tours by locals cork ireland

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Enlist a local tourHQ guide to help unravel the secrets behind the mythical Blarney Castle and the historical folk tales that coalesce in Cork’s old town streets, Guinness pubs and Gothic cloisters.

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Cork Tour Guides

Seán Costello

After 31 years of loyal service in the Army Engineer Corps of the Defence Forces I decided to move ...

Mary G O Sullivan

I am a native of Killarney and was lucky enough to have been born opposite ‘the Golden Gates’ ...

Jørgen Hartogs

We offer walking, bus, historical and folklore tours in Dutch, Flemish, German and English in ...

Donncha Sheeran

My name is Donncha Sheeran and I have been operating as a driver/guide for over 10 years and can ...

Jessie Mc Donald

An experienced language teacher, fluent in Italian and French, with a degree in Archaeology and ...

Cloverleaf Travel

I am a qualified Regional and National Tour Guide based in the rugged and spectacular West of ...

Derek Spillane

I am a qualified Failte Ireland National Guide and a licenced SPSV limousine driver. ...

"Cead Mile Failte"(A Hundred Thousand Welcomes)Hello. My name is James; (born about 50 years ago ...

Brian Russell

I am a full time fly fishing guide, having been fishing for wild brown trout and Atlantic salmon ...

Mike Quirke

We are coming into the best of the Bass fishing. A chance to not only get big hits of fish but also ...

Derek Walsh

David Matthews

From Kinsale, Co Cork, David has 12 years experience driving the length and breath of Ireland ...

Pat O'Leary

I grew up on a farm in a village in the south of Ireland, at a time when traditional agricultural ...

Angela Healey

Margot Boerma

Margot Boerma, Spirit in the Kingdom. Sound Portals, Failte Ireland Regional tour guide.Off the ...

Cork’s folksy, earthy, local charm never fails to impress, and it’s easy to see why travellers who come here to get lost in the town’s wealth of hidden Guinness pubs, tight-knit cobblestone alleyways, haunting gothic churches, canal-side shopping streets and mind-blowing array of worldly eateries find it so difficult to leave.

Between the lichen-spotted remnants of the Red Abbey, the old Cork Gaol and the mythical bulwarks of nearby Blarney Castle, the city’s past blurs the boundaries of history and legend, while its Old World drinking holes – all clustered around bustling Barrack Street – do well to create that fabled Irish Epicureanism. True to its claim as Ireland’s second capital, it also boasts a modern and edgy side, for which Cork tourist guides often point travellers to the Cork Vision Centre artistic space, the various galleries peppering the city’s University College, or even onto the tail end of the inebriated Rebel Pub Crawl. There are also oodles of nature pursuits on offer here – with whale watching opportunities along the coast, and hiking trails aplenty in the greater Cork County region.

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Cork Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Discover things to do and plan a trip to cork, ireland with a local guide.

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Popular Cork Tour Guides

Hello, and welcome to my tours page. I have been a licensed tour guide since the eighties, initially working as a tour director on coaches for Ireland's largest incoming tour operator. I started my private luxury car tours after two decades as a tour director. I love sharing the passion and knowledge I have accumulated with visitors today. I travelled a lot in my youth and lived in France for 12 years, where I worked initially for American Airlines and later as a city tour guide. I am bilingual in French. I also spent two years in Italy, both in Rome and Sorrento. I no longer speak Italian, but I can understand it and absolutely love listening to it. I like to read, walk my dogs, and play bridge in my spare time. I operate all the classic tours but can customise each to your interests. I am a recent graduate in genealogy from University College Cork, so I can put you in the right direction as to where to find the necessary records if you're researching your Irish ancestry. If you already know where they come from, I can tailor a tour around that for you. Don't hesitate to contact me and let me know what you want. Thanks for reading. Mary                                                                                                                                  

Cork tour reviews.

5 hour Shore Excursion

“ Good tour of Cork & surrounding ”

Tadhg was very knowledgeable and personable. Took us to some spots not on the general tour routes that were excellent. Highly recommended.

Thank you Dean, It was wonderful to have you if only for a short excursion!

Cork Private Tour Guide

The best tours and activities.

With a real local of your choice

The option to personalize your tour

Just contact your favorite local

Only private tours!

So no group tours with strangers

Connect with a Cork Local Guide

Read reviews and chat with the best local tour guides in cork. get a free itinerary and plan your private tour today..

Book a customizable Cork Private Tour

Browse cork tour itineraries by our local professionals and book your favorite cork tour., related cork tour guide pages.

THE 10 BEST Cork Tours & Excursions

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City

2. Shore Excursion From Cork: Including Blarney Castle and Kinsale

3. Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion

4. Cork and Blarney Castle Visit from Cobh by Train

5. Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle, Cobh Cathedral by Train and Coach

6. Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Cork: Including Killarney National Park

7. Blarney, Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castles Day Tour From Dublin

8. Cork's Flavorful Footsteps: A Walking Food Adventure

9. Private Tour of Blarney Castle, Kinsale and Cork

10. Cork Culinary Tour

11. Easy Access Blarney Stone and Castle Gardens Tour

12. Private Ring of Kerry Highlights Tour from Cork, Car or Minibus

13. Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Cork: Including The Wild Altanic Way

14. Cork City Ramble

15. Kinsale Culinary Tour

16. Private Tour. Ring of Kerry from Cork

17. 6-Day All Ireland Tour from Dublin Including Accommodation

18. Historic Cork Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour

19. Cocktail Masterclass & Distillery Tour Combo

20. Hop On/Hop Off Cork City Sightseeing Tour

21. 6 Day Small Group! Ultimate Southern Ireland Tour! All key sites.

22. Private Wild Atlantic Day Tour from Cork

23. Private Tour of Blarney Castle, Cork City and Kinsale

24. 4-Day Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher & Connemara

25. (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery

26. Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Cork: Including The Wild Altanic Way

27. Dublin to South West 5 Day Small-Group Tour with Hotel and Ticket

28. 6-day All Ireland & Northern Ireland Rail Tour from Dublin

29. 4-Day South West Ireland Tour from Dublin

30. Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery

What travelers are saying.

• Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City
• Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion
• Shore Excursion From Cork: Including Blarney Castle and Kinsale
• Dublin to Rock of Cashel, Blarney and Cahir Castle Full Day Tours
• Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Cork: Including Killarney National Park
• Munsterbus Tours
• Irish Experience Tours
• Bonner Travel
• About Ireland Taxi Tours
• Cork City Ramble
• Cork City Walking Tours
• Wild Atlantic Luxury Tours
• Cork Ghost Tour
• Cork Harbour Boat Hire
• Ocean Escapes
• Paddywagon Day Tours
• Atlantic Sea Kayaking
• Butlers Private Driver Tours
• Zipit Forest Adventures
• Ireland's Wildlife
• Cork Sea Safari

PRIVATE TOURS CORK

Crafting Unforgettable Journeys – Where Your Private Tour Becomes an Extraordinary Experience

Explore Cork Like Never Before with Private Tours Cork

Embark on a magical journey through the Emerald Isle with Private Tours Cork, your exclusive passage to exploring the heart and soul of Ireland. As you step off your grand cruise liner or relax in the opulence of Cork City's finest accommodations, our team of professional chauffeurs and experienced guides stands ready to craft a personalized adventure tailored just for you. With a passion for showcasing Ireland's stunning scenery and deep-rooted cultural heritage, we promise to deliver an experience that will enchant and inspire. From the lush, rolling hills to the ancient, whispering castles, let us guide you through an unforgettable exploration of Ireland's most treasured secrets. Welcome to Private Tours Cork – where every journey is an extraordinary story waiting to unfold.

For more than 20 years, Private Tours Cork, led by Derek O'Keeffe, has epitomized luxury travel with our unparalleled 5-star service. Catering to guests from local hotels or those arriving by cruise ship, our team of professional driver-guides is devoted to providing an extraordinary experience.

Embark on our celebrated day tours, acclaimed for their exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail. Experience firsthand why our commitment to excellence has distinguished us as the foremost choice for travelers in search of memorable adventures in Ireland.

Opt for Private Tours Cork for an extraordinary journey where each moment is meticulously curated. With our unique signature touch, we promise not just a tour, but memories that will be cherished forever.

EXPERIENCE OUR TOURS AS PART OF

Seamless Private Tours Cork Pickup and Unforgettable Experiences

Count on a seamless pickup from your hotel or cruise ship, as our dedicated driver guides meet you at your chosen location. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction ensures that each tour is not only memorable but truly exceptional.

Explore Cork with Expert Guidance

Discover Cork with Derek O'Keeffe, your seasoned guide from Private Tours Cork . Benefit from convenient pickups from hotels and cruise ships. Our award-winning day tours have been delighting visitors for over two decades, providing an immersive and informative exploration of the region.

Private Tours Cork

Discover our custom private day tours from  Cork . The  best  5 star rated  Private Sightseeing  Tours. Hotel and Cruise Ship pickup. We offer a comprehensive range of services, from personalised Cork City tours to a tour of the amazing Blarney Castle . Embark on a scenic journey through Kerry or uncover the charm of Cobh . Don't forget to enjoy a whiskey at the Jameson Whiskey Experience with our private tours tailored to your preferences.

Book Your Bespoke Day Tour

Book your bespoke day tour with Derek O'Keeffe and Private Tours Cork today, and let us redefine your expectations, ensuring your time in Cork and its surrounding areas is not only memorable but a journey of a lifetime!

TOUR CORK WITH US

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PRIVATE TOURS FROM COBH

SHORE EXCURSIONS

DAY TOURS FROM CORK

LOCAL PRIVATE TOUR GUIDES

TOP VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

THE BEST TOUR GUIDES

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All Rights Reserved | Private Tours Cork

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QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOKING CORK LOCALS TOURS QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions:.

