cork ireland walking tours

The 10 Best Cork Walking Tours: Your Expert Guide (2024)

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Are you trying to find the best Cork walking tours? Look no further, this post has all of the information you’ll need to book the perfect tour of the Rebel City!

Walking tours are a great way to get acquainted with a city after you arrive. You’ll typically learn a bit about the history, the layout of the city, and some interesting facts that can make the city more enjoyable to visit. Your tour guide will probably also be one of the first locals you meet, so they’re great people to ask for local recommendations. 

Always be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring rain gear, and be prepared to walk around the city, rain or shine. Most tour guides are used to the gray and drizzly Irish weather, so they won’t be deterred by a dreary day. Umbrellas are less helpful than raincoats, as the rainy days can often be quite windy. 

The best Cork walking tours

Here are the best Cork walking tours to help introduce you to the city. From historical tours that explore Cork’s history of rebellion and subversion to culinary tours of the Food Capital of Ireland, there’s sure to be a tour for you. I also included a few tours near the city, in case you’re looking for a tour that is a bit more specialized. 

Historical walking tours of Cork

Cork has a rich history that dates back to Medieval times. Its modern history of rebellion has earned it the title, The Rebel City – there were battles fought on the streets of Cork as recently as the 1920s. A historical walking tour will showcase Cork’s history by allowing you to see for yourself where it all went down. 

1. The Rebel City Tour (aka the Heroes and Villains from History Walking Tour )

My friend Dara leads the Rebel City Tour through Cork. He was born and raised in Cork and is a natural storyteller who can translate Irish culture to international audiences. I learn something every time I talk to Dara, and his love of history and his city is undeniably infectious.  

The Rebel City tour guides you through the streets of Cork to the most important landmarks in the rebellion. You’ll learn about how the city was ambushed, the burning of Cork City, and even a bit about Republican spies. If you need any recommendations for the rest of your time in Cork, Dara is the man to ask. 

Duration: 90 minutes Tour guide: Yes

2. Cork City Ramble (aka the Guided Historical Walking Tour )

The Cork City Ramble by Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tours Cobh offers a great overview of Cork City history and is the only tour that runs daily. Focusing on Cork’s history as a transatlantic and European trading hub, you’ll learn about the city’s commercial history, ending at the English Market. You’ll see several of my favorite spots in Cork, including the Nano Nagle, Coal Quay, the Berwick Fountain, and Elizabeth Fort. 

Reviewers mentioned having great guides who were knowledgeable about the city and shared plenty of interesting anecdotes. The tours are customized somewhat to the interests of the groups, so you may get to learn about the various stores in the city and which shops have closed since Brexit.

Duration: 75 minutes Tour guide: Yes

3. Cork’s Many Childhoods Tour

Aimed at families with smaller children (7-12 years old), Cork’s Many Childhoods tour offers a different view of Cork’s history: how it would have looked through the eyes of a child. The tour includes a stop at Shandon Sweets, Cork’s old-timey candy shop, one of my favorite hidden gems in the city. 

Because this tour is aimed at children, your guide won’t keep you standing too long in any one place. Additionally, the tour includes a game, and a few treats that kids can try, and stories that will help kids to understand what Cork was like in the past. A reviewer mentioned that your guide keeps the tours interesting for young travelers by sharing plenty of cool facts along the way.

Duration: 90-110 minutes Tour guide: Yes 

4. Self-Guided Walking Tour

Those in a hurry, on a budget, or who simply don’t enjoy large tour groups should consider a self-guided walking tour of Cork . The tour route includes many of the most popular Cork landmarks, like the River Lee and Nano Nagle Bridge. The content of the tour includes both the city’s history and culture, providing a well-rounded introduction to Cork. 

You’ll need to download the VoiceMap app on your phone in order to access this tour. The app has a location feature, so it should play the relevant portion of the tour based on where you’re standing. The tour is self-paced, so you have the freedom to stop for lunch or a coffee along the way if you’d like. 

Duration: 60-90 minutes Tour guide: No

5. Free Walks in Cork

The Cork City Council has four interactive walking maps of the city , each focused around a theme. You can choose from the Street Art Walk , Shandon Mile Walk , South Parish Walk , or the River Lee Bridges Walk .

While you won’t be able to ask questions or sync your location, these walks are great introductions to the city and its history. You can do one or all four in a day, depending on your interest level.

If you’d prefer to join a Free Walking Tour of Cork with a live guide, you’ll need to reserve your place by email or calling the number on the contact page. Be sure to tip your guide if you attend a free walking tour.

Cultural walking tours of Cork 

If you’re less of a history buff, you might consider a walking tour with more of a cultural focus. The Cork Culinary Tour takes visitors through the English Market, one of the hubs of Cork’s food scene. For an authentic Irish experience like listening to an Irish storyteller or attending an Irish singing session, consider a personalized tour with Rebel City Tours. 

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6 . Cork Culinary Tour

Cork is the Food Capital of Ireland, and what better way to get a sense of the great eats available in the city than by taking the Cork Culinary Tour ? This tour focuses mostly on the vendors in Cork’s English Market, where you’ll have the opportunity to try foods like oysters, sausages, strawberries, olives, and bread. In addition to trying foods from the various vendors in the English Market, you’ll have a chance to learn a bit about the history of Cork and the factors that led its food scene to rise to national prominence. 

The tour price includes a light pub lunch, where you can also try a pint of beer.

Reviewers noted that they were surprised by the number of foods and drinks they were able to try while on the tour. They also loved the chance to try an Irish coffee from a charming pub that’s a bit off of the beaten path. 

If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have other dietary restrictions, I would recommend that you contact the tour operator prior to booking to ensure they can adequately accommodate you. 

Duration: 3 hours Tour guide: Yes

7 . Rebel City Tours

For a more in-depth and customizable tour experience, consider booking one of Dara’s Rebel City Tours . With a Rebel City Tour, you can spend an evening with Dara learning about the history of Cork, Irish culture, and swapping stories about traveling the world. 

Choose from a session with a seanachí , a traditional Irish storyteller, pulling a pint of Guinness in an Irish pub, take the Rebel City Walking Tour, and/or attend an ancient sean-nós Irish singing session. You can even book an Irish Whiskey Tasting in a cozy local pub in the heart of Cork.

Whether you choose one session or all four and the additional whiskey tasting, you’ll have access to some of the most unforgettable and authentically Irish experiences you can have in Cork. These private tours are perfect for anyone looking to have a more intimate experience in the city. 

Duration: Varies Tour guide: Yes

Alternative tours in Cork

I wanted to include a few alternative tours that are worth considering in Cork. These include a cycle tour that gives you the option to see the city from two wheels, a hop on/hop off bus, and a tour of the Blarney Castle grounds just outside of Cork City. 

