The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Cork, Province of Munster

August 14, 2021 Matilde Konrad

Plan to cross many bridges when in Cork. Ireland's third-largest city began life as an island and now spans both banks of the River Lee, with watery channels running beneath some of its main thoroughfares. The best way to experience this hilly southern seaport is on foot, following the signposted walking tour past St. Finn Barre's Cathedral and the riverside quadrangle of University College up the hill to red and white Shandon Church. Along the way, you'll meet plenty of the city's talkative residents.
Restaurants in Cork

1. City Limits Comedy Club and Late NIght Venue

Coburg Street Opposite The Corner House / SinE pub, Cork T23 X9AK Ireland +353 21 450 7744 [email protected] http://www.thecomedyclub.ie
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 471 reviews

City Limits Comedy Club and Late NIght Venue

We are known to be one of the best comedy clubs in Ireland , its true.:) it really is always great fun in here :)

Reviewed By Shellz_nim - Cork, Ireland

Great nights entertainment, lovely atmosphere good value for money, super friendly staff and all in all a great night out! 100% Recommend!

2. Atlantic Sea Kayaking

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
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5.0 based on 309 reviews

Atlantic Sea Kayaking

Based in the South West of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way and established in 1995. We are Ireland's premier sea kayaking company. We believe in providing a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for all who join us. We also hire sit on top kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards. We include cultural and wildlife experiences.

3. Butlers Private Driver Tours

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
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5.0 based on 669 reviews

Butlers Private Driver Tours

We specialise in private driver tours of Ireland for groups large or small who love to enjoy their own custom tour of Ireland complete with their own local driver/guide and luxury tour vehicle.

4. Glenview Gardens & Fairy Trail

Glen View Desert Enniskeane, Cork P47 AH98 Ireland +353 23 884 7230 [email protected] http://www.glenviewgardenswestcork.com
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 171 reviews

Glenview Gardens & Fairy Trail

Open end of May 2021 . A beautiful 3 acre garden with amazing designs and fun for all the family in West Cork, including a Fairy Fort and Fairies Trail. This 3 acre garden is full of surprises with each garden style flowing into the next. The front garden contains a sunken white garden, an Italianate canal and a Japanese garden. The boundary wisteria walk opens out into the bog garden and woodland area, from where you can continue to the tea house to enjoy a view of the Mediterranean and tropical gardens. Wander over the birch mound, which is surrounded by the wildflower meadow, into the walled kitchen garden to view the seasonal vegetables. The kids will have great fun visiting the Fairy Fort built right through the birch mound or searching for the fairy houses in the Fairies woods. View the Budgies, Parakeets, Finches, Ducks and Chickens in the Aviary.

Reviewed By Livingfortravel101

Recently I took a trip to glenview gardens and had a fantastic experience. It is not only a great trip for garden lovers but also has plenty on offer for kids. From fairy trails, dinosaurs, teddy bear picnics, birds, goats, fish, rabbits and lots of other surprises along the way. I would highly recommend a trip to see the gardens. Unfortunately it was raining for our trip but that still didn’t dampen our spirts. I can only imagine how beautiful it is on a sunny day.

5. Cork Harbour Boat Hire

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
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5.0 based on 243 reviews

Cork Harbour Boat Hire

Cork Harbour Boat Hire allows you to explore the vast depths of Cork Harbour on a fantastic boating adventure. This is an ideal day out in Cork for groups of all ages and sizes, with the easy to drive boats making it very easy to navigate the waters with Cork Harbour Boat Hire. There is so much to explore in Cork Harbour, and this fantastic boat trip is an ideal way to take in the fresh sea air and see another side of Cork. The waters of Cork Harbour are full of fascinating history and captivating sights. With a vast array of wildlife known to inhabit the region, you will have great fun trying to spot all the different birds and sea creatures. Take a trip around Spike Island, the old monastic settlement and prison which resides in the middle of Cork Harbour. Cork Harbour Boat Hire makes this wonderful adventure on the open seas straightforward and accessible for everyone. These easy to drive boats make it possible for anyone to enjoy a brisk sail around Cork Harbour. With tours ranging from one hour to three and four hour adventure tours, there is something to suit groups of all ages. You will receive full training before setting out on the water, ensuring everyone can enjoy their trip around Cork Harbour safely. Cork Harbour Boat Hire are now open in Cork City and are based at The Port of Cork Marina. Take a trip under some of the historic bridges of Cork right up to the Franciscan Well or take a trip to Blackrock Castle and maybe spot a seal or two on your way! No matter which route you take, you are guaranteed an enjoyable boat trip. Our tours are led by a fully qualified safety boat guide, who allows you to independently explore and discover Cork Harbour while showcasing the Harbours natural beauty. From the water visit the Irish Naval base, cruise past Spike Island, spot the sights; St.Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh’s seaside Promenade, view the historic White Star line ticket office and original pier where the last Titanic passengers disembarked on its fatal voyage and more all while skippering your very own boat.

