Cead Mile Failte to Cork on Private Tour Irelands second capital also known as the rebel county. Situated on Ireland's south coast and connected to the North Atlantic Ocean by Cork and Cobh Harbours. The mighty city flourished despite Viking raids and occupation by the English Forces.
Splitting Cork in half is the River Lee which flows through the City from its source in the beautiful Gougane Barra. Cork people are very laid back and liberal, and Cork is classed as a very cosmopolitan City in Ireland, but it holds on tightly to its culture and traditions. There are many Cork City guided private tours from The English Market, Cobh, Kinsale and the popular Blarney Castle.
The developing college scene from University College Cork, snug pubs, music festivals and artisan restaurants keep the city young, hip and alive. Cork people are known to be full of heart and extremely proud of their city and their GAA (Irish football and hurling) traditions. Read More...
There Are Many Cork Private Tours From Cobh to the Popular Blarney Castle
Northwest of Cork City is one of Ireland's most popular attractions, Blarney Castle, home to the world famous Blarney Stone. Built six centuries ago by Cormac MacCarthy one of Ireland greatest Chieftains, the Castle is gorgeous.
Blarney Castel escorted private tour guides will bring you through the Castle and tell you the legend of the Blarney Stone. It says that if you kiss the stone, you will have the gift of the gab forever. As you ascend the castle to the top up winding stone steps that get steeper and steeper as you go once you hit the top and see the panoramic views get prepared for the Kiss!
You need to lean on your back and kiss the stone upside down while being held by one of the guides. It is a uniquely different experience and a highlight of all Cork City private tours.
Cork Top Things to See and Do
Cobh
1
Formally known as Queenstown, Cobh is about 30 minutes to the southeast of the Cork City. Famous for many things but mostly as being the last port of call for the doomed Titanic in 1912. Guided private tours of the Titanic Experience and the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre are great and very popular with all tourists. Both these tours will take you on a journey you will never forget it is absolutely brilliant.
The English Market
2
Trading since 1788, in the heart of Cork City with an ornate fountain at its center, this rare roofed food market. The English Market is one of the world's oldest municipal markets selling artisan breads, fruit, freshly caught seafood and artisan food stalls. The market gained fame around the world when Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain took a guided tour of the market on her first ever state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011.
The Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
3
Northwest of Cork City is one of Ireland's most popular attractions, Blarney Castle, home to the world famous Blarney Stone. Escorted private tour guides will tell you the legend of the Blarney Stone's gift for the gab. Watch out when you are kissing the stone it is not straight forward. Built six centuries ago by Cormac MacCarthy one of Ireland greatest Chieftains, the Castle is gorgeous.
St Finbarrs Cathedral
4
St Finbarrs Cathedral is a spectacular eye-catching French early gothic style church construction in the late 1800's. Guided tours of the Cathedral will bring you into this richly decorated interior with exquisite mosaics and tombs. Look out for the gold statue of the Angel Gabriel outside it is said that the statue will come to life and fly around the cathedral just before the world will end.
Cork City Gaol (Jail)
5
A custom private tour of one of Cork cities most atmospheric and historic City Gaol, which opened in 1824 and was closed in 1923. Initially, the prison housed both male and female prisoners. As you tour the prison, you will hear about the petty crimes that people were locked up for and be amazed at the time they served. The conditions at the time were brutal, and many people died during their time there.
Shandon Bells
6
St. Anne's Church built in 1722 with the famous Shandon Bells Tower is a must do tour on your visit to Cork City. The church still retains its original 18th-century bells and is a distinctive landmark on the city skyline. Visitors can get the chance to ring the famous bells, view the internal workings of the clocks and see the bells first hand.
Kinsale and Charles Fort
7
Kinsale in beautiful West Cork is the quaint deep-sea fishing and yachting town. Once a thriving medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque resorts on Ireland's south-west coast. Visitors will find no shortage of cafés and restaurants to suit every taste, and a guided tour of the 17th Century Charles Fort is a must. The fort ruins are amazing, and the tour is very informative.
Fota Wildlife Park
8
Regularly featured as one of Ireland's must-see attractions, Fota Wildlife Park is a 70-acre open plan area. Most animals are free to roam around, and visitors can observe and interact with them in a natural environment. Don't be surprised if a Lemur joins you at a picnic table. The giraffes wander freely in their large central enclosure. You cannot drive through the park so be warned it is quite a walk.
Patricks Street
9
Know by the locals as "Pana" St Patricks Street is the hub of Cork City. The curvy street is home to many department stores and unique little speciality shops. While the storefronts are modern in style, don't forget to look up and see the beautiful ornate original buildings. While Cork people do love to shop, they also like to socialise, and there are a lot of pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating to do just that.
Fitzgeralds Park
10
Fitzgeralds Park Cork City is unique in that it still has its original fountain and pavilion dating back to its conception in the 1900's. The gardens here are tended by the local council and are just spectacular. Have a walk around and stop off for a look at the museum or if you dare take a walk over the famous shaky bridge.
Travel Tips for Cork
Best Time To Visit
Ireland can be visited at any time of the year as the weather is very unpredictable. The summer months from June to August are usually mild with a good chance of sun. While is not anything close to the Mediterranean Cork sightseeing tours have a lot to offer from tours of the county including Blarney, Cobh and Kinsale.
Typical Costs
Cork private guided tours and accommodation are more reasonable than other regions in Ireland. Most of the Cork sighseeing tours to see and things to do have an entrance fee. Eating out is very reasonable from 5* restaurant to amazing street food and eclectic eateries.
Know Before Visiting
The weather is very unpredictable so always be prepared. Ireland shuts down in terms of traders, shops and pubs (bars) for three days every year Holy Thursday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Use accredited tour guides always for your Cork custom private tours.
Weather
The summer months from June to August are usually mild and sunny and lovely to visit coastal sightseeing hotspots. Autumn and spring are stunning and picture perfect. The winters are wet and harsh from October to February.
© Copyright 2017 Private Tour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