8. City Cycle Tour

The City Cycle Tour is, as the name suggests, a cycling tour where you’ll explore the city on two wheels. You’ll have the opportunity to get some exercise while you learn about the history and culture of Cork City. While the other walking tours on this list have routes that stick to the city center, a cycle tour includes views from along the riverside pathways and green spaces in the city. 

This tour includes the use of a bike and a helmet, but you’ll need to bring your own water and ensure you have clothes that you can cycle in. Participants must be 15 years of age or older, and it’s strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance. 

9. Near Cork: The Blarney Stone & Castle Gardens Tour

The adorable town of Blarney is located about 20 minutes outside of Cork. This town is home to Blarney Castle, the Blarney Stone, and the Castle Gardens, all of which are worth a visit. You can buy a ticket to the grounds and explore Blarney on your own, but if you’d like a more personalized touch you could consider booking the Blarney Stone & Castle Gardens Tour .

Many travelers make their way to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, which is said to bestow upon the kisser “the gift of the gab” or the ability to talk to anyone. Fewer travelers leave time in their itineraries to really explore the castle grounds, which is a shame because they’re very beautiful. 

With a guide, you can experience the castle grounds while hearing stories about the area’s rich history. Admission to the castle and grounds is included in the tour fee. 

Duration: 2.5 hours Tour guide: yes

1 0. Hop on/Hop off bus

Cork is a hilly city, so a hop on/hop off bus could be a great fit for those who have mobility issues or would rather not deal with the steep climbs required to reach some of Cork’s landmarks like St. Anne’s Church or the Cork City Gaol. You can hop on and off the bus at your leisure, allowing you to set the pace for your exploration of Cork. 

The stops include the English Market, Cork City Gaol (a 19th century prison), St. Anne’s Church (home of the Shandon Bells), University College Cork, and the Crawford Art Gallery. 

Note that the ticket price only includes the use of the bus. If you’d like to enter any of the attractions along the way, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets. 

I’d recommend that you spend an hour or two exploring the city center and Fitzgerald Park in addition to the stops along the bus route. 

Duration: 90 minutes Tour guide: No

Where to stay in Cork

Cork doesn’t have many large hotel chains, so most of the best lodging options are B&Bs and boutique hotels. Most Corkian accommodations are located near the city center, but you’ll want to be sure that you choose a hotel within about a 20 minute walk of the English Market. 

Best budget: Sheilas Tourist Hostel

Sheilas Tourist Hostel is conveniently located in the Victorian Quarter, very close to the train and bus stations. You’ll be a short walk from the pubs and restaurants along MacCurtain Street and only about 10 minutes from the attractions in the city center. The rooms are basic and dormitory-style, but you’ll find what you need for a stay in Cork. 

Best midrange: Redclyffe Guesthouse

Located just a short walk from the city center is RedClyffe Guesthouse . Unlike many accommodations in the Victorian Quarter, which tend to be located up steep hills, the walk from RedClyffe Guesthouse to the English Market is a flat, easy stroll. This guesthouse has modern amenities like satellite TV and an electric kettle, and a lovely breakfast is served each morning.  

Best luxury: Imperial Hotel Cork City

For a luxury accommodation right in the center of the action, the Imperial Hotel Cork City is a fabulous pick. You’ll be a few steps from some of the best bars, restaurants, and attractions in the city – the perfect base from which to explore. The rooms have fabulous amenities like smart TVs and Nespresso machines. 

There is also a spa on site, which offers an array of treatments, including facials and massages. 

About Cork, Ireland

I live in Cork and it’s one of my favorite places in Ireland – it’s well worth a visit. Unlike nearby Dublin , Corkians are a bit warmer and more outgoing, so it can be a bit easier to start a conversation with a local. It’s also a modern and vibrant city, with plenty of things to do and see to fill up several days of an itinerary. 

Cork is a very safe place to visit , so you’ll see people out casually strolling through the city into the early morning hours. Do be sure to look both ways when crossing the streets on your tours, as cars drive on the left in Ireland and it can be surprisingly hard to get used to. Also, be sure to pack plenty of layers , as the weather can get chilly, even during the summer months. 

Ireland is known for its cozy pubs , so try to leave time to stop for a drink while you’re out in the city. A pint of Guinness is the perfect way to relax after a long day exploring Cork on foot. 

FAQs: Best Cork City walking tours

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best walking tours in Cork City. 

What are the best walking tours in Cork?

The best walking tours in Cork are the Heroes and Villains from History Walking Tour and the Guided Historical Walking Tour . Both of these tours offer insight into Cork’s history, helping you to better understand and appreciate the city. Either of these tours will offer a great introduction to the city, whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a large group. 

How do I arrange a tour for a large group?

Most tour guides are happy to arrange private tours for large groups. I’d recommend that you reach out to them directly, as they might have tour packages or special availability. The earlier you’re able to book a tour for your group, the better. 

Which walking tours in Cork are 1 hour or less?

If you’re short on time, the self-guided audio tour is probably the best fit for you. 

Do I need to tip my guide?

While tips are not required in Ireland, they’re definitely an appreciated gesture. If you have a great time on your tour, consider leaving a tip for your guide. I’d personally give a tip in the 10-20% range, depending on how much I enjoyed the tour and my guide. 

How walkable is Cork Ireland?

Cork is a very walkable town, with sidewalks and pedestrian areas throughout the city. The city’s major green space is Fitzgerald Park, and the Banks of the Lee Walkway is my favorite walking area in the city. 

There’s no need to have a car if you’re exploring the city center. The areas near Cork, however, are harder to access without a car, so you may want to take a tour or rent a car . 

How many days do I need in Cork?

Plan to spend at least two days exploring Cork City. You can see the main center of Cork in one day, and a second day will give you time to explore more of the city and to see nearby Blarney Castle. Cork is a great base for day trips , so you might consider extending your time in Cork in order to more thoroughly explore the area. 

Conclusion: Best Cork walking tours

Unlike nearby Galway , Cork is a bustling city that won’t feel overly touristy, especially if you head a few blocks outside of the city center. No matter which tour you take, be sure to spend some time exploring the English Market, Oliver Plunkett Street, and taking a peek out over the River Lee.

Elizabeth Fort is included in many of the tours on this list, but it’s well worth a visit for a great view out over the city. It’s also one of my favorite spots to take photos, especially on a nice, sunny day. Finally, be sure to have at least one meal in the Rebel City – I’d recommend brunch at the Good Day Deli if you can get a table. 

I hope you have a great time exploring Cork on foot! 