• How long do the tours last? We offer two types of tour lengths.  First is a half day tour which will run generally 4 hours in length. Our other tour would be a full day or full evening tour, which would run about 8 hours in length.  Please keep in mind, these can vary in length depending on how many people in your tour group, weather conditions, traffic, etc.  But those are the general lengths of time to plan on when you are booking a tour.
• What things should I bring on a tour with me? We highly suggest bringing your cellular or mobile phone with home charger.   Many tend to run their batteries low fast by taking lots of photos and videos during the tours.  As you might have a lunch or pub stop, you could have the opportunity to plug your phone into a wall outlet and charge it up.  Since Ireland is typically a colder, wet climate, we suggest bringing along or wearing a coat, gloves, scarf, gloves and an umbrella.
• How do I obtain a price for a Cork Local Tour? The first step in getting a price for an upcoming tour, is to take about 5 minutes and fill out our online price quote form .  Once this form is received in our booking office, you will then receive a phone call from one of our highly knowledgeable booking agents who can go over the cost options available to you and how to proceed forward to getting your tour booked with us.
• What does the cost of the tour include? The total cost of the tour includes our tour office booking fee, and the Cork Local Tour Guide’s base pay.
• What is not included in the tour price, such as additional costs? The additional out of pocket expenses during the tour would include any bus or taxi fare that you might incur.  Any cost of meals, drinks and admission costs to see any landmarks or exhibits.  Also any tip you want to give your tour guide at the end of the tour would be paid in cash.
• Can we take photos and video during the Cork Local Tours? Generally yes, unless you are visiting a specific building or exhibit that doesn’t not permit any photos or video or photos with flash photography.
• How old does everyone have to be to participate in the Cork Local Tours? EVERYONE has to be 18 and over, unless you are accompanied with your parent or legal guardian.  For pub crawl tours, you need to be 21 and over and some pubs require you to just be 18.  This can be further discussed with your tour booking agent over the phone at the time of booking.
• What should I wear on a tour? Generally Ireland is considered a cold, and wet climate.  Therefore, we highly suggest for most of our tours, you wear a coat, scarf, gloves, hat, and bring along an umbrella.  Also, its smart to wear comfortable walking shoes for most tours that involve any walking or exploring outdoors.
• How soon should a tour be booked? Our various Cork Local Tours listed on our site are booked, first come, first served.  Specific tour guides can become booked up or not available.  So, we highly suggest as you have booked your flight to Ireland, its the best time to plan out your days or weeks in the Emerald Isle and book your tours.
• How do I book and make payment for a tour? When our booking office receives your online price quote form, they will then call you to discuss your pricing options.  At this time, you may move forward and book over the phone with the booking agent who will take down all the necessary information to complete your order.
• Can we request a specific Cork Local Tour Guide from the website? You have the option of submitting a request of a particular tour guide from our website.  We however can not guarantee a specific tour guide, however we will do our very best to accommodate your request.  Keep in mind, whichever Cork Local Tour Guide you are assigned to will be considered very knowledgeable and personable.
• What forms of payment do you accept for booking a Cork Local Tour? We accept all major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX.  We also accept debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo on them.  PayPal is also another great option to book your upcoming tour with us.  After making payment with us over the phone, you will receive an email confirmation of your tour booking fee payment.
• How do I get in contact with my assigned Cork Local Tour guide prior to my scheduled tour? We actually require that all customers and our Cork Local Tour Guides have to make contact either by phone, text or email  We require this, so neither party is waiting on the other without communication.  We highly suggest downloading the texting app, WhatsApp since our tour guides will have this on their phones.  This app will work with any WIFI connected.  So this is handy if you are at your hotel prior or in a cafe and connected.
• What if I have to reschedule my booked tour? If you have to reschedule, you need to contact us via our contact form on the site or call us at the booking office number that your booking agent as provided you so we can make it a smooth transition to rebook your tour with us.
• What if I have to cancel my booked tour? If you wish to cancel your booked Cork Local Tour with us, for any reason, you will be out your booking fee which is considered non refundable, non negotiable at the time of booking.

Cork Private Tours

• Cork Privates Tours
• Tour of the Ring of Kerry
• Tour of Blarney Castle
• Tour of Cork

Escorted Private tours of Cork.

Tours and tickets by maurice kenneally day tours, we are experts in tours of blarney castle cork, cobh, kinsale and the jameson experience midleton. cruise ship excursions. contact us for more info.

Hello I’m Maurice Kenneally Owner/Operator of Cork Private Tours. I am very passionate about my city and county and I consider it a pleasure to do what I do every day. I will show you the places where the tour busses don’t go along with all the places they do.

Why Choose Cork Private Tours?

Why book with maurice kenneally day tours.

I’m a full time Chauffeur for over 15 years and having studied Local History at U.C.C. (which is one of Ireland’s most prestigious Universities) I am very qualified to escort you on your tour of Cork. 

Guiding Services Cork

I am a full-time driver and tour guide so my knowledge of Cork city is second to none.

Private Cork Transportation

I am happy to customize the tour for you. I drive a large car suitable for 1 to 4 passengers. Please inquire for a quote.

Highlights of the Ring of Kerry

• Ring of Kerry, Kenmare stone circle

Price on enquiry

Tour Of Blarney Castle, Cork City & Kinsale

• Blarney Castle, Cork City, Kinsale

Private Tours of Cork, Blarney Castle and Jameson Experience Midleton

• Cork, Blarney Castle, Jameson distillery

Private Chauffeur Transfer

• Cork to Dublin or Dublin to Cork.

We Strive to make your trip to the emerald isle most memorable

We aim to provide upbeat, fun informative and extremely professional private tours of the cork region we can also pick you up at any hotel in ireland and transfer you to cork.

Questions about the tour? Not seeing exactly what you’re looking for? Contact us for testimonials and customised tours!

Cork Private Tours Process

We complete every step carefully for our cork private tour driving experience.

Travel in luxury and relax on the roads of Cork knowing our drivers have years of experience and will cater for all your needs!

Book A Tour by contacting us via the Cork Private Tours website

Payment Process, pay via secure payment link or pay deposit and pay balance directly to driver

Confirmation, Once you have booked we will email you confirmation of your booking which 100% secures your trip

Enjoy your trip and make memories.

Cork Private Tours Testimonials

What our previous guests have to say.

I booked Maurice for a trip to take American friends around Cork. It was a fantastic day. He had immense knowledge of the area and the local history. He is such an entertaining guy so nice and so pleasurable to be with. I could not recommend him highly enough. The tour took in Kinsale, Cobh and Blarney my visitors had a fantastic trip around Cork. His car was immaculate and his time keeping perfect.

Kilworth, Cork, Ireland

My company, based in the UK & Singapore booked Maurice to take me from my home to Dublin Airport about a 2hr 30min Journey. Maurice arrived on time and was very polite and kindly waited until I said good bye to my family. I can’t thank Maurice enough, it was a great trip and I would highly recommend Maurice whether it was a simple trip to the airport or a day trip around Ireland. The car was immaculate, spacious, safe and very comfortable for the journey. Thanks Maurice

Dropping off to Airport

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Designation

Private Tour of Blarney Castle Cork, Cork City and Kinsale

About cork private tours, cork, county cork, ireland, other pages, book your holiday, +353 (085) 121 5338, [email protected].

Shore Tours From Cork For Private Groups

Blarney castle & kinsale tour, blarney castle half day tour, kinsale & west cork tour, jamesons & youghal shore tour, kenmare & the ring of kerry.

• Testimonials

Individually Tailored Private Tours

1 day private tours.

