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Planning a trip to Cork and wondering how to spend your time? We’ve got you covered with a two-day itinerary that hits all the high notes.
We loved exploring Cork, from its charming riverside center and lively pubs to the legendary Blarney Castle and scenic Ring of Kerry! It’s full of culture, flavor, and iconic Irish charm, and so we’ve used our insider knowledge to come up with an itinerary that covers the perfect mix of city exploring and countryside magic.
Two days may not sound like a lot, but we’ve packed in historic sites, local food and coffee, and a day trip to one of the country’s most breathtaking regions. Ready for an adventure? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this full-day Ring of Kerry tour. It combined epic scenery, local charm, and stress-free travel into one unforgettable day. We’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Itinerary Overview
Cork is compact and full of character, and this two-day itinerary is designed to help you make the most of it without feeling rushed. We’ve kept things balanced so you’ll get a taste of the city’s history, culture, and food, with time to explore both Cork itself and the gorgeous countryside nearby.
Once you’re in the city center, Cork is pretty walkable, and public buses make it easy to get around. There’s a bus to Blarney Castle, but renting a car does make getting there easier, and it’s handy for exploring other parts of Ireland after your stay in Cork.
Day 1: You’ll explore Cork’s historic sights, sample the local cuisine on a food tour, visit the iconic Blarney Castle, and enjoy a relaxed evening in the city.
Day 2: It’s time to head out on a scenic full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park before wrapping up with dinner and live music.
Day 1
Breakfast – Cork Coffee Roasters
We’ve got a food tour later this morning, so we’re keeping breakfast light! Rather than tucking into a hearty Irish breakfast today, we suggest grabbing some locally roasted coffee (and maybe a croissant or custard tart if you’re really hungry) at Cork Coffee Roasters. It opens between 7:30 and 9 am, depending on the day, and since it’s right in Cork’s city center, it makes a great launch point for exploring this morning.
Morning – See a few of Cork’s sights
You’ve got a few hours before the food tour begins, so this is a great window to explore some of Cork’s historic highlights. The city center is pretty compact and easy to walk around, but anything beyond that can take about 30 minutes to walk to, so just bear that in mind.
- Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral – A stunning 19th-century Gothic cathedral with spires, stained glass, and impressive architecture. It’s one of Cork’s most iconic landmarks and well worth a peek inside!
- National Monument – This monument at the end of Grand Parade commemorates Irish patriots and makes for a quick but meaningful stop as you stroll through town.
- Elizabeth Fort – This is a 17th-century star-shaped fort with panoramic views over Cork. You can do a self-guided walk around the walls, which we highly recommend because it’s both free and fun!
- Fitzgerald Park – If you’re in the mood for a peaceful green space, this riverside park has lovely walking paths and a charming footbridge.
- St Anne’s Church, Shandon Bells & Tower – We loved climbing the tower here, and we paid a small fee so that we could ring the famous Shandon Bells! The views are fantastic, too.
- Cork City Gaol – This historic prison doesn’t open until 10 am, so you probably won’t have time to go inside, but it’s a cool spot to walk past if you’re nearby!
Mid-day – Cork Culinary tour
Cork is a city that knows how to eat well, and we think that this food tour is the perfect way to explore! It runs from 11 am until 2 pm, so it also works perfectly as today’s lunch. And trust me, you’ll want to arrive hungry!
The only thing to note is that this tour doesn’t run on Sundays. However, you can easily switch days 1 and 2 around if necessary!
We kicked things off by meeting our guide near the river, and within minutes, we were weaving through the bustling aisles of Cork’s iconic English Market. It’s super historic and famous for its amazing artisan food. We loved exploring, especially as we got to sample fresh fish, warm bread, and classic Irish sweets!
Next, we walked through the Coal Quay Market area, once a hub of trade run by the famous “shawlies,” and ducked inside St. Peter and Paul’s Church for a peek at its soaring marble columns and carved angels. Along the way, our guide filled us in on Cork’s rich history, and then we ended at The Long Valley Bar. It’s a super cozy pub and we got to tuck into a lunch of Beamish pie, washed down with a local craft—of course!
We loved this tour because we got to know Cork’s culture and character, as well as its cuisine. And we’re not the only ones who had a great time—check out all of the 5-star reviews here!
Book this top-rated Cork food tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
Afternoon – Visit the Blarney Castle
After all of that food, it’s time for a bit of history at Blarney Castle! It’s a 15-minute drive from Cork City, but you can also catch a bus to Blarney Church and walk from there, which should take about 40 minutes in total.
During the summer, the castle is open until 6 pm, with last admission at 5 pm, so we recommend heading out as soon as your tour ends. This should give you just enough time to explore.
The castle itself dates back to the 15th century and was built by Cormac McCarthy, the powerful Irish chieftain who ruled over the Kingdom of Desmond—not the famous author! While the towering stone walls and medieval ruins are fascinating in their own right, most visitors come here for one thing: to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Legend has it that kissing the stone gives you the “gift of the gab.” The stone is set into the castle’s battlements, and to kiss it, you’ll have to lie on your back and lean over the edge (don’t worry, there’s help and safety bars!). Whether you believe in the legend or not, it’s a fun tradition that thousands take part in each year! And if you have time, don’t miss the chance to stroll through the lush gardens and mystical Rock Close afterwards.
