There are many great places to visit in Ireland, and realistically you will not be able to visit them all in one trip. But one place we do highly recommend to put on your Ireland must-do list is a visit to County Cork.
Located in Ireland’s scenic southwest, County Cork is not only the beloved home of Kevin from Happy Irish Wanderers, but it’s also Ireland’s largest county. At its heart lies Cork City, Ireland’s second-largest city, and the real capital of Ireland according to Cork people!
Its convenient location with neighboring County Kerry will provide you with easy access to The Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, and the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, all just a short journey from your doorstep.
So, What Is the Nicest Town in County Cork?
County Cork features numerous picturesque and charming towns, each with its own unique character. In this article, we will inform you about the best towns in county Cork that showcase the county’s rustic charm that will make your Ireland trip to Cork an unforgettable experience.
Overall, County Cork is a great destination to visit, with many different types of stunning natural landscapes of Ireland, opportunities to explore Irish history and heritage, visit ancient Celtic Megalithic sites such as Ireland’s version of Stonehenge – the Drombeg Stone Circle, and lastly encounter many friendly Irish locals, who are always up for a chat and a bit of craic.
Cork City
Before we start the guide to the 5 Greatest Towns In County Cork, we must mention Cork City first.
As its name suggests, Cork City isn’t a village or town. However, it certainly deserves a mention for Cork City’s fantastic attractions and convenient position that serves as a fantastic base for exploring and planning day trips to the greatest towns in County Cork, historical sites of Ireland, and the gorgeous Irish natural landscape.
Cork City is the county’s capital and has a population of around 225.000 people. Located alongside the River Lee, the former “City of Culture” is a welcoming place with a great history, lively atmosphere, and lots of friendly locals.
A must-visit attraction in Cork City is the English Market, a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling many different goods such as fresh produce, handcrafted products, and gourmet treats. The English Market in Cork City may sound confusing as it is as Irish as can be and gives you a great insight into Corks’ relaxed and fun vibes.
Another one of Cork City’s must-visit attraction landmarks is the historic Cork City Gaol, a former prison turned museum that offers insight into Irish history. Cork Gaol was used to hold prisoners during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.
Many prominent Irish revolutionaries were held at Cork Gaol, including Michael Collins (a pivotal figure in Irish history that brought Ireland’s independence from Grear Britain), Tomás Mac Curtain (one of the most popular streets in Cork City is named after him), and Terence MacSwiney (an Irish historical figure who died during a hunger strike). Do not miss out and book your tickets to Cork Gaol in advance!
If you’re a fan of live music, make sure to explore the Cork Opera House for a musical performance or catch a show at one of the many pubs scattered throughout the city.
To truly experience all that the city has to offer, consider joining a guided tour. This will allow you to explore Cork City’s popular attractions while also gaining a deeper understanding of its rich history and culture of Ireland. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll be able to ask questions, learn about the city’s significance, and gain a unique perspective on the local way of life. – Click to join a guided walking tour of Cork City.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a hop-on hop-off bus service is available in Cork City, stopping at all major attractions. Going for a very reasonable price, the 24-hour ticket grants you access to unlimited rides, accompanied by an on-board audio guide that provides insightful commentary on the city’s history and landmarks
Cork City is a great place to base yourself when exploring the 5 greatest towns in County Cork.
Now, let’s start the countdown of the 5 Greatest Towns In County Cork You Must Visit Now!
5 – Middleton – Irish Whiskey and Native Americans
Coming in at number 5 on our list of greatest towns in County Cork is Middleton, a town that is easily accessible from Cork City via train, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. If you are driving, the journey takes less than 30 minutes by car from Cork City.
The highlight of the town without a doubt the Jameson Distillery. Visitors can explore the historic Jameson Distillery, where guided tours offer insights into this famous whiskey-making process. There are free samples provided so take this into consideration if you are driving.
One of the many free attractions in County Cork worth visiting is the nearby Choctaw Native American Monument. In 1847, the Choctaw Nation made a remarkable gesture of goodwill by donating a large sum of money to help the suffering of the Irish people during the Great Famine. The monument pays tribute to this heartfelt act of solidarity and friendship between the Choctaw Nation and the Irish people, a testament to the power of compassion and humanity across cultures.
If you are driving, a short twenty-minute spin from Midleton leads you to Roches Point Lighthouse, where you can enjoy stunning views of the entrance into Cork Harbour. The nearby White Bay Beach offers an opportunity for a refreshing swim if the weather isn’t too cold!
Find out below how you can see every major attraction in Ireland in a 2-week Ireland by car itinerary.
4 – Skibbereen – The Irish Famine
Situated in West Cork, Skibbereen is a picturesque town approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Cork City. Tragically, Skibbereen is one of the best towns in County Cork because it is a dark tourism destination in Ireland.