Cliff of Moher & Wild Atlantic Way Tour

On this tour we depart Dublin and travel west through the counties of Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick & finally County Clare.Stopping at Bunratty Castle which dates back to 1425. Then on to The Cliffs of Moher…

NewGrange Tour

On this tour we visit Newgrange, the Neolithic burial site that dates back over 5000 years. From there we visit the 10th century High Crosses at Monasterboice and the Melifont Abbey dating back to 1142…

Wicklow Tour

Dublin City Tour

Relive a thousand year’s of Dublin’s history from a Viking trading port to a walled medieval city with our private tour of Dublin City. To the elegant Georgian city that saw Jonathan Swift write Gulliver’s Travels while Dean of St…

Giants Causeway Tour

The Giants Causeway according to legend was built by Finn MacCool to defeat Scotish giant Benandonner. Visit Bushmills, Irelands oldest licensed distillery and then…

Corcaigh “great marsh” founded around St Finbarre’s monastery in the 7th century. Cork grew from a Viking settlement on the River Lee to the largest city in the ancient province of Munster…

Castle Tour

On this tour you will visit Dublin Castle built by King John in 1204, the centre a British rule in Ireland for nearly 800 years. From Dublin we travel to Trim in County Meath “The Royal County” to visit Trim Castle the largest…

Kilkenny Tour

Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by Norman occupiers. The town has deep religious roots and many well-preserved churches and monasteries, including imposing St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, both from the 13th century…

Georgian Mansion Tour

On this tour you will visit some of Irelands finest Georgian homes. Castletown House Irelands largest Palladian Mansion. Russborough house built in 1741 home to the world famous Beit Art Collection. Then onto Powerscourt House…

Whiskey Tour

Irish Whiskey or Uisce Beatha in Gaelic. ON this tour you will visit two of our most famous distilleries, the Kilbeggan Distillery and Slane Distillery. On return to Dublin we round off this tour with a visit to Teelings Distillery in the heart…

Belfast Tour

Beal Feirste “the mouth of the sand bank” . Founded by Sir Arthur Chichester in 1603 for English & Scots settlers. It became the centre of the industrial revolution in Ireland & since 1922 the capitol of Northern Ireland. Home port of the ill fated Titanic…

Rock of Cashel Tour

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most iconic sites, A collection of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale dating back to the 12th-century Cormac’s Chapel is one..

The Easter Rising took place in Dublin in April 1916 & is one of the most iconic events in modern Irish history. It lasted for seven days & saw 1200 rebels take on the might of The British Army. Ending with the destruction…

Game of Thrones Tour

Depart for the Castle Ward Estate which has 20 Game of Thrones locations on-site. Winterfell tours on Castle Ward offer several experiences including a cycle tour which takes you along Westeros coastline. It is also possible to meet…

Castle & Whiskey Tour

On this tour, you will visit Trim Castle the largest Norman castle built in Ireland. Started by Hugh de Lacy in 1176.  From Trim, we drive through Meath to The Slane Distillery on The grounds of Slane Castle.  Slane is one of the distilleries leading the Irish Whiskey revival. 

LUXURY EXTENDED TOURS OF IRELAND WITH YOUR OWN PRIVATE DRIVER

Get in touch.

If you would like to discuss any of the tours shown on this site, or if you’re looking to customise your own tour and just want to ‘pick our brains’ we’d be only too delighted to chat with you.

14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cork City, Ireland

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, once a 6th-century monastic site and later a Viking settlement located on the marshy banks of the River Lee. Since its Scandinavian expansion, Cork has grown to house a population of 264,000 and attracts residents from all nationalities and walks of life. The city is located within County Cork, around three hours south of Dublin.

Corkonians are fiercely proud of their little city and often refer to it as “the true capital of Ireland,” a phrase that lights up the eyes of any true Cork patriot.

Why I Love My Hometown

I moved to Cork in 2021 with no real idea of the city’s history or cultural significance—I wanted to live somewhere small enough that I could walk from one end to the other, but big enough to have lots of events and activities throughout the year.

And I liked that the city’s name reminded me of wine.

With those three criteria forming an informal checklist in my head, I packed my bags and arrived in Cork—and quickly discovered that I had found my way to one of the most delightful towns in Ireland. This list of Cork attractions will take you through the parks and gardens, the historic sites, the foodie hideouts, the museums, and the excursions of Cork City .

Vibrant, bustling, and full of charm, Cork is known as the City of Welcomes and is ready to welcome you over for an unforgettable Irish vacation.

Read More: Best Countries to Visit with Kids

1. Ring the Shandon Bells

One of Cork ’s most iconic landmarks is the bell tower of St. Anne’s Church, which overlooks the city from its lofty perch in the historic Shandon district. The church was constructed in the early 1700s, replacing an older medieval church near the site which was destroyed during the 1690 Siege of Cork.

St. Anne’s is famous for its eight bells, and even features in an 18th-century song—climb the stone steps to the first floor, and you can ring the bells yourself!

The Shandon Bells  are on a system known as an Ellacombe chiming system, meaning that the bells themselves are fixed in place, and are rung by pulling a rope attached to a hammer, which strikes the bell in the belfry to produce each note. The church even provides sheet music with popular tunes on them, so that visitors can serenade the local townsfolk on their trip to Shandon Bells. Continue up the spiraling stone steps, and you are rewarded with a stunning view of Cork from above.

2. Visit the Butter Museum

If you went shopping for butter in the 19th century, chances are you would have had little difficulty getting your hands on some authentic Cork butter. Cork was the largest exporter of butter in the world at the time, partly due to the cows that lived in the area: they produced more and higher-quality milk than other contemporary cows, while tending to air on the smaller side, meaning they required less food. When the British later decided to crossbreed the Cork cows with their own, larger stock, the resulting offspring did not inherit their forbearers’ legendary milk capabilities—a lesson not to mess with a winning formula!

The Cork Butter Museum  takes visitors on a tour of all things butter in Ireland, from the ancient practice of preserving butter in bogs to medieval butter-churning practices to modern Irish butter producers on the market.