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Céad Míle Fáilte

A hundred thousand welcomes, welcome to cork city walks. we look forward to meeting you on one of our friendly, informative, leisurely walks around our beautiful and charming city..

We encourage interaction and banter as we seek to share with you our love of Cork, its unique history, friendly people, colourful culture and Corkonian wit and traditions. We will take you on a leisurely walk around the compact 800 year old city, where you will experience the smells and sounds of the English Market, stroll the busy lanes of the 18th century Huguenot Quarter and wonder at Burges’s magnificent French Neo-Gothic cathedral.

Mindful that a healthy walk generates a good appetite, we will help you discover a variety of places to eat, drink, enjoy live music (ceol agus craic) and enjoy the best entertainment Cork has to offer during your visit. At journey’s end our wish will be that we have lived up to your expectations and that when you return home you will encourage family and friends to visit Cork by the Lee.

For the consistent achievement of high ratings from travellers

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A must for anyone that wishes to experience the heart of the city and learn about the history of Cork.

Knowledge was unusually deep and so when he answered questions he touched on multiple layers of History. Courteous and hospitable.

Helped us understand Cork’s fascinating history and growth, interspersed with tales of the many fascinating Corkonians and others who contributed.

You’ll learn the lay of the land and the lore of the Lee, and be well prepared to take off on your own, with a stock of insider’s tips. Highly recommended.

What a wonderful and engagingly professional walking guide! This is the best city walking tour in Europe I ever did!

Thanks for your great walking tour. It was very interesting and I learnt a lot about the culture and history of Cork. I discovered several nice place and I met a lot of friendly people. Thanks again for the lovely tour.

Recommended for anyone looking to gain broad knowledge of this beautiful city.

This is not a commercial tour but rather a person sharing his knowledge with tourists. Well done and a model for others. Thanks for teaching us about this interesting city. Definitely recommend spending time on this tour.

Great little tour of cork city. History, local tips for museums, walks, music, pubs and more.

I discovered some lovely places like Cork English Market, Imperial Hotel and also the Trinity Church. I met a lot of lovely Irish people. I also learned many things about the culture and history of Cork. I really recommend this guide.

I was fully impressed by tour guides depth of knowledge from St Finbars founding of Cork through Vikings and Normans to the present as well as future urban development, incredible breadth of knowledge. I also learned of a great many establishments around town that were new to me. Deserves 6-stars and in my opinion it should be he #1 rated thing to do in Cork City.

Each programme is generated to suit the interests and time commitments of individuals, couples, families or groups from the private, educational and corporate sectors. Private walks of two, three or four hours are regularly organised. These tours can also include a mini tasting experience in our beloved English Market which can help create a unique relaxing interlude during or on termination of a private guided walk… <LEARN MORE>

Yellow Umbrella Tours

Cork Free Walking Tour    

Dublin          belfast         galway              derry, tour departs from the cork opera house, emmett place.  saturdays at 11 am look for the yellow umbrella.

Cork is today a vibrant modern city, and its compact centre is best explored on foot, Join our award winning charming guides for a casual stroll through the streets on our Free Walking Tour and experience the wide streets, narrow laneways, monasteries, historic markets, International festivals, and learn why Cork is called the Rebel County.

Many settlers have influenced the city over time and with a history that dates back to the 7th century when St Finbarr built an abbey in this area, Cork is a cultural gem.  Hear stories of the Viking’s arrival in 820AD who built their own town on an island in the River Lee. The city was surrendered to the English after the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1172AD. Along with the arrival of the Hugonaughts   Cork was an important port throughout its history and in the 18th century, Cork exported large amounts of butter to Britain, the rest of Europe, and North America. Large quantities of beef were also exported with the export of agricultural products during the 19th century, and, from the time of the potato famine,(An Gorta Mor) (1845-1852), onward Cork was the main port for emigrants from Ireland to the USA and other countries, many families return today to discover the birth-place of their ancestors.

Cork Free Walking Tour invites you to immerse yourself in the history of the city along with our local passionate guides on this two hour tour.

Free Walking Tour Starts Here

Ring of kerry & killarney day tour from cork.

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Cork City Walks

Cork Interactive Walking Maps

Cork has a compact city centre which means that it is very easy to get around on foot. Cork is also a city that is full of culture and history. We have designed four walks so that you can walk around and explore the city, whether it is to take a break from shopping, to do something with the family or just want to get a coffee and have a stroll. So get active, get some fresh air, and enjoy the city and click on the icons to see more.

Cork Street Art Walk

A walk around the city centre highlighting some of the street art. This is not an exhaustive list so go out and discover more colour around the city.

Shandon Mile Walk

A relatively short walk around one of the most historic and interesting parts of our city, which is packed with places of interest to enjoy and explore.

South Parish Walk

Take a stroll around the South Parish and see some of the most iconic parts of Cork along with some hidden gems along the way.

River Lee Bridges Walk

A more challenging walk that takes you across the city to enjoy the river that runs through the city and explore the bridges that connect us.

Self Guided Walks

Cork walks: heritage walks.

Cork City Council in conjunction with the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport has developed a series of four Heritage related walking trails in the city centre, called Cork Walks.  

These walking trails link places and buildings of heritage interest throughout the city from the steps and steeples of Shandon, archaeology and arts of the South Parish, the medieval to modern of the City Centre and the academic environs of University College Cork.  As well as being very informative and interesting to local people, the walks provide a very attractive and enjoyable experience to tourists and visitors to Cork City. See the bottom of the page for maps of each of the four walks. 

This form is for feedback on the website content. If you wish to report for example potholes, faulty street lights, barking dogs or any council housing maintenance issues please use the report it option on https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/

Best things to do and see in Cork

Irish city is increasingly known among travelers who want to enjoy the true friendly and close people of Ireland. Despite its weather, Cork is a city with a lot to discover, a fairytale city where the river Lee, when divided, creates an islet where we can now find its beautiful old town. Cork free tours are the most demanded by travelers who want to learn about the history and lifestyle of the city. These free-paid tours depart daily and visit the most famous places in the city. The Victorian Quarter (Victorian Quarter) that is distinguished by its colorful and bohemian and alternative atmosphere, the famous McCurtain Street, the Mother Jones Flea Market that is very curious about the amount of second-hand items sold, the Shandon neighborhood , the church of Santa Ana known for its bell tower with 8 bells, the Shandon bells. You will also visit the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne that you can see from anywhere in the city. You will discover the gastronomy of Cork thanks to the English Market, the jewel of the city and an essential of the city. If you want to tour Cork with the most spectacular free walking tours in the world, you can book at GuruWalk where the local gurus will be in addition to your guides, your friends in the city. The reservation is free at GuruWalk and you choose the price after the visit based on your experience that will be amazing. You can also take guided tours with GuruWalk in cities like Dublin and Galway.

