fresh air by the sea. Wander around the brightly coloured buildings, boutique shops and enjoy an Irish breakfast, complete with Irish black pudding at Food U. Kinsale can also be reached by bus.