3. Shop at the English Market

The English Market  in Cork is a sprawling indoor market that connects to several different streets in Cork, giving it a maze-like feel. There has been a market on this site since 1788, and the present market is memorable for its high vaulted ceiling, stained glass, cast iron fountain, and of course, every type of foodstuff you could want when planning tonight’s dinner.

The market hosts a variety of butchers, fishmongers, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread and pastries, local fruits and vegetables, and dry goods such as pasta, rice, and lentils sold by weight. There are also a couple of cafes and coffee shops that operate in the market, as well as a wine merchant, an olive stand, health food stalls, and more. The ornamental entrance at Princes Street includes a restaurant on the upper floor, providing a unique dining experience.

In fact, the market has been described as the “stomach and soul of Cork City,” with many of the stalls representing generations of families working in the Market. Buying directly from the stall owner lends a certain familiarity and community atmosphere to your shopping experience that really makes you feel connected to those around you.

4. See a dance show at the Firkin Crane

Why not experience a bit of local culture during your time in Cork? The Firkin Crane , located in a heritage building in Shandon, is the most unique spot in the city to catch a work of performance art. Firkin is a Danish word meaning a quarter barrel, a nod to the theatre’s historic past as the site of Cork’s original Butter Market.

After the market closed in 1924, the building was abandoned, and then burned down, until its complete restoration in 1992, when it reopened as a theater. Today, all sorts of performances can be enjoyed at the Firkin Crane , from dance to poetry readings, art installations, and pantomimes. There are also classes and workshops available for those who want to give it a go, themselves.

5. Explore the lush campus of University College Cork

Cork is a college town, with its university founded in 1845 under the endowment of Queen Victoria. The campus, located in the south-western quadrant of the city, and just across the road from Fitzgerald’s Park, is iconic for its regal stone “Long Hall” building, which is adorned with ivy.

Just inside on the ground floor, visitors can admire the prehistoric ogham stones (pronounced “ome”) that line the walkway of the Long Hall. Ogham is the ancient writing system for Old Irish, usually marking place names or memorializing the patronage of a king or chieftain.

Signs on the wall explain the alphabet of ogham characters so that viewers can practice writing their own name in ogham, a fun, personal souvenir from your time in Cork .

The River Lee also runs through campus, with a peaceful nature walkway following its course, a spot where students can be often found taking a stroll between lectures, or during the summer months. The path concludes at the main entrance to campus, where two majestic weeping willows trail their long branches in the water.

6. Walk through Fitzgerald’s Park

Leaving UCC, we cross the road and head down Mardyke Walk to arrive at Fitzgerald’s Park, a 12-acre park sporting curated gardens, a sculpture trail, meandering paths, a quaint café, the Cork Public Museum , and a large children’s play area that is a favorite of families in the summer.

Not far away from the park was the site of a major Irish Iron Age discovery, the mysterious decorated iron horns now known as the Cork Horns, which can be found on display at the Cork Public Museum  in the park. The museum is a great way to learn about Cork’s history, from prehistory through to the war for Irish independence.

Also around the corner from Fitzgerald’s Park  is Daly’s Bridge —more commonly known as “the Shaky Bridge” for its unnerving tendency to sway from side to side whenever someone runs across it. Adults may prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, but children delight in the unusual nature of the Shaky Bridge , so don’t be surprised to hear shrieks of delight coming from its direction on a nice day!

The Cork City Gaol is also visible from Fitzgerald’s Park and within walking distance, the historic old jailhouse is now open to the public as a museum. A self-guided tour is available, telling the morose tale of some of Cork’s historic, imprisoned citizens.

7. Have a pint at one of Cork’s many heritage pubs

The Cork Heritage Pub Trail celebrates fourteen pubs that have been a part of the Cork landscape for generations, including such famous establishments as Sin É , The Oval , Mutton Lane , The Old Town Whiskey Bar , Crane Lane Theatre , and many others.

Those who enjoy live music will delight in the traditional Irish sessions which take place seven nights a week at Sin É , if you’re lucky enough to find a spot to sit! These are all excellent spots to have a pint of Beamish, the local Cork answer to Guinness, and the best way to impress residents with your refined tastes. Ask for a Taytos (potato chips) while you’re at it, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proper Corkonian.

8. Visit St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

Christianity has been at the heart of Cork ’s historical past, as the Irish saint Finbarr founded a monastery here in the 7th century AD. The original monastery survived until the 1300s, but the cathedral currently sitting on the site is a late 19th century, Gothic construction overseen by the Victorian architect William Burges.

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral  is constructed mainly from local stone, with some 800+ sculptures adorning the building inside and out. Even the stained glass windows were designed by Burges, who made sketches for each of the 74 windows seen in the cathedral today. Guided tours are available every hour between 10 am and 5 pm, which include the cathedral itself, the grounds, and an introduction to the labyrinth.

9. Tour Elizabeth Fort

Located just off Barrack Street, Elizabeth Fort is a 17th-century star-formation fort built outside the medieval walls of Cork . The site is now a tourism heritage site, with free admission. Walking along the battlements, visitors can enjoy the unparalleled views of Cork city, while a self-guided audio tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, Irish, and Spanish, telling of the fort’s history throughout its long lifetime.

Inside, there is an exhibition on famous women of Cork, including those of women prisoners who were arrested for crimes as minor as stealing a single handkerchief.

10. Take a day trip to one of the neighboring towns

Cork has several notable neighbors, and all are easily accessible by rented car, bus, or train for a fun day trip from the city center.

Hop on the local train from Cork Kent train station to Cobh, where you can see the brightly-painted houses known as the “Deck of Cards” back-dropped impressively by the Cobh Cathedral. Cobh  was also the last spot where the Titanic docked before embarking on its fateful north-westerly journey, and the Titanic Experience  in Cobh takes visitors through a summary of that final anchorage.