Want to share your culture with travelers from all the world?

Free walking tour near cork, others cities to visit after cork, find other guruwalks in cork, where are you traveling to.

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5 Best Walking Tours of Cork, Ireland

If you’re interested in visiting the city of Cork, there are a few different pay-what-you-wish walking tours you might want to consider.

These outings are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the area and figure out where all of the most notable attractions are located.

• Overview + Calendar
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Overview + Schedule

Compared to some other cities in Ireland, you won’t find a lot of tours in Cork, but there are a few options worth considering.

The most affordable option is actually a pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

What this means is that you’ll have the opportunity to take the tour for free and decide what you think it was worth after the fact.

Most people give a tip of €10-€15, but that part is entirely up to you!

The tour listed below is operated through us. The calendar below lists additional options.

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Additional Tour Options

In addition to this option, there is also at least one paid walking tour which covers some of the most notable sites in Cork.

There are also self-guided audio tours you might want to consider if you’re looking for another affordable outing.

If you’re looking for the best dishes in the city, you might want to take a Cork food tour.

This outing includes tastings at multiple popular restaurants, giving you a taste of what kind of meals you can expect while you’re in the area.

For even more options, including bus tours, bike tours, and day trips, make sure to check this list of Cork tours and activities .

We offer tours globally . Check out our other Irish and U.K. cities.

Cork History Tours

There are a few different companies offering history tours of Cork, including at least one entirely free option.

If you’re on a budget, but you can’t make it to the free outing, there are also self-guided tours you might want to consider.

Here are a few of the sites you can expect to visit on one of these Cork history tours:

• Grand Parade
• Bishop Lucy Park
• Cork Opera House
• Huguenot Cemetery
• St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
• Berwick Fountain

For more details about when these tours are offered and what they cost (if anything), keep reading below.

Cork Free Walking Tour

This is currently the only free guided walking tour in Cork, and it’s only offered once a week on Saturday at 11 am.

The outing is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes in length, and you can expect to learn about the history of the city in great detail.

In addition to visiting historic markets and monasteries, you can also expect to learn about popular festivals in the area and some of the busiest streets in the city.

Reserve your spot on this pay-what-you-wish Cork history walking tour .

Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a tour that you can take any day of the week, this company offers a daily paid outing that covers some of the most notable attractions in the city.

You can also expect to learn a lot about the history of Cork.

This tour is actually shorter than the pay-what-you-wish option, clocking in at just 75 minutes in length.

That said, it’s actually offered twice a day at both 10:30 am and 2:15 pm.

• €17.50/Adults | €9.50/Children
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Cork Self-Guided Audio Tours

There are currently a few different self-guided audio tours of Cork, and they’re each between €5 - €15 depending on how much content is included. 

If you’ve got a smartphone and some earbuds, you can easily use these audio tours to discover some of the most historic and popular areas throughout the city.

Cork Highlights Audio Tour

• €5.65 per person
• Duration: 1 hour
• Purchase the tour or learn more .

Cork Self-Guided Audio Tour

• €13.20 per person
• Duration: 3 hours

The best thing about these self-guided Cork audio tours is that you can take them anytime you want, set your own schedule, and discover the city at your own pace.

Fab Food Tasting Tour in Cork

If you’re looking to learn more about the best food to eat in Cork and where all the best restaurants are located, this tour is an excellent opportunity to try several excellent dishes at various spots across the city.

This tour includes a minimum of 6 food tastings, and it should be enough food to just about replace a full meal, so we recommend waiting to eat until you take the tour!

As you discover the best places and foods to eat, you’ll also learn about the culinary history of Cork from a knowledgeable local guide.

• €75 per person
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Availability: Saturday at 10:30 am

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Cork walking tours

Explore Cork at your own pace with the Around audio tours made by expert guides

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Cork Highlights Tour

Tour of Cork

“ spycraft, assassination, mayhem. on the streets of rebel cork… ”.

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“Brilliant and interesting tour. Dara was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Lots of interesting stories and facts, a great way to see the city!”

“Dara provides a great, passionate tour of Cork. His engaging style really makes the events come alive strolling through where the action took place!”

I found the Rebel City Walking Tour very enjoyable and Dara was a very informative and friendly tour guide.

The tour was extremely interesting, knowledgeable and fun. Dara is a genuine and passionate guide with a great sense of humour and positive vibes. Highly recommend!

A really engaging and interesting tour of the city of cork. Filled with interesting tale and paints a picture of what a city used to be once upon a time.

Custom Tours of Cork to Suit your Schedule, Budget & Interests!

Welcome to the Rebel City Tour, our immersive Rebel tour of Cork explores the story of Cork City and invites our guests to connect with the locals, taste famous local brews, and hear stories of Ireland’s struggle for freedom. We even have a Rebel tour souvenirs so you can remember the unforgettable memories you create on our tour.

Hear tales which illuminate the character and mindest of the people of Cork. Forge lasting experiences in the true spirit of the Emerald Isle on the Rebel City Tour of Cork.

Our custom-itinerary, private tours are booked on request. Contact us and we’ll create an itinerary that suits your schedule, budget and interests…

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Meet in Cork centre

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Make the most of your time….

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The Local’s Guide to Cork

Why is Cork the ‘Rebel City’?

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Native Storyteller Guide

Your storyteller-guide is a real Cork City native.

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Free Walking Tour Map Of Cork Ireland – 15 Free Things To Do In Cork

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If you are looking for the best free walking tour Cork has to offer, you have come to the right place!

This your local’s guide to 15 free things to do in Cork.

With this free, mobile map of Cork, Ireland, you can do a self-guided tour and check out the city center at your own pace.

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Join my exclusive email list & receive a map of Cork, Ireland with 15 free things to do in Cork. Use this ready-made, free walking tour Cork itinerary on your next visit!

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After living in Cork for two years, I wanted to write a local guide for you to get the inside scoop.

I want you to explore Cork City without breaking the bank.

Here is my guide to free things to do in Cork, the second-largest city in Ireland!

15 Free Things To Do In Cork

1. St. Patrick’s Hill / Richmond Hill / Audley Place / Bell’s Field 

This first place goes by many names. Most locals will call it Patrick’s Hill, though it has a lot of others listed on google maps.

Patrick’s Hill is a great location depending on the weather.

In the summer, you can find people having a picnic, sunbathing, playing football/soccer, listening to music, reading, etc.

If you happen to be visiting in colder weather, you can get a hot coffee or tea and go up to see the city lights in the evening since it gets dark around 3 or 4PM. 

This is where they filmed the opening scene of Young Offenders, a film that has gained a lot of traction in Ireland since it shows local life of two Cork City lads.

