We will have self guided access from Tuesday to Friday for the winter period. Tickets can be purchased on arrival. Tickets for weekend tours can be purchased online. We will be closed to the public from 10am -1pm 20/11/2024 to facilitate school workshops 
With art galleries, historically significant attractions and even a wildlife park, a new experience is never far from the banks of the Lee.
Ask a Corkonian what the ‘real’ capital of Ireland is and odds are they’ll have a four letter answer for you. You need only spend a few hours in Cork to understand where this sense of local pride springs from. A beautiful medieval city with a contemporary flair, you can’t beat Cork City for all the thrills and excitement of city life paired with the warmth and community of a small town. Cork is more than a tourist destination – It’s a home away from home.
If you want to venture further afield, you couldn’t ask for a better starting point. Cork is situated right at the junction of Ireland’s Ancient East and The Wild Atlantic Way. Whichever way you travel, make sure Cork is your first and last stop. We’ll see you when you get here.
Learn more about the “Real Capital” here.
What to do?
Attractions in Cork City
Crawford Art Gallery
An artistic gem steeped in local history. Not to be missed
Photo credit: Brian Morrison
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Photo credit: Brian Morrison
Old Cork Waterworks Experience
Where Victorian history meets today's science. Photo credit: Mervyn Horgan
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Nano Nagle Place
An award winning centre dedicated to a Corkonian hero. A must visit. Photo: Tourism Ireland
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Fota Wildlife Park
Get up close and personal with some of Cork's wilder residents! Photo credit: Tourism Ireland
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Find even more attractions in Cork City at the Discover Ireland website. Image Credit: Failte Ireland
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Where to eat?
Cork's Food Scene
There’s never been a better time to dine in Cork, with an incredible variety of menus available to cater to all tastes
The English Market
The beating heart of Cork's vibrant food scene. A must visit for any foodie. Photo credit: Resolute Photography
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The Marina Market
An unbeatable diversity of vendors in one of Cork's fastest growing food communities. Photo credit: Patrick Browne
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The Victorian Quarter
A hub of some of Cork's finest restaurants all within a stone's throw of the city centre. Credit: Fennell Photography
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Discover more
Visit the Discover Ireland website today to find more food drink options in Cork
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Where to stay?
Photo Credit: Fáilte Ireland
Accommodation in Cork
Photo Credit: Fáilte Ireland
Accommodation in Cork
Stay a while...
We’ve included some information on our favourite places to stay below. For even more accommodation options in Cork visit Discover Ireland
Our Recommendations
Hotels
- The River Lee Hotel: We have had a longstanding relationship with The River Lee Hotel and highly recommend it to those who seek comfort in a stunning location.
- The Metropole Hotel: The Metropole Hotel is an excellent alternative for those who wish to be at the heart of the action.
- The Montenotte Hotel: With a hilltop location overlooking the whole of Cork City, The Montenotte Hotel is the perfect choice for those who want the perfect balance of tranquility and easy city access.
Guesthouses and B&Bs
Guesthouse and B&Bs: There are two notable B&B hotspots in the city, both of which are in excellent locations.
- The Western Road. Situated alongside the stunning University College Cork Campus, and Fitzgerald’s Park, The Western Road area is home to a number of reputable B&Bs including Garnish House, Lancaster Lodge, and Anam Cara.
- Summerhill North and surrounds. A short distance from Kent Train Station and the Victorian Quarter, there are a number of conveniently located accommodations such as Gabriel House, Kent Train Station Guest House, and Auburn House.
Hostels
For hostel hotspots there are few places better than the Victorian Quarter and surrounds. Close to Kent Train Station as well as bustling hotspots of Cork culture you will be hard pressed to find a hostel in a better location. There are a number of options but the most highly recommended are Brú Hostel and Sheila’s Hostel.
Beyond The City - Ireland's Ancient East
MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory are proud to be a part of the Ireland’s Ancient East experience and we highly recommend that you explore the many magical attractions that we share that privilege with. The region is unrivaled for its capacity to bring exciting modern experiences to visitors while honouring the region’s history and heritage. 
Visit Ireland’s Ancient East today to learn more.