Tourists can also take a short boat journey over to Spike Island , once the site of a monastic settlement and later reimagined as a defensive 18th-century fort, located in the Cork Harbour. The popular Fota Wildlife Park  is also located along the train journey to Cobh, featuring 100 acres of free-roaming animals, from wallabies to zebras.

Heading south from Cork instead, hop aboard the 226 or 228 bus out to Kinsale , the coastal town that marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way , a 1,553-mile scenic drive along the western coast of Ireland. In the summer, these buses fill up quickly with city residents looking to cool off with a dip in the sea, so it is recommended to start your day early when visiting Kinsale. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach before heading into town for an exploration of Kinsale’s many boutique shops, galleries, and bookstores.

Blarney Castle

Cork is also within public bus access of Blarney and Blarney Castle , famous for its castle, gardens, and of course, the Blarney Stone. “Blarney” itself is a term that means beguiling but misleading talk, and legend states that kissing the Blarney Stone endows the kisser with “the gift of the gab,” meaning great eloquence, or skill at flattery. The Stone is a popular tourist attraction, but kissing it is no easy task—participants must climb to the top of the castle, and then lean backward off the parapet edge to reach the Stone. Before safeguards were put in place, the kisser had to be physically grasped by the ankles and dangled out into the open air to reach the Stone!

11. Have a picnic at the Lough

Southwest of the city center, and a short bus ride or walk from town, is the Lough, a large lake full of waterfowl, fish, swans, and other wildlife. This is a popular spot for summertime picnics or a peaceful stroll in the late afternoon.

Legend states that the Lough was actually once the spot of an ancient village and that those with keen eyesight can spot the tops of the old towers underneath the rippling water. While the legend may be little more than fiction, it is nonetheless a popular spot amongst locals and a great escape from the bustle of town on a nice day.

12. Visit the Crawford Art Gallery

The Crawford Art Gallery  is a public art gallery and museum with rotating exhibitions alongside its permanent collections and is free to enter. The gallery is housed in the former Cork Customs House, built in 1752, which boasts an impressive red brick facade and stately interior.

Corkonians delight in checking out the latest collections to grace the gallery, and then popping into the on-site cafe afterwards for a coffee and a treat.

13. Discover the Blackrock Castle Observatory

Blackrock Castle was built in the 16th century as a watchtower and fort to guard Cork Harbour against invaders and pirates and now hosts an incredible space and history exhibition. Free guided tours of the castle are offered to visitors between 10 am-1 pm, but booking ahead of time is essential.

From the top of the castle, the panoramic view of the River Lee is your reward, and rowers from the local Rowing Clubs can usually be spotted cutting across the waters of the river as they train. Just next to Blackrock Castle Observatory  is the Castle Cafe , a haven for foodies and warm respite on a cold day. Blackrock itself is an elegant neighborhood of Cork and can be accessed via bus, or by bike along the Marina Greenway. In summer months, it is common to see locals lounging along the little cove that marks Blackrock, nibbling on treats purchased at the nearby cafes and coffee shops. On select weekends, a farmer’s market pops up on this spot, as well.

14. Go shopping along Oliver Plunkett and St. Patrick’s Street

Whether you’re looking for a luxury souvenir or just interested in window shopping, the two main shopping streets in Cork City are happy to welcome you.

Oliver Plunkett is the pedestrianized thoroughfare through Cork , dotted with cozy Irish pubs, local eateries, and a wide array of shops including musical instruments, stationery, chocolatiers, art supplies, clothing, and much more.

For those who want to spend a little more cash, St. Patrick’s Street marks the high fashion corridor through Cork , and cuts directly through the city’s center. St. Patrick’s Street  has an interesting history, as it used to be a canal that bisected Viking and medieval Cork. Cork was once known as “a safe harbor,” as ships would sail into the canal during the day, and at night gates would seal off the canal, meaning that no nefarious forces could attack your ships while you slept.

Now, the only threat of attack comes in the form of pranks…at the top of St Patrick’s Street , just across from the visitor center, stands the statue of Father Matthew, who frequently can be found sporting a traffic cone for a hat. Who this prankster is, and how they manage to scale the statue unseen to adorn the man with his fashionable hat is unknown, but the sight of Father Matthew freshly crowned brings a sly smile to the face of every Corkonian.

Venture further afield

From Cork City, many other beautiful locations can be reached by bus, car, or train. In the summer months, locations such as Killarney National Park, Beara Peninsula, Mizen Head, Gougane Barra, and Dursey Island are must-sees.

Head west of Cork city and discover the wonders of West Cork, whose scenic beauty is unmatched.

Those interested in renting a car can drive the Ring of Kerry, located just north of County Cork, or check out the walking trails and cliff hikes available in the region. I hope these travel tips have inspired you to consider a vacation to Cork, and will keep you coming back for more.

The post 14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cork City, Ireland appeared first on She Buys Travel .

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• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
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2025 Tour Packages:

• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4590 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
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• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
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• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2890 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
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Ireland Tours 2024 & 2025

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Our UK & Ireland Tour Packages

Scroll through our Britain and Ireland tour packages for 2024 & 2025. Alternatively, you can also see what's available on your preferred dates .

Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• 34 attractions
• Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

Iconic Britain Tour

• 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

Deluxe Castle Tour

• 22 attractions

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

Historic Irish Castle Tour

• 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 25 attractions

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

• 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

Ancient Ireland Tour

• 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

• 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

Hello from everyone here at My Ireland Tour

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are interested in visiting our country. We're proud to say that we're still an independent family-run business, based right here in Cork. We offer a range of Britain and Ireland vacation packages , as well as our bespoke private customised tours . We're looking forward to chatting with you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Eric O'Gorman, Founder & Director

What are you looking for?

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Ireland's best-loved destinations and its best-kept secrets, all on one magical tour.

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Custom private tours, crafted uniquely for you. All group sizes from two people to 100.