Personally, I love this movie and if you plan to visit Cork City, you should watch it.

Just make sure to have the subtitles on or you might not understand their accents!

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2. Walk Around The Historic Centre Of Cork City

On the map of Cork, Ireland, one of the historic areas is located on the northside of the city.

It primarily means the area with the Butter Museum, Shandon Tower, and St Anne’s Church.

The butter museum does have an entrance fee and the Shandon tower charges a fee to climb the tower but not to enter the church.

St. Anne’s church is also accessible without a fee.

Looking for accommodation for your trip? Check out How To Find The Best Local Accommodation

3. Shandon Street

I wouldn’t say you should go out of your way to go here but if you are in the historic area and want to head back into the city, make sure walk back in on Shandon Street.

This street is a snapshot of what local life is like in Cork city.

There are some pubs, pharmacies, convenience stores, cafes, and fast food.

The Shandon area has gone through some hard times and it is obvious to see. Chances are you will hear some thick Cork accents too.

4. Cork Public Museum 

Even if you aren’t a history buff, stopping by the Cork Public museum is a must for your free walking tour Cork itinerary.

It is one of the great free things to do in Cork since there is no entrance fee and you can learn a lot about local history.

There are a lot of artifacts from when Cork was first settled by the Vikings which I found really interesting, especially since I watched the show ‘Vikings’.

Other topics covered are the Irish famine, the World Wars, and Ireland gaining independence from British occupation.

Keep in mind that it is about 20-minute walk from the city centre in case you are on a time limit.

You can find more information here.

5. Fitzgerald Park & Shaky Bridge

If you are already at the Public museum, stroll through Fitzgerald Park.

In my opinion, it is the best garden in the city because it is kept so well.

Depending on the weather, you can sit by the river or climb one of the massive trees.

The park has a stage where you can sometimes find people performing for free.

There is a bridge at the end of the park that is shaky, hence the name ‘Shaky Bridge’.

It was opened in 1927 and is the only suspension bridge in Cork.

If there is rough weather, the bridge can be closed due to safety concerns.

6. University College Cork Campus & Glucksman Art museum 

It might seem weird to suggest a university campus, but it is included on the free walking tour Cork itinerary for good reason.

The grounds are well kept and there is a free art museum called the Glucksman.

The main reason to go is for the architecture since they have some of the nicest buildings in Cork.

They are old and regal; ivy covered walls and Harry Potter vibes.

Once you get to the ‘Quadrangle’, you’ll know you are in the main part of UCC campus.

If you would like to know more about UCC, click here and for the Glucksman, you can find it here.  

7. Cork Lough 

A 15-minute walk from campus is the Cork Lough.

The lough is a fed from a freshwater spring and has been a designated area for waterfowl since 1881.

You will probably see duck, geese, and swans, along with different types of fish, such as carp, eel, tench, rudd and perch.

If you are looking for recreational area on the map of Cork, Ireland, this place is great for a stroll or a picnic lunch.

Interested in being immersed into a culture when traveling? Check out How To Find The Best Local Experiences

8. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral

Probably one of my favorite places in Cork is this gothic style cathedral with three spires.

The church itself was completed in 1879, though to me it looks much older!

The site of the church has been used as a place of worship since 7th century; when Saint Fin Barre, the patron saint of Cork, founded a monastery.

Maybe I wasn’t expecting it when I turned the corner.

Maybe it was the sun making the grass look intensely green and the blue sky used as a backdrop.

I walked around the grounds for a while before realizing that there is an entrance fee.

I would suggest you still go even if you do not plan on going inside.

I still consider it one of the best free things to do in Cork because walking around outside is beautiful.

If you are keen to get inside but don’t want to pay, you should visit on a Friday night as they are open to the public for a special hymn service where the church choir sings.

It is called Choral Evensong and it is sung by the Lay Vicars Choral.

It is every Friday at 6:15PM. The singing is really amazing so even if you are not into religion, you might like it still.

9. Elizabeth Fort 

Only a stone’s throw away (literally a two-minute walk) is this five-point star shaped medieval fort.

It was named after Queen Elizabeth 1 and was built to defend Cork City in 1601.

It has been used actively for the last 400 years as a military barracks, prison and most recently, a police station.

If you would like to visit, there is no entrance fee.

You can see a nice view of the city, learn more of the history, and even pose in the stocks or with soldier statues. You can find more information here .

10. Nano Nagle Place

The Nano Nagle Place is a campus that honors the memory of Nano Nagle, a woman that is known for basically being the Irish version of Mother Theresea.

If you are a history lover, this has to be a stop on your free walking tour Cork itinerary.

The campus includes museum, heritage rooms, gardens, a deli/cafe, a design shop, gift shop, and a Cork focused book shop.

The museum does have an entrance fee, but it is still worth wandering around the campus if you have time since it is free.

You read more about Nano Nagle and the campus here.

11. Red Abbey Tower 

The Red Abbey Tower was built sometime between 1270 AD and 1288 AD as a bell tower of an Augustinian abbey.

A few hundred year later in 1690, the English used the tower to shoot cannon balls when attacking the city in hopes of stifling the Gaelic Irish uprising.

Though there isn’t any information provided on location, it is important to note that it is one of the only medieval structures in Cork City that has lasted to our time.

12. The Atlantic Pond 

If you are looking to escape the chaos of the city but not stray too far, this park is the perfect distance.

You can find the same birds here as at the Cork Lough, but it is a much smaller body of water.

The best part would be that it is right next to the river.

There is a designated walkway so you can walk as far as you want and stop wherever you fancy since there are benches and grassy areas. 

13. English Market

Another filming location for Young Offenders, the English Market stands as Cork City’s finest gems and ‘Ireland’s most famous covered market’.

It was founded in 1788 and named the ‘English’ market because the city was controlled by the English at the time.

They used the market to stockpile food that was confiscated from around Ireland, before sending it to England.

The English Market has mid-19th century architecture and takes up a large area between Princess street and Grand Parade in Cork City centre.

Walking around and seeing foods from all over the world is one of my favorite free things to do in Cork.

They have wonderful locally produced artisan foods too!

The market is known for having excellent, fresh fish and meat; the quality is so stellar that it is where the best restaurants in Cork source their ingredients.

It is a great place to find some of these local specialties: drisheen, spiced beef, and buttered eggs.

Though it was already considered ‘touristy’, after the Queen visited in May 2011, the popularity among tourists grew.

It is important to remember that it is first and foremost a place of trade, so please be respectful of the normal customers and business operations when visiting.

14. Penney’s

Yes, Penneys is a department store and yes, it is included in this list.

I like to think of it as one of the best places to people watch.

