Best Things to do in Cork City - Bowling and family entertainment centre

Cork City is Ireland’s Second largest city, referred to as the “Real Capital” by Corkonians and is know as the Rebel County. Cork is steeped in history and interesting sites with many of them are free. There is so much to see & do in Cork, we have put together a list below for you to help you plan your visit to Cork.

PLANET ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

Ideally located in the city suburb of Blackpool, this place is 5 minutes from the city centre and really has something for everyone – Tenpin Bowling, Laser tag, 9D Action Cinema, American Pool, Children’s play centre as well as food & drink. A super spot for a wet day especially – in fact a great spot any day or night! Families, clubs, corporates or even date nights – Call 021-4300700.

ENGLISH MARKET

A civic space, a meeting place, a thoroughfare, and a bustling social hub of the city. With its variety of products, the pride of place accorded to small traders, the personalised service, the growing emphasis on organic products and reliance on small-scale producers, it is forever popular. A mix of traditional Cork fare and exciting new foods from afar, along with longstanding family-run stalls and newcomers from outside, all contribute to its unique appeal, which is celebrated widely, especially by visitors to the city…a must see!

CORK CITY GAOL

Opened in 1824 the prison originally housed both male and female prisoners who committed crimes within the city’s limits. In 1878, the City Gaol became an all-female prison. It wasn’t until after the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1920 when those men who opposed the treaty where detained here from 1922 to 1923 when the prison closed.

After years of deterioration the prison was restored and opened to the public as a tourist attraction in 1993. For a memorable experience, look into the availability of one of the attraction’s private evening tours.

SHANDON BELLS

Experience of ringing the world famous Shandon Bells. Located in St. Anne’s church tower a distinctive landmark on the city skyline. St. Anne’s Church built in 1722 still uses its original 18th-century bells, which have become one of the city’s must-see sights.

Climb 132 steps and see spectacular 360 degree views of the city at 36.65m/120ft and view the internal workings of the ‘Four Faced Liar’. Located in Church Street on the Northside of Cork City, this is a must-see! Easy to find-just look for the goldfish in the sky!!

CORK BUTTER MUSEUM

Visit the Butter Museum, Cork’s unique museum – the story of Ireland’s most important food export and the world’s largest butter Located a ‘stone’s throw’ from Shandon Bells. Housed in the old Cork Butter Market, highlights include an extensive collection of vintage butter wrappers.

FRANCISCAN WELL BREWERY

Situated on Cork’s historic North Mall, the copper vats gleaming behind the bar give the game away: the Franciscan Well brews its own beer. Well worth a visit!

BLARNEY CASTLE

Visit Blarney Castle, the home of the Blarney Stone. Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, it has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarneymaking it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words!

FOTA WILDLIFE PARK

A 70-acre wildlife park is home to animals that are – as much as possible – free to roam in their natural environment, where visitors can observe and interact with them. Fota Wildlife Park is only 20 mins from Cork and is a great day out for all the family.

Enjoy a family picnic where you could be joined at your table by ring-tailed lemurs or kangaroo as the animals wander freely in the central enclosure.