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Live like royalty, staying in real Irish castles steeped in history and tradition.

UK & Ireland

Tour Ireland and Britain at the same time with a tour that shows you the best of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Scotland & Ireland

Two great celtic nations, one unforgettable experience. Visit Scotland and Ireland in one trip.

Three unique tour collections

It's now even easier to find your perfect vacation. We have grouped most of our tour packages into three unique collections. Whatever your interests, whatever your budget, we have the perfect range of Irish tours for you and your group. We also offer our popular Discover Northern Ireland Tour (6 days). Alternatively, you can even customize your own bespoke private tour , just for you and your group.

Iconic Scenes Tours

Discover Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets. All with unbeatable value, while staying in some of Ireland's best four-star hotels.

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Ancient Luxury Tours

Get closer to the action on a tour which is limited to max. eight guests. On these luxury tours, you will be staying in four- and five-star hotels and castles.

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• 13-Day Tour (Ireland & Scotland)

Luxury Castle Tours

Live like royalty on a tour that is steeped in the rich history and traditions of the Emerald Isle. Stay in Ireland's best four- and five-star hotels and castles.

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• 7-Day Historic Irish Castle Tour
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Made in Ireland, by us

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On the phone, you can chat to Eric, Kristel, Shannon, Shauni, Keith or Catriona. We will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

Britain & Ireland Tours

Why not add England and Scotland to your Irish tour experience? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast these unique but interconnected cultures. Experience a rich and overlapping history, told from three singular perspectives. Three distinct outlooks, three separate national identities — one friendly welcome. Compare the royalty and pageantry of London with the very different majesty you will find in the rolling glens, lochs and highlands of Scotland. Of course, we think that Ireland holds the crown, with a landscape, a culture and a heritage that puts the Emerald Isle among the jewels of all European travel.

Customize your own tour

Looking for something truly unique? Why not arrange a bespoke private tour exclusively for you and your group? Our private tours can be customized to suit any group size, from two guests to a party of 100 or more. We will work with you to create the perfect tour itinerary for your group, taking away all the stress and leaving you with an unforgettable vacation experience that works for everyone. Certain destinations you want to visit? We can make it happen. Want to stay in a castle or on a working farm? Just say the word.

Stay in real castles

Experience the rich history of Ireland first-hand when you stay in some of the Emerald Isle's most enchanting castles and stately manors. That's right — with our Irish castle tours, you not only visit real Irish castles, you get to stay overnight in them, too. Choose from four castle tour vacation packages , crafted for you by our Irish-born team of tour experts. Whichever tour you choose, you can expect to live like nobility for the duration of your time with us here in Ireland.

Our small groups guarantee Never more than 26 guests per tour

We always keep our tour group sizes small. That's because we want every guest to get the comfort, space and service they deserve. Although many other companies squeeze in groups of up to 50, even the largest of our tour packages are strictly limited to just 26 guests. That leaves empty seats on the coaches. So why do we limit our tours to such small group sizes? Here are six reasons.

Superior Service

Guests consistently list our small group sizes as a top reason why they would book with us again. See our reviews...

More focus on you

With a smaller group, our tour guides have more time to get to know you and your interests.

We deliberately leave empty seats on our coaches, so you can relax and spread out.

Experience each attraction up-close and personal, with more time to ask questions and see what interests you.

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Compared with many of our rivals, our smaller group sizes make checking in and out of the hotels a breeze.

More Relaxed Pace

Experience Ireland at your own pace. No rushing to keep up and no waiting around for large groups to assemble.

You might also be interested in...

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2024 Tour Packages

• Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
• Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
• Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
• Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
• Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
• Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

2025 Tour Packages

• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour (9 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

• Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• Free time in London
• Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Manchester River Cruise
• Tour of York City
• York Minster
• Jedburgh Abbey
• Tour of Edinburgh City
• Holyrood Palace
• Tour of Glasgow City
• Tour of Belfast City
• Titanic Belfast
• Giant's Causeway
• Kylemore Abbey
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring Of Kerry
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Emigration Museum
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Guinness Storehouse
• Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

• Roman Baths
• Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
• Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
• Chatsworth House
• Edinburgh Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond Cruise
• Glasgow City

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
• St. Andrews Golf Club
• Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
• Loch Ness cruise
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Belleek Pottery
• Sheepdog Demo
• Blind Piper Pub
• Rock of Cashel

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Trim Castle
• Belfast City
• Belfast Murals
• Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
• Bushmills Distillery
• Derry City Walls
• Lough Erne Cruise
• Devenish Island
• Jameson Distillery Midleton

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Dublin Airport
• Clonmacnoise
• Free time in Galway City
• Killary Fjord
• Free time in Cork City
• Charles Fort
• Irish National Stud
• Traditional Farm Lunch

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Mikey Ryan's Bar
• Killarney National Park
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Galway City
• Free time in Dublin City
• St Patrick's Cathedral

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Glendalough Monastic Site
• Ring of Kerry

• Dublin Airport arrival
• Waterford Crystal
• Kilkenny Castle

• Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
• Edinburgh City tour
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Glasgow City tour
• Belfast City tour
• Derry City tour
• Dublin City tour

• Lough Eske Castle
• Derry City Tour
• Free time in Derry City

• Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Traditional Music Night

• Derry City walking tour
• Ulster American Folk Park

9-Day Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Cruise Loch Lomond
• Clydeside Distillery Tour
• Glasgow City Tour
• Ferry to Belfast
• Belfast City Tour
• Glenshane Country Farm
• Giants Causeway
• Hillsborough Castle
• Carlingford Lough Ferry
• Farewell dinner and show

My Ireland Tour:

My Ireland Tour is a family business based right here in County Cork. Thanks for visiting our website: we're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the country we call home. As an independent Irish business, we're proud that we can give each guest the kind of service that has made us Ireland's top-rated tour operator. We hope to offer you a real Irish welcome soon. Our family business (My Ireland Tour Limited) is registered in Ireland, Company Number 547775.

