How to Spend One Day in Cork

Start your morning off with an ode to NYC in the heart of Cork at 5 Points Cafe. Grab a bagel sandwich with a blood sausage for a true NYC-meets Ireland explosion of flavor. If you’re coming from Cobh (the cruise port) this cafe is about a five min walk from the train station. Another great option is Cork Coffee Roasters. They have four locations throughout the city, so if you find yourself in need of a midday pick-me up, there’s sure to be a location near you.

After you’ve fueled up, head straight to Blarney Castle. Located about six miles outside the city, you can either take a bus (about 35 min including some walking time) or hire a taxi. Taxis take about 20 min. They are plentiful, safe and affordable, although you do need an app on your phone. Make sure you get to Blarney Castle as early as you can! Blarney Castle is primarily known for the Blarney Stone — it’s rumored that anyone who kisses the stone will be blessed with Blarney or the gift of gab! As I am already blessed in that department, I skipped kissing the stone. I’d also suggest skipping the stone if you hate waiting in lines (even at 9 am, the wait can be over 1.5hrs) or have mobility issues (the castle itself is mostly ruins. The steps are narrow and uneven). But don’t fret! There’s more to do than just kiss the stone. Blarney Castle sits on 60 acres and is home to a wide variety of gardens, including a carnivorous courtyard, a poison garden and a faerie glade! There’s also a 22-acre lake you can walk along, a riverside walk, multiple waterfalls, horse stables and more!

For those who are interested in taking home a traditional Irish wool sweater, be sure to check out Blarney Woolen Mills, which is located next door to the Blarney Castle.

Once you’ve had your fill of gardens and wool, head back into Cork proper for lunch! You can wander through The English Market food hall where you’ll find a variety of different shops and vendors. This food hall is quite popular, so if you’re looking for something more low-key I’d suggest Cafe Gusto. It is around the corner from the food hall, and offers a daily-changing, fresh and seasonal menu that easily accommodates those with dietary restrictions.

I am a huge fan of walking tours! I love learning about what makes each place unique. Cork Free Walking Tour and Rebel City Tour options.

Another way to spend your afternoon is by heading to Jameson’s Midleton Distillery. It’s about 20–30 min outside Cork via taxi. You can get a tour of the property, including the world’s largest pot still, and sip on the most popular Irish whisky!

Whisky not your speed? Stay in Cork and head to Rebel City Distillery for a Gin and absinthe tasting.

If you’re staying in Cork overnight, you’ll want to head to The River Club for dinner. Located in the River Lee Hotel, this modern European restaurant focuses on locally sourced produce. The vibes and the cocktails make this restaurant a must.

Those who are heading back to Cobh to get back on your cruise ship, make sure you save some time to check out the town. It’s small but has a lot to offer! You can grab a pint at Kellys or a glass of wine at The Arch. Browse the various statues, tributes and plaques dedicated to the Titanic or pop into the Cobh Heritage Center to learn more about Irish immigration.

Here’s to a wonderful day in Cork — Sláinte!