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Ireland · Munster

Cork and Kinsale travel guide

The English Market, the Blarney Stone and seafood in Kinsale

Kinsale harbour. Photo: Christopher Michel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 15mflight from London
ORKnearest main airport
15° in Julwarmest month
5° in Febcoolest month

Cork is Ireland's second city and its food capital, with the English Market at its heart. Blarney Castle, where you kiss the stone for the gift of the gab, is nearby.

Kinsale, a colourful harbour town to the south, is famous for seafood, and Cobh was the Titanic's last stop.

Good forFoodHistoryCoastPubs

What Cork is known for

  • The English Market

    A historic covered food market.

  • Blarney Stone

    Kiss it for eloquence.

  • Kinsale

    Seafood and colourful houses.

  • Cobh

    The Titanic's last port of call.

Top things to do in Cork and Kinsale

  1. 1

    The English Market

    Local produce and lunch stalls.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Blarney Castle

    The stone and gardens.

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  3. 3

    Kinsale

    Harbour walks and seafood.

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  4. 4

    Cobh

    The Titanic Experience.

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See all tours and tickets in Cork

Where to stay in Cork and Kinsale

Find a hotel in Cork

Best time to visit Cork and Kinsale

Best value: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct. May to September.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
5.6 C6°J5.4 C5°F6.2 C6°M8.2 C8°A10.7 C11°M13.4 C13°J14.8 C15°J14.5 C14°A13 C13°S10.5 C10°O7.7 C8°N6.2 C6°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Cork and Kinsale, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 15m from London to ORK, and flights from most UK airports.

Buses and trains to Cobh. A car for the coast.

Find flights to Cork (ORK)

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Good to know

  • Cork airport has many UK flights.
  • Book Kinsale restaurants ahead.
  • Blarney gets busy: go early.
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Cork and Kinsale FAQ

Is Cork worth visiting?

Yes, especially for food lovers.

How far is Kinsale?

About 30 minutes by car.

More places in Ireland

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