Evening – Grab drinks at a pub
There are a ton of classic Irish pubs around Cork’s center, but we loved The Hi-B Bar. It’s an old school pub and there’s even a no-phones rule, so you’re forced to either enjoy the company of your travel companions or branch out and meet new people. Grab a pint of Guinness before dinner and enjoy the classic Irish charm of this historic pub!
Dinner – Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House
Just a three-minute walk from The Hi-B, you’ll come to Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. It’s a meat-lover’s paradise! The mussels with burnt garlic & sesame were incredible, and I loved the poached rhubarb and mascarpone for dessert.
Then, after dinner, you can go for a wander and enjoy another Guinness at one of Cork’s many pubs if you like. Just don’t stay out too late because tomorrow is a pretty long day!
Day 2
Full day – Drive along the Ring of Kerry and visit Killarney National Park
Driving Ireland’s narrow country roads sounds romantic until you’re face-to-face with a tour bus around a blind bend. So today, leave the navigation to the pros and book this full-day Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park tour!
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic route around the Iveragh Peninsula, known for its jaw-dropping mountain and coastal views, as well as its charming villages. It’s one of Ireland’s most iconic drives, and with a guide at the wheel, you can sit back, relax, and actually enjoy the views instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel.
The tour leaves from the city center at 8:30 am and will get back around 7:30 pm. It’s a pretty long day, but trust me, it’s totally worth it! We absolutely loved rolling through the Cork and Kerry Mountains, stopping for coffee in Killarney, and coasting past scenic spots like Dingle Bay and Inch Beach. Honestly, seeing the ever-changing landscapes really opened our eyes as to just how magical Ireland is!
The village of Sneem was a highlight—tiny, colorful, and full of charm. We stretched our legs by the water, then followed our guide’s tip and grabbed seafood chowder at The Lobster Bar in Waterville—worth every cent.
It was a full day of effortless exploring, and honestly, we couldn’t have planned it better ourselves. Just check out the five-star reviews here to see why this tour is such a fan favorite!
Read 400+ 5-star reviews and book this full-day tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Gallagher’s Cork
Fish and chips are a must while you’re in Ireland, and Gallagher’s Cork does the best ones in town! Seriously, the portions are HUGE!
Plus, this cozy pub is just around the corner from where today’s tour ends, and you’ll definitely be hungry after all of that exploring. And if you’re not in the mood for fish and chips, you could always try one of their pies instead, which are also pretty big and come with a big side of creamy mashed potatoes. Yum!
Evening – Live music at Sin é
Sin é is a traditional pub that’s right next door to Gallagher’s. It’s known for its live music, so where better to spend your final night in Cork? Listening to live music is a must while you’re in Ireland as it’s a big part of the local culture, and the atmosphere here is hard to beat. And if you really want to make like a local, grab a pint of Beamish Irish stout to enjoy as you enjoy the performance.
Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out our guide to the 7 best things to do in Cork here for local favorites, scenic spots, and a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
Where to Stay in Cork, Ireland
Cork is a lively and charming city with no shortage of great places to stay. And whether you’re after luxury, comfort, or something easy on the wallet, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the legwork for you and sifted through the best hotel options so that you can find your perfect spot without doing hours of research.
If any of these places still have availability, they’re the ones we’d personally recommend. But we really do suggest booking as far in advance as you can, because these are top-rated hotels that fill up fast!
Luxury – $$$
Tucked away in a quiet corner just 15 minutes from Cork’s city center, Hayfield Manor is a five-star hotel that blends old-world elegance with modern luxury. It’s set in a stately ivy-covered manor, and it offers spacious, classically decorated rooms, a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and two award-winning restaurants. What more could you need?
This is way more than a bed for the night – it’s a whole experience! From drinks in the drawing room to soaking in the outdoor hot tub, this place feels more like a grand country escape than a city hotel.
Prices vary depending on season and room type, but generally range from €250 to €600 per night. Check availability and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Maldron Hotel South Mall is a stylish and comfortable mid-range option located right in the heart of Cork. It’s just steps from the city’s main shopping streets, restaurants, and cultural attractions, so it makes the ideal base for exploring Cork without a car. The hotel also features modern, air-conditioned rooms with Chromecast TVs, a cozy on-site restaurant, and a relaxed café-bar that’s perfect for a quick bite or pint of Guinness.
Prices typically range from around €170 to €260 per night, depending on the room type and season. Check availability and book your room on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a comfortable and affordable stay just outside the hustle and bustle of Cork City, the Talbot Hotel Cork is a fantastic budget-friendly choice. Located in the charming suburb of Ballincollig, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and even a full leisure center with a pool, gym, and hot tub. Rooms are clean, well-appointed, and include thoughtful extras like tea and coffee facilities, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
Room rates typically start at around €120 per night, depending on the season and room choice. Check current deals and reserve your budget stay on Booking.com.
Check out the full list of hotel options in Cork here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
We hope this two-day Cork itinerary helps you make the most of your time in this lively, culture-filled corner of Ireland! From historic castles and scenic walks to dramatic coastlines and unforgettable food tours, Cork offers the perfect blend of city charm and countryside beauty—all without feeling rushed.
Before you go, check out some of our other Ireland blogs here—we’ve got plenty of personal tips and detailed guides to help you plan your next adventure. Or, browse some of our most popular travel blogs below for even more ideas to help you plan your next adventure.
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