Day Trips from Cork

With the Rebel County being Ireland’s largest, let us inspire you and share with you the most popular and well known day trips from Cork, as well as provide you with ideas for off-the-beaten-path excursions. County Cork certainly has a few hidden gems that are not on every tourist itinerary!

See our top day trip picks, in no particular order:

Train Ride from Cork City to Cobh

10-minute walk to the train station

Taking a 25-minute train from Cork’s Kent Station for an excursion to the medieval village of Cobh. Visit the Titanic Experience or take a ferry to Spike Island and hear the stories of its Past Fort and 200-year-old prison! Or simply take a stroll and see the magnificent St Colman’s Cathedral.

Garnish Island

1 hour and 30 minutes drive

Garnish Island is located in Bantry Bay and involves a scenic drive and short ferry ride. Due to its protected location in Glengarriff’s harbour and the resulting microclimate, a tremendously diverse and unusual array of flowers and plants thrive here. These are exquisitely displayed in the shape of Garnish Island’s cherished and famed gardens, which are put out in a series of public pathways. Climb the Martello Tower on the southern tip of the island for spectacular views of the bay. Why not take the more scenic route along the Wild Atlantic Way to Garnish Island, through the picturesque towns and villages of Kinsale, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery and Bantry?

Midleton

25-minute drive

A visit to the wonderfully restored Old Midleton Distillery is a must, as this is where Jameson Irish whiskey was born. The town boasts an excellent dining scene, and its popular farmers market on Saturdays attracts some of the best artisan food producers in the country. Midleton is a great family destination with galleries and Fota Wildlife Park nearby.

Crosshaven

25-minute drive

Once in Crosshaven, it is easy to see why it’s been the go-to spot for Corkonians throughout history. It is home to the world’s oldest yacht club, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, and if church ruins are your thing, Templebreedy Church and Graveyard are located on top of a hill looking over Cork harbour. Camden Fort Meagher, widely regarded as one of the greatest examples of a Classical Coast Artillery Fort in the world. The site’s fortifications date all the way back to roughly 1550! If you do not have a car, there is a frequent direct bus route from the city centre that runs seven days a week.

Cork Harbour Cruise

2-minute walk

Why not embark on a unique day trip aboard Cork Harbour Cruise! The boat is conveniently docked next to Maldron Hotel South Mall and ready to take you on a leisurely trip through Cork’s lovely harbour. With seats on the deck and several windows inside, you can enjoy the outside even on wet days. Cork City excursions include a two-hour scenic harbour tour, a Cork city after lunch cruise, and a Cork city sunset cruise. Bookings can be made online on Cork Harbour Cruises.

Delicious Dining

After a fun day, relax and enjoy a meal in Grain & Grill Restaurant with fantastic choices on the menu, catering to all tastes including our renowned healthy options.

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Spacious Rooms

At Maldron Hotel South Mall, we offer comfortable and spacious rooms that are fully air-conditioned and equipped with Chromecast TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

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Contact Us

For more information or to book, contact us on +353 (0)21 203 7000 or email: info.southmall@maldronhotels.com

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Maldron Hotel South Mall

Maldron Hotel South Mall is the perfect base for your Cork adventure. The hotel is in the heart of Cork city and within walking distance of the city’s main shops, restaurants, outdoor dining streets and English Market. The modern style accommodation comes with free WiFi and access to the bar, outdoor courtyard and restaurant.

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