Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City

The English Market

Another world-famous indoor farmers market, The English Market was built in 1788 and is still fully operational as a fresh produce market to this day. Visitors can take in the architectural beauty of the market’s interior, from the arched wooden roof to the intricate banister details, or browse the myriad of food stalls within. 

There’s plenty of space for groups to grab a bite to eat and sit, or stock up on some takeaway artisan food to bring on a picnic outdoors.

Fota Wildlife Park

Visiting Fota Wildlife Park feels a little like leaving the Wild Atlantic Way and entering another world entirely. Stroll the park and you’re likely to have at least one wild kangaroo cross your path! 

With everything from cheetahs to peacocks, the wildlife park is a fun-filled day out for the family, and the park rangers are always present to share interesting facts about the animals. Best of all, the park is only a 20-minute drive or 40-minute train from the city centre.

Leahy's Open Farm

On Leahy’s Open Farm, kids get to meet every kind of friendly farm animal you could imagine; from kittens to alpaca (and even adorable Fallabella horses), kids can feed, play with and learn about farm animals. 

Discover the Digger Park, where kids can learn to operate a mini-sized JCB digger, and don’t forget to take in the mini-golf, slides, mazes and adventure trails dotted throughout the farm. They even have an authentic Irish crannog and fairy fort garden! A 40-minute drive from Cork City centre, Leahy’s Farm is absolutely worth a day trip for the entire family.

Ballincollig Park

Ballincollig regional park is a green oasis situated a mere 25-minute drive from Cork’s city centre. Within the park you’ll not only find stunning scenery, there’s also a skate park, sports pitches, picnic areas and both paved walks and riverside trails. 

Located on the banks of the River Lee, the park is the perfect spot for a group picnic, but make sure to check out the famous gunpowder trails too, where you can discover the 18th Century mills where gunpowder was once manufactured.

Beyond the Glass

Beyond the Glass will take your group on a gently-paced, guided cycle tour through Cork city. Learn about the city centre’s secrets, uncover its hidden history and take it all in from a new perspective; alternatively, cycle along Cork Harbour to learn about its maritime past and breathe the fresh Atlantic air as you pedal. Both tours set off from central locations and are perfect for group holidays in Cork City.

Spike Island

What was once a monastery became one of the largest and most notorious prisons in Europe. Spike Island operated as a prison as far back as the 1600s, with the infamous 18th Century fortress housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the country over past centuries. 

You can take part in various tours of the island (including a spooky after dark option), see the truly terrifying Punishment Block and meet some of the island’s most famous characters. Spike Island Tours is a 30-minute drive or 45-minute train from the city centre, and from there you can hop on a tour ferry to the island.

Cork City Gaol

Although it may look like a castle form the outside, Cork City Gaol has housed some of Ireland’s most notorious criminals in the 19th Century. This well-preserved building hosts a full exhibition complete with lifelike wax figures and original features from the gaol.

Kinsale Town

Situated amongst Charles Fort and James Fort, both built in the 17th Century, the town of Kinsale is a paragon of culture and community in Cork. Known as one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, Kinsale is sprinkled with colourful buildings, paved streets and captivating seafront walks – spot on for a romantic day trip! 

Cork Ghost Tours

For couples who love a good scary movie, the Cork Ghost Tour is a memorable date night in the city. A walking tour with a difference, the Cork Ghost Tour will show and tell you all sorts of spooky tales from the city’s past – with a few surprises thrown in. If your other half isn’t sold on scary stories, don’t worry, there will be plenty of laughs, too!

Ocean Escapes

See the city from a different perspective with a cruise around Cork Harbour. Ocean Escapes organise numerous different public boat trips in Cork, from dolphin watching to City Seafaris. For couples looking for the most romantic date ideas, the sunset boat trips are ideal!

Skibbereen Town

Surrounded by walks, beaches and rolling green hills, Skibbereen is the epitome of West Cork beauty. One of the most recommended things to do in West Cork for families, Skibbereen is sprinkled with colourful houses and original buildings, the town remains a shining example of traditional Irish country life; full of friendly faces, local shops and world-class local food. Travel by bus or car from Cork’s city centre, and time your visit for one of the town’s popular market days.

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Home of the famous Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle & Gardens makes for a fun day out for the whole family. Just 25 minutes from the centre of Cork City, the castle and gardens is host to a full range of enticing activities, from outdoor theatre to up-close experiences with local birds of prey. The gardens themselves are perfect for a day of exploration, with plenty of nooks and crannies to discover.