You can see all sorts of people doing all sorts of things.

It is always so hectic and chaotic; you have to be in the right frame of mind before going in.

If you want to see a true piece of Cork, walk through Penneys, you might even find something you want to buy! 

15. Crawford Art Gallery 

The Crawford Art Gallery should definitely be on your free walking tour Cork itinerary.

It is in a historic 18th century building located in the city centre and attracts about 200,000 visitors a year.

It boasts of having 4,000 works of Irish and European paintings, sculptures, contemporary video installations, etc.

It is free to enter, and they have a small gift shop as well.

It is a nice stop in case the weather turns bad suddenly, which is highly likely. 

You can find out more information here.

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Welcome to Walking Tours Cork,

Private tours are available year round for schools, families, and groups, by appointment, from €100,  please email [email protected] or call 00353830371559 for information and bookings., free tours available, booking essential, saturdays at 12.00pm, starting at daunt's square t12 eh34.

Neasa O'Riordan, the guide, is a fully Registered National Tour Guide with over 6 six years of guiding experience and is a member of ATGI, the Association of Tour Guides of Ireland.

On our Walking Tour Cork, we invite you to take a stroll through the history of Cork City, from its medieval past, through to its success as the busiest port in the British Empire and back into modern times. This tour takes approximately 90 minutes and is not too far to walk. The start point in on Daunt's Square beside McDonalds.

During the 90 minutes, you will find yourself being amazed by the ancient city, visualising its castles and river channels, peering down its old laneways and getting a real understanding of the current shape of the city.

On this walking tour of Cork, we will bring you into Cork's back streets and ancient sites, and in no time at all you will know Cork like the back of your hand! And for sure we will have a laugh!

This is a free tour, but donations will be gratefully received at the end of the tour. The tour is not sponsored by Cork City Council or any other businesses and so is completely unbiased.

Starting point is at Daunt's Square outside McDonalds. See location.

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Photos of walking tour cork.

Testimonials

Outline of cork free walking tour.

Failte go Corcaigh! Welcome to Cork and welcome to the Cork Free Walking Tour . The name Cork is Corcaigh in Gaelic, and the original name was 'Corcach Mór na Mumhan', which means the 'great marsh of Munster'.

Cork city has a fascinating history, going right back to the local kings, the McCarthys, through to the settlement of Cork by St. Finbarr in 607ad, and on to the present day. St. Finbarr originated in west Cork and came to Cork city, where he founded a monastery on the site where Saint Finbarr's Cathedral now stands. This monastery, over time, developed a thriving university and people from all over Europe studied here.

The city was then home to the Vikings , who came to Cork in the 10th Century and had a peaceful co-existence with the monks. The Vikings, or Ostmen, as they were known locally, built a fortification on the south island in the Lee, in the most ancient part of the city and this may have served as a template for the wall of Cork, which was built during the Norman era.

The Anglo-Normans , from Wales landed in Ireland in 1169, and by 1171, Dermot MacCarthy, King of Munster took an oath of allegiance to Henry II of England. Prince John, Lord of Ireland, visited Ireland in 1185 and some time around that date granted a charter to Cork city which made Cork a corporate town with powers of local government. This status has been retained by Cork since that time and in 1985 Cork celebrated its status as a city for 800 years! The Normans constructed a wall on the south island of the Lee in 1182. Over time, this wall was extended and the entire medieval city centre became one of the greatest walled towns of Ireland. Some of this wall can be seen in Bishop Lucey park on the Grand Parade.

While there were always people living outside the city the walls, the next area of Cork city to be developed was an area known as the Walkabout . This area bounded by St Patricks St, Cornmarket St and the North Channel of the River Lee was reclaimed from the river in the mid 16thC and fully built up by 1750. The area is now known as the Paul Street or Hugenot area. St. Patricks Street , or Pana as the locals call it, is now the main street of Cork city, but this street didn’t come into being until the late 1700s. The Wide Streets Committee developed the streets of Patricks Street, the Grand Parade and the South Mall to make them the majestic streets they are today. St. Patrick's Street was a river channel originally, and was covered over in the years 1774-89. It is now used by Corkonians how the residents of Barcelona use the Ramblas. In fact, in 2004, the city centre was revamped with the help of a Catalonian architect, Beth Gali, widening the paths, making more public places and putting in the impressive street lighting. That was done to celebrate Cork’s year as European City of Culture in 2005.

Other sights to see in this area include

• The English Market , a superb food market and cafe centre. It was first opened in 1788, right after this area had been reclaimed and developed. It was originally known as the Root Market. It was redesigned by Sir John Benson (remember this name!!!) and reopened in 1881. Unfortunately it was destroyed by fire in 1980 and had to be rebuilt, using the original materials including the metal railing and the fountain inside. Tripe and drisheen..., butchers, vegetables, as well as gourmet stalls, French cheese, East Cork smoked fish, Spanish olives, Greek olive oils, spices from India, teas from China, coffee shops and more. There are over 80 stalls. Queen Elizabeth visited in 2011, and had an impromptu walkabout on the Grand Parade.

• Berwick Fountain , built in 1860, again designed by Sir John Benson. Sir Walter Berwick came to Cork as a magistrate, was well loved, was seen to be extremely fair in his judgements, and received so many compliments and well wishes on a promotion, that he was moved to present to the City and its residents this fountain. The 3 levels of basin are made from local limestone, masoned just locally in Douglas St, the largest of which is 22’, over 7 m, in diameter. It cost £150 but after just a year, and before its opening ceremony was so filthy and ‘full of filthy urchins’, that Sir Walter Berwick wrote to the mayor to ask him to remove it. It was subsequently cleaned up and formally presented to the mayor on 1 Jan 1862. The whole matter was of such embarrassment to the Mayor, he resigned the very next day!

• Plaque showing us the house of General Tom Barry . Never believe quite everything you read, it says here he was born in 1898, but he was actually born on 1 July 1897, a brave soldier and leader during the War of Independence and in the Civil War. I will park that for now and we will discuss him and that time a little later.

So now we are going to go into the heart of the old walled medieval Cork, head back in time 500 years, walk past where the 2 castles stood. These castles were called the King’s Castle and the Queen’s Old Castle and they stood by the river to defend the city. We will now walk up the old pier side, down what is now Castle Street, to the Main St of the then city. On the way I will point out the Cork Arms and the Cornmarket of Coal Quay as it is commonly known in Cork. The city motto, ‘Statio Bena Fida Carinis’ – A Good and Safe Harbour for Ships, it’s first known use is on a seal on a document 1498.