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It’s always a good idea to visit Belfast , Northern Ireland ’s thriving capital. From top attractions  such as St George’s Market to the Botanic Gardens, this buzzing spot on the banks of the River Lagan mixes historic attractions with a cool new cultural scene. Of course, Belfast has always been a cultural spot, and is home to an array of artists, musicians and writers past and present including Van Morrison and CS Lewis.

But there’s also a new cultural energy pulsing through the streets. It can be seen in galleries and studios of the Cathedral Quarter. It can be evidenced by the city’s designation as a prestigious UNESCO City of Music  in 2021. And it can be experienced through Belfast 2024 , an ambitious cultural schedule that will see an exciting programme of events and projects showcased throughout the year. Boat-building experiments, dance theatre, augmented reality installations, immersive light displays in iconic locations... we could go on! There’s bound to be something here that’ll get your creative juices flowing.

Any time is a good time to visit Belfast, but Belfast 2024 makes this year a really GREAT one. Need more convincing? Here are five reasons to add Belfast to your bucket list this year...

Titanic Belfast

1. The museums

Belfast is a historic place and there’s no better way to enjoy the city’s heritage than by visiting some of its museums. To explore the city’s famous shipbuilding past, Titanic Belfast is a must. This world-leading attraction is located at the same docks where the infamous “Ship of Dreams” was built and launched on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. The striking building juts out into the sky just like the Titanic, and inside there are a plethora of interactive galleries and exhibitions to explore. For art, history and natural sciences, head to the Ulster Museum , where a treasure trove of items from past and present awaits, including dinosaurs, meteorites and Egyptian mummies.

If you’re visiting later in the year, look out for Belfast 2024’s Eco Arcade experience. Artist Robin Price is teaming up with local young minds to transform the outside of the Ulster Museum into an interactive area of play and public engagement through laser arcade games. Gamers and tech-lovers, don’t miss it!

The Art of Reconciliation by Féile an Phobail, East Side Arts and Belfast International Arts Festival © Belfast 2024

2. The cultural venues

Culture vultures can feast on an array of eclectic experiences in Belfast. A top catch-all spot is The MAC in the hip Cathedral Quarter. It’s always got something fun going on, from theatre performances and dance workshops to modern art exhibitions. For photography, check out Belfast Exposed , Northern Ireland’s leading photography organisation, which is home to a wide range of courses and exhibitions. If craft and design are more your bag, pop into Craft NI , a carefully curated gallery featuring jewellery, ceramics, textiles and more from some of the area’s most talented creators.

Opening as part of Belfast 2024, the Show Some Love Greenhouse adds another creative locale into the mix. The collaborative space hosts an art studio, sustainable fashion hub, workshops, events and more. This community-focused, eco-conscious endeavour shows sustainable Ireland  at its best.

Music gig, Belfast

3. The music

Belfast is the only UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland. With such a prestigious accolade, you just know the city is a fantastic destination for music lovers. Music is woven into Belfast’s DNA. Take all the great musicians who hail from here, from legendary punk rockers Stiff Little Fingers to modern-day rock behemoths Snow Patrol. Then you’ve got all the top quality music venues including Ulster Hall and the Oh Yeah Music Centre , the latter of which is a live venue, bar, rehearsal studio and social space all rolled into one. Add to that a plethora of traditional music pubs and possibly the coolest jazz club on the island – Bert’s Jazz Bar – and it’s easy to see why Belfast’s music scene is so revered.

If you like the sound of all that, then Belfast 2024’s Sound Links by Ulster Orchestra should be music to your ears. Taking place on 21 September, the age-old Townsend Street will be transformed for a one-day festival of dance, song and fun for all the family. It’s a community-led celebration of the street and its locals that’s not to be missed if you’re here on the day.

Shadowdock by Three’s Theatre Company and Studio Sykes © Belfast 2024

4. The landmarks

The iconic yellow Harland & Wolff gantry cranes that tower over the docks, picturesque Belfast Castle nestled snugly on Cave Hill , elegant Queen’s University near the city centre... Emblems of Belfast’s storied history and rich heritage can be seen across the city and they’re all fabulous places to add to your trip itinerary. As is Crumlin Road Gaol , an atmospheric 19th century jail that’s not for the faint-hearted, as tours of the complex take in the hospital, hanging cell and graveyard! For a more genteel step back in time, wander the Maritime Mile , a dockside brimming with historic attractions including the Titanic slipways, the SS Nomadic (tender ship for the Titanic) and the Titanic Dock and Pumphouse.

From 26 – 29 September this year, Belfast 2024 will add a brand new attraction to the city’s famous docks. Shadowdock will see a striking display of light, shadow, colour and sound light up the very dock where the Titanic was launched. Performers, composers and lighting designers will turn this empty space 40 foot below sea level into an immersive experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

Seedhead Arts street art walking tour, Belfast

5. The tours

The fifth and final reason to visit Belfast this year is the range of varied tours on offer. Big foodie? Check out Taste & Tour which provides a series of tasty tours including a gin jaunt and a five-stop brunch tour. Want more? Uncover five reasons Belfast tastes amazing . For a history tour with a difference, try the Belfast Black Cab Tour and uncover the history of the city as told through public murals. A great option to delve into Belfast’s burgeoning street art scene is the Street Art Walking Tour by Seedhead Arts, a two-hour stroll about the city that champions a new breed of street artists both local and global who are leaving their mark on Belfast in colourful and creative ways.

As for Belfast 2024, the cultural programme will beckon people to tour the somewhat forgotten spaces of the city’s alleyways. 9ft in Common: A Manifesto for the Alleys promises to turn Belfast’s overlooked alleys into creative spaces full of community and connection. As with all of the events throughout the year, Belfast 2024 puts the key themes of the people of Belfast and the place itself front and centre. All that’s left now is for you to join in...

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…