The Great Famine had a devastating impact on Skibbereen, and one of the greatest towns in County Cork was marked by widespread famine, disease, and large loss of life, as thousands of Irish people suffered and perished in one of the most infamous periods in Irish history
The population of Skibbereen and its surrounding area were nearly wiped out during this tragic period in Ireland, with many families forced to emigrate in search of survival and hopes for a better life abroad. Take a moment to listen to ‘Skibbereen‘, a hauntingly beautiful Irish ballad by The Dubliners that echoes the struggles and hardships of this very place.
Today, the Skibbereen Heritage Centre commemorates the impact the Great Famine had on the local community and provides insight into this dark chapter of Irish history.
Other nearby historical attractions are the archaeological sites of Drombeg Stone Circle and Knockdrum Stone Fort, which are both free attractions in County Cork.
3 – Kinsale – Fine Dining and Irish History
Located along the beautiful and rugged coastline of County Cork in Ireland and only a 30-minute drive from Cork City, Kinsale is a gorgeous seaside town that offers breathtaking views and may have you mistakingly believe you are in the Italian Riviera! without a doubt, Kinsale is a strong contender for the number one spot of best towns in County Cork.
Kinsale is a haven for food enthusiasts. Dubbed “The Gourmet Capital of Ireland”, Kinsale is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, serving some of Ireland’s freshest and finest seafood.
Besides fine dining, you will also discover a lot of Irish history in Kinsale, with significant events like the sinking of the Lusitania and historical conflicts such as the Williamite War from 1689-91 and the Civil War from 1922-23.
The number one attraction in Kinsale is Charles Fort. Constructed by the British Army in the 17th century, this star-shaped fort sits at the water’s edge, surrounded by gorgeous views. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore independently and learn about the dramatic stories that took place within these historic walls.
Located across the harbor from Charles Fort, you’ll discover the smaller James Fort. It’s definitely worth a visit, and the best part is, it’s free!
Other notable attractions from Kinsale are:
- Old Head of Kinsale Loop – A spectacular 6km (3.7 miles) coastal walk along rugged cliffs, beaches, and historic sites. It is also the location of one of Ireland’s premier golf courses.
- Nohoval Cove – This is a hidden treasure in County Cork with a stunning landscape, featuring remarkable rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and ancient ruins. However, parking availability is very limited at this gorgeous gem.
- Roberts Cove Beach – One of our favorite beaches in County Cork. Roberts Cove is a stunning beach inlet located just a short 10-minute drive from Nohoval Cove, offering nearby hiking trails, picnic spots, and two charming pubs for visitors to enjoy.
2 – Clonakilty – An Irish Patriot and Black Pudding
Clonakilty is one of our favorite towns and without a doubt one of the best towns in County Cork. A visit to Clonakilty is a great destination for a day trip from Cork or a weekend break in Ireland. Another picture-perfect town, Clonakilty is famous for being the birthplace of Michael Collins, the best black pudding in the world, beautiful beaches, and lots of lively pubs hosting live traditional Irish music.
Michael Collins – Michael Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader and politician. One of Ireland’s most prominent historical figures, he played a major role in the battle for independence from Britain in the early 20th century.
To learn more about the life of Michael Collins you can follow the “Michael Collins Trail.” The trail includes important sites associated with Collins, such as his birthplace near Clonakilty, his childhood home turned museum, and Béal na Bláth, where he was tragically assassinated in 1922.
Black Pudding – Clonakilty is home to traditional Irish black pudding, a type of blood sausage made from pork, fat, and blood mixed with oatmeal or barley.
We get it, it might not sound appetizing, but trust us, it’s quite the opposite! If you’re in Ireland and have never tried black pudding then now is your chance. Clonakilty is not only the best town in Cork, but in all of Ireland to taste this delicious food that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack! Add a bit of HP brown sauce and you will be in foodies heaven!
An Teach Beag Pub – This pub is renowned for its traditional music and is considered one of Ireland’s best pubs. An Teach Beag is located in the heart of Clonakilty and is pronounced “An Chock Bee Ug,” translating to “The small house.” When you are in County Cork, then this is a must-visit place for a real traditional Irish musical experience!
If you have limited time, then it is possible to explore three of the greatest towns in Cork in a day trip, just make sure to start your day early. Start in Skibbereen, followed by Clonakilty, and wrap up your County Cork day trip in Kinsale for a relaxing evening with a fresh seafood feast and a delicious pint of Guinness.
1 – Cobh – The Heritage Harbour
Behold the breathtaking Cobh, our top destination of the greatest towns in County Cork! Nestled in the heart of Cork Harbour, the second-largest natural harbor in the world after Sydney Harbor, Cobh is packed with history and beauty and is also the hometown of Kevin.