North Main St and South Main St , also known at the time as Royal Street was a north-south axis of the old walled medieval city. • Ancient remains of forge on Gate cinema site from 1300s • Drawbridge linking city to Dungarvan • The ‘Golden Castle’ of the Roche family (still a common Cork name) The castle was known as Paradise hence Paradise Place . Until approx. 1700 • The Exchange Building, built 1705-1710. This housed the mayors, bailiff, tax collectors and courts. Justice was handed out and taxes and levies taken in. Remember we are very far from the main seat of power in the British Empire here, so it was very much run locally, this city is known as the Republic of Cork!! For over a century all trade was centred from this spot. • Originally the street would have had many lanes housing wealthy merchants and traders, records show 124 lanes. As the city prospered, the wealthy over time moved out to the suburbs such as Sundays Well and Montenotte in the 1700s and 1800s.

• Population Cork city 1690, 20,000 people

• 1732, Edward Lloyd an English writer found that the shop in Main St were ‘neatly fitted and sorted with rich goods, from silk handkerchiefs, leather gloves, ivory combs. There were jewellers with gold watches, silver buckles and spurs; even hairdressing and wig-making’. This shows us what a prosperous place Cork was.

• From records of 1787 there were over 120 types of traders registered in this area. From apothecaries to brewers, 50 drapers, 14 vintners, ship builders and chandlers, right through to 1 playing card maker.

• 1851 – 70 of families in old city living in slums, cases of 7 people in a room, 18 in a small house.

Crown Court Lane (later known as Austins Lane) • Lane Plaque shows us two faces of a medallion, recovered during excavations at Christ Church, South Main Street, are illustrated on the plaque for Croun Court Lane. The medallion is known as a ‘Billie and Charlie’, that is, a forgery made by William Smith and Charles Eaton in London, around 1860. They put on the Cork medallion an 11th-century date in Arabic numerals, unaware that Arabic figures did not come into use in Europe until two centuries later. They dumped several thousand forged antiquities of lead and brass onto the market, deceiving the experts for many years.

• St Francis Church . Plaque from High Cross of Mediaeval Cork. All the ancient maps show a cross right here. The earliest reference to this cross is 1578.

Crofts Lane The alley was named after the Crofts family, who are long established in Cork as the owners of Croft's shoe-shop on North Main Street. Records of the Crofts family in Cork City survive from at least the mid-17th century. Grave later of Thomas Croft dated 1789.

Crab Alley The lane or alleyway is probably named after Richard Crab, who was sheriff in 1697, The motif of two peacocks.The inscription ‘Sambu[ck]’ is a shorter form of S Sambucci baccae’, meaning ‘syrup of elderberries’.

Lana Mhuiris Murry’s Lane There are occasional documentary references to Murry’s Lane,such as a newspaper entry from 1738 advertising that ‘John Nugent is a musical instrument maker at Murry’s Lane near the North Gate bridge’

Picadilly Lane Picadilly Lane isn’t named on any published map until 1869. One of the few references to the lane is from the Cork Examiner of 20 October 1877, which reported that a commission on the Contagious Diseases Acts of 1864 identified a number of the ‘most vile and noxious dens in the city – dreadful for their inhabitants and pestilent to the surrounding community’. These ‘vile…dens’ included Picadilly Lane.

St Peter’s Church Lane , or St Peter’s Avenue, obviously takes its name from the church still standing, although deconsecrated, on North Main Street. The earliest property listing for Cork City details two holdings on the lane – one belonging to William Galway and the other owned by Barnard Packinton in 1641. The entries tell us that Packinton was a ‘clerk’, possibly attached to the church. In the early 1700s one of the first parish schools in the city was built on St Peter’s Lane. During the 19th century, tenements were built along the laneway, The Cork Examiner (24 June 1871) recorded that tenements still existed in the city in the early 1870s, and that on St Peter’s Church Lane over 200 people lived in overcrowded conditions, describes these tenements as having been: … strongly constructed: the entrance to each house was through a small hall with two rooms at either side which were dark and small, with slabs for flooring. At the end of the hall, there was a narrow staircase leading to other rooms above – all equally small. The yard was also small – about 10ft by 6ft with one toilet and one water tap to serve the entire household. Towards end 19thC 40 lanes, only 6 >12foot, 1 just 3’11”.

St Peters Church The late 18th-century church, described as ‘mean in the exterior, but elegant in the interior’ by a new zinc spire, built to the design of the noted Cork architect Paine, but this spire proved to be too heavy for the foundations and was subsequently removed again sometime after 1860. There was also a ‘copper weathercock, made by James Mangan’ which topped the 18th-century spire. The church is now deconsecrated and was recently renovated by Cork City Council for use as an exhibition centre. The graveyard attached to St Peter’s was the burial place for many of Cork’s most prominent families. Andrew Gallway’s will of 1579, for instance, requested burial in St Peter’s graveyard. Members of the Crofts, Tuckeys, Farringtons and Austens were amongst those buried there in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1750, Smith, a historian of the time, noted some of the gravestones had ‘dates as old as the year 1500’, but the earliest surviving today are all of later individuals and families.

Tuckey in April 1753 recounts the gruesome tale of Francis Taylor, who ‘was buried in St Peter’s Church-yard, and the next morning was found sitting up in the grave, one of his shoulders much mangled, one of his hands full of clay, and blood running from his eyes’– as Tuckey adds, ‘a melancholy instance of the fatal consequence of a too precipitate internment’.

Skiddys Castle 1445 , John Skiddy was a bailiff and later a mayor. Another family member, William Skiddy, was a mayor a few years later.

Plaque to Terence McSwiney , born here 1879, died 1920, we will discuss him soon.

• Coal Quay . This street was opened 1744. Originally a corn market. Then it became a market area known as the Irish market (Irish or Gaelic was spoken down here). Katty Barry was one famous stall-holder and many other traditional market families traded here. Even up until 50s and 60s, there was busy market area here.

• Don Juan De Aquila , plaque. 1601 Spanish expedition led by Don Juan, landed at Kinsale, and captured it. They came to help the revolution against the English led by two family chieftains, O’Neill and O’Donnell. The revolution was defeated by Royal Forces leading to the ‘Flight of the Earls’ during which O’Neill and O’Donnell fled to Spain. Don Juan came up to the city where he was wined and dined and feted for several months. When he returned to Spanish Court he was ostracised and died a number of months later.

Many revolutions took place in the 1700s and 1800s. The Penal Laws were enacted, which were very hard on Catholics: they couldn’t own property, couldn’t vote till 1792 and even then only if they had rental land >£2. Changes made from mid 1800s. Catholic Emancipation 1829. During the late 1800s there was a big demand for Home Rule. In the 1890s there was a Gaelic revival and Gaelic League was founded for language, as well as the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) for sports.