6. Cork Ghost Tour

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
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5.0 based on 370 reviews

Cork Ghost Tour

Horrible Hilarious Histories, Tall Tales, Ghastly Ghost Stories & Shenanigans! A walking tour in Cork city, that takes in the sights, interweaving local Ghost stories, Cork's dramatic history and Boo-Scares. Factual & Comic, we give an unusual and honest slant of Cork by bringing it's unique history to life! Damian Cork Ghost Tour

7. Ceili by the Lee

10 Phoenix Street c/o Crane Lane, Cork 0000 Ireland [email protected] http://fb.com/ceilibythelee
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 111 reviews

Ceili by the Lee

Ceili by the Lee is a traditional Irish social gathering. It's hard to be all things to all people, but we try our best: whether you want to learn to dance in the old Irish style, get fit, make new friends, or simply have the craic we have you covered! Combining the hectic energy of a party in an ocean liner steerage with the nostalgia of a Gaeltacht days fado, this is an activity that won't disappoint! Come along from 8, and the MC will show how they used to do in old Ireland. Neither aptitude nor experience is required, as the Messrs O'Toole are renowned for turning two left feet into a matching pair. Mondays at 19:30 in Crane Lane on Phoenix Street Admission €5 Check FB for more info!

Reviewed By veradegr00t - Driebergen, The Netherlands

A great experience the few times I went! Each week starts with the basic steps, which is great for people like me that need a lot of practice. But it's never boring because of the enthusiasm of the instructor and the different dances every week.

8. Costigan's Pub

Classic House No 11 Washington Street, Cork T12 NHP1 Ireland +353 21 427 3350 [email protected] http://www.costiganspub.ie
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
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Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 220 reviews

Costigan's Pub

"Serving the people of cork since 1849" Costigan's Traditional Irish pub is without doubt one of Cork's oldest and finest pubs, nestled in the heart of Washington Street, Cork City. What began as a Fish Mongers, then became a coach house and years later a sweet shop, it blossomed into the charming pub that it is today. Through the centuries it has retained its Irish character. It is an old style public house with its long bar counter, snug and parlour area; not to mention the open fire and heated beer garden. With an extensive local whiskey and gin selection from Cork and the rest of Ireland, Costigan's Traditional Irish Pub is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink or two. Costigan's stunning individual architecture provides the ideal atmosphere to enjoy one of Ireland's most traditional pubs. Céad Míle Fáilte!

Reviewed By starship_ent - Dublin, Ireland

Have visted a few times on random occasions, always get a good pint of Guinness. Non-pretentious & friendly attitude from those behind the bar. Would recommend for a drink on quiet or busy nights. There's a lovely sitting area down the back for a small group, & the smoking area while small, is accessible from both sides.

9. BarBarella

125 Barrack Street, Cork Ireland +353 21 241 3751 http://www.facebook.com/BarBarellaCork/
Excellent
91%
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9%
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

BarBarella

Reviewed By Familymannm

A hidden gem,wandered in with the tantalising smell of food,enjoyed a few pints,benny was great craic great tunes and made us feel so welcome,it must be said the food was fantastic,will definitely be back( go leeds utd benny????????)

10. Nano Nagle Place

Douglas Street, Cork T12 X70A Ireland +353 21 419 3580 [email protected] http://www.nanonagleplace.ie
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
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Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 422 reviews

Nano Nagle Place

Nano Nagle Place is a restored walled convent with beautiful hidden gardens and graveyards, the fab Good Day Deli garden café and design & book shop in the centre of bustling Cork city. Our state of the art heritage centre tells the extraordinary story 18th century Cork and how Nano Nagle worked tirelessly to educate the poor of the city. History, heritage, culture, great food & coffee, stunning architecture & landscaping and a very warm welcome await! Come and explore all that's good in Cork!

Reviewed By L8627DKchristinet

Just had a delightful visit to Nano Nagle Place. Even though we had to queue for lunch it was so worth the wait. The menu was amazing and the food delicious. Coffee is top class. After lunch we had a guided tour through the fascinating museum and rooms that Nano used to frequent. The interactive slides and videos are very interesting and informative. The gardens hold lots of surprises including water features and beautiful spaces. A lovely, peaceful oasis in the middle of Cork City. Well worth a visit.

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