The first thing you will notice when you visit Cobh is the skyline dominated by the majestic St. Colman’s Cathedral, which is free to visit, and is surrounded by many picturesque and colorful houses.
Once called Queenstown, Cobh was the main emigration port for North America between 1848 and 1950 for nearly 2.5 million Irish emigrants who sadly had to leave our beautiful nation to go looking for better lives overseas. The best place to learn more about this event is at the Cobh Heritage Center.
This historical town of Cobh is also renowned for its connection to one of the most famous ships in the world, the RMS Titanic. As the Titanic prepared for its ill-fated maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1912, the historic port of Cobh, Ireland served as its final stop and last place to be witnessed by non-passengers. The Titanic Trail commemorates this tragic event and offers insights into the lives of the ill-fated passengers who boarded the ship from Cobh.
The best way to learn about the fascinating history of Cobh is by taking a guided 3-hour walking tour led by the very knowledgeable Dr. Michael Martin. The tour includes the Titanic Trail, the sinking of the Lusitania, the history of emigration to North America, and much much more! Book here to secure your spot.
As you gaze out at Cork Harbour, you’ll notice two islands rising from the waters. On your right, Haulbowline is home to the headquarters of the Irish Naval Service, serving as a strategic hub for the Irelands’ maritime operations. In the harbor’s center, you will see a large green island with houses scattered around and at the top a large fort, this is Spike Island.
Dubbed Ireland’s own Alcatraz, Spike Island is a former prison and another fantastic attraction to visit in Cobh. A Spike Island tour provides an enjoyable day trip to explore its rich history as a former fort and prison.
Tours to Spike Island are available daily from April to October. However, from November to February, tours are limited to Saturdays and Sundays. Both guided and self-guided tours are available for visitors to choose from.
When you visit Cobh, whether by car or train, you’ll pass through the picturesque Fota Island. The island is home to Fota Wildlife Park, a renowned animal conservation center where visitors can get up close and personal with a diverse range of animals from around the world. Cheetahs, giraffes, and kangaroos roam freely in their naturalistic habitats, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages
Additionally, Fota Island Resort offers luxury accommodation, a championship golf course, and many beautiful gardens to be explored.
Getting to Cobh and Fota Island is effortless with daily trains departing every hour from Cork City.
#1 Cobh and #5 Middleton on our list of greatest towns in County Cork can both be visited on a day trip and Fota Island Resort is located perfectly in the middle. This 5-star retreat offers stunning surroundings and modern amenities. Take a break from exploring the historic towns to unwind in style and enjoy the resort’s excellent facilities.
How Do I Get To Cork?
Getting to County Cork, Ireland can be done by various means of transportation.
By Air: Cork Airport (ORK) serves as the main airport for the County of Cork and the surrounding region. There are many flights directly to countries such as the United Kingdom, Holland, Germany, France, and Spain.
When traveling from North America, you can choose to arrive at either Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport. From either destination, you can then make your way to Cork City via a variety of transportation options. Consider renting a car, taking a train, boarding a bus, or even flying directly from Dublin to Cork for a seamless connection.
By Train: Irish Rail operates train services to Cork to all major Irish cities like Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford. The Cork Kent Railway Station is centrally located in Cork City. This is a good option if you are flying into Dublin Airport, or Shannon Airport (Limerick is the nearest city to Shannon Airport). You can catch a train from Kent Railway Station to Middleton (#5) and Cobh (#1) with regular hourly services available.
By Bus: Bus Eireann operates bus services connecting Cork City with all major cities and towns across Ireland. The main bus station in Cork is Parnell Place Bus Station, which is in a central location. Busses Run to all the greatest towns in Cork that are mentioned above.
By Car: If you are on a self-driving tour of Ireland then you can get to Cork very easily. Major roads like the M8 motorway connect Cork with Dublin, while the N20 connects Cork with Shannon Airport. A self-driving tour in Ireland allows a lot of flexibility and the opportunity to explore many hidden gems in Ireland. Please use the link below at no extra cost to you, but will earn us a small commission to discover the best car rental deals in Ireland.
Enjoy Beautiful Cork!
Whether you’re into food, culture, or nature, County Cork has it all. From Skibbereen’s tragic history, Middleton’s whiskey culture, Kinsale’s great food, Clonakilty’s lively culture, and Cobh’s scenic beauty, there’s something for everyone. And would you believe there is still so much more to see, find out our 12 Best Things To Do In County Cork, recommended and experienced by us.
The above mentioned list was only a snippet of the best towns in Cork to visit, do you agree with our choices? Please let us know in a message below or contact us through our socials.
Slán go fóil
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