Cork tours

Things to do in Cork

Cork, Ireland's spirited rebel city, is where the River Lee winds through vibrant streets filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of freshly baked soda bread. This city, with its charming blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, invites you to explore its unique personality. With your local guide, Cork tours transform into a journey of discovery beyond the usual tourist trail. Meander through the historic English Market on a walking tour, where the clatter of vendors and the scent of artisanal cheeses draw you in. Skip the line at the iconic Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and gain the gift of eloquence. On a food and wine tour, indulge in the creamy goodness of Irish butter paired with local cider. Your private tours in Cork will immerse you in its rich tapestry of stories and traditions, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper connection to this captivating city. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Cork. Explore Cork your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Cork tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Cork for every interest, including: History tours: Climb St Anne’s Shandon to ring the bells, walk the ramparts of Elizabeth Fort, and step inside Cork City Gaol to hear stories of 19th-century inmates. Your guide can also add Cobh’s Titanic Experience and St Colman’s Cathedral or a quick run to Blarney Castle. Nature and Wildlife tours: Spot giraffes and lemurs at Fota Wildlife Park, kayak the bioluminescent waters of Lough Hyne at dusk, or join a seasonal whale-watching trip from Baltimore to look for minke and humpbacks. Food and Drink tours: Graze through the English Market with tastings of farmhouse cheeses and spiced beef, tour the Butter Museum, then sample craft beer at Franciscan Well. Your guide can include Kinsale for chowder and harbour-side fish and chips, or arrange a visit with a West Cork cheesemaker. The city centre is easy to walk, and buses and suburban rail reach places like Cobh and Fota. For farther-flung stops across West Cork, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Cork inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods In Cork, a private walking tour with a local guide is the perfect way to explore its charming neighborhoods. - Shandon: Known for its historic charm, this area is great for cultural tourists. Your guide can take you to the famous Shandon Bells and Butter Exchange, sharing tales of the past. - English Market Area: Perfect for families and food lovers, this bustling market offers a taste of local produce and artisan goods. Your guide knows the best stalls and can introduce you to local vendors. - St. Patrick's Street: This lively street is ideal for those interested in shopping and city life. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and explore local boutiques, with your guide offering tips on hidden gems. Day trip ideas from Cork Base yourself in Cork and line up easy day trips to nearby towns, castles, and coastline, shaping your tour around food, history, or sea views while keeping travel time short. Blarney Castle and Gardens: Climb the tower for wide views, wander the gardens and fern-filled walks, and explore the village mills and craft stops, which keeps first-time visitors happy and gives history fans a clear sense of medieval Ireland without a long drive. Kinsale and Charles Fort: Follow the harbour to a compact town known for seafood, bright streets, and a star-shaped fort that sets up simple coastal walks, so your tour can lean into maritime stories, local art, or a slow lunch by the water. Cobh on Great Island: Stand under St. Colman’s Cathedral, trace emigration and Titanic links along the waterfront, and take in the terrace of colourful houses above the harbour, a good pick if you like easy history stops and steady photo spots. Killarney National Park: Loop the lakes, stop at Torc Waterfall, and stroll around Muckross and Ross Castle shores, which suits a day built around short trails, viewpoints, and wildlife watching from the road when timing and weather line up. Rock of Cashel: Walk the hilltop complex of towers and chapels and look across the Tipperary plain, then add a quick stop in Cahir for river and castle views, a straightforward history day that balances ruins, town time, and open countryside. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Cork most travellers miss.