In World War 1, there were approximately 200,000 Irish fighting for Britain; some for loyalty, some for money. Then came the 1916 Easter Rising , which did not have the support of the people. It’s 15 leaders were executed which then made uprising popular.

1919-1920 Irish War of Independence , much of the fighting in County Cork. Approx 15,000 IRA vs Approx 20,000 British Army, 10,000 RIC, 7,000 Black and Tans, 1400 Auxillary Forces, 4,000 Ulster Specials (more than 40,000 in total) Approx 2,000 deaths

Cork Volunteer Force . 1919 big election landslide for Sinn Fein. Thomas MacCurtain , head of Cork Volunteers, becomes Lord Mayor 1 Jan 1920, assassinated by British Troops 20 March 1920. Succeeded by Terence McSwiney (remember plaque). Arrested at City Hall and brought to Brixton Prison, died on hunger strike in 1920, 74 days later. Huge international publicity; 300,000 Brazilians alone signed one petition to the pope.

Burning of Cork 11 Dec 1920 Treaty signed July 1921 causing partition of Northern Ireland. Irish Free State 1922 Civil war, Michael Collins was pro-treaty. General Tom Barry’s Flying column (1920), remember plaque, fought in Civil War for IRA against treaty. Remembered as a brave leader and a brilliant soldier. Good memorabilia in Cork Museum in Fitzgerald’s Park

Now heading up to historical area of Shandon. We will cross the North channel of the river Lee.

Pedestrian bridge, built 2004. In front of us Griffith Bridge, on the spot of Corks oldest bridge. Flooded and rebuilt many times. After one flooding, a ferry was instigated, fee 1/2d. Discontinued when bridge rebuilt. Bridge was fortified in 1620s, 1780s Arch bridge, 1860s Cast Iron, 1961 Concrete. Named after Arthur Griffith, one of the political activists of Irelands independent state, Irelands first unofficial president. Leading negotiator in the treaty talks.

St. Finbarr's Cathedral Site of St. Finbarr's monastic settlement in the 7thC. This cathedral that you can see, was built in April 1862, the Church of Ireland, in pursuit of a larger, more attractive cathedral, and determined to reassert its authority in response to a resurgent Catholicism, initiated a competition for a replacement building, which became the commission for the first cathedral to be built in the British Isles since London's St Paul's. The designs of the architect William Burges, were declared the winner of the competition to build the new cathedral. Burges disregarded the £15,000 budget, and produced a design that he estimated would cost twice as much. His diary records his reaction – "Got Cork!" – while cathedral accounts mention a payment of £100 as prize money. The spires were topped out in 1879.

Shandon was one of 28 settlements in and around ancient Cork, and a medieval church dedicated to St. Mary was built on the site. Shandon is one of the more historic districts of the city, avoiding the fires and floods experienced by the newer developments and older parts of the city. The eponymous Shandon Street, originally known as Mallow Lane, was established by the Anglo-Normans, as a way to give access to North Gate drawbridge.

So let’s return again to the 18thC, when Cork was the most successful port in the British Empire. All of the trades were booming, as ships stopped to provision up for long voyages. There was no refrigeration at that time, so site as last port of British Isles is most important. There was a big mercantile class of Protestants and Quakers which dominated the city both socially and economically. At this stage Catholics couldn’t vote or own land. 1780-1840 saw a huge growth in brewing, distilling, milling, tanning, gun powder, engineering, ship building, and provisions such as butter and beef.

Agricuture was at the heart of all business outside of the city. There were big cattle farms in the Munster area. The first recorded exportation of Cork butter is to Spain in 1633. A butter market started here around 1730, originally an outside market. By 1744 Cork controlled 88% of Irish butter exports. The Committee of Merchants centred on butter. The butter exchange opened in 1769. Butter was graded into 6 classes, from 1st, termed ‘superfine’ , down to 6th, grease. The butter market inspectors were sent to different areas each day to avoid corruption. There were big penalties for poor judgement or corruption. Firstly, they had to determine quality and weight, then secondly report on the quality of packaging and detect signs of fraud. The market was open 24/7, as butter was coming in all the time. There were famous routes, known as butter roads, from East and West Cork, Tipperary, Offaly, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford.

Population Cork City 1750, 75,000 people

The Cork Butter Market building as it is now dates from 1849 and was designed by Sir John Benson. Shandon was the largest Shambles (open-air butcheries) in Ireland, and the Exchange was located within this commercial area. During the Exchange's peak in the 19th-century, Cork was the largest exporter of butter in the world, with butter exported as far as Australia and India. Trading peaked in 1880s, handling 500,000 casks of butter per year, valued at £1.5m, representing about £130m today.

Firkin Crane built in 1852, deigned Sir John Benson. Circular design to aid collection of rain water for use in cleaning the firkins. A firkin was a small barrel, about ¼ size, held 25kgs butter. In this building the firkins were graded and weighed for export. Eventual closure in 1924. Decline due to globalisation, changing tastes, refrigeration ...

Butter museum.

Irish National Ballet and Institute of Choreography and Dance. Joan Denise Moriarty 1912-1992, founder of professional ballet in Ireland.

Other industries Beef – Early to mid 18thC Cork was biggest exporter of beef, 60% of all Irish beef in 1745 from Cork. Cattle market on other side of Shandon St. Exported to Britain, West Indies, Barbados, Canada

Brewing. Beamish and Crawford (with 2 others O’Brien and Barrett who dropped out a few years later) founded 1792. Made their original money importing beer from London. Bought Allen’s Brewery on N. Main St which had been a brewery since 1715. By 1807 produced over 100,000 barrels per year.

St Anne’s Church in Shandon was built in 1722 near the site of the St Mary’s of the. The steeple of St Anne’s was added in 1749 to accommodate the bells. The steeple has walls 7 feet thick, is 170 feet high including the spire, and is topped with a gold-plated salmon weathervane, eleven feet, three inches in length, to symbolise the salmon industry of the river Lee. The weathervane is known to local people as the ‘ goldie fish’ . The North and West sides of Shandon steeple are built of red sandstone, said to have come from the ruins of Shandon Castle. The south and east sides of the steeple are built of limestone which is said to have come from the ruins of the Franciscan Friary on North Mall which was also destroyed during the siege of Cork.

Local rhyme from 18thC ‘ Partly coloured like its people Red and white stands Shandon steeple

In 1749, Mr. Riggs Faulkner and Mr. Carleton provided 100 guineas towards the casting of bells. There are 8 bells, first rang in 1752 to celebrate the marriage of Henry Harding to Catherine Dorman.

The steeple of St Anne’s has four clocks, one on each side, each of them 14 feet in diameter. They were erected for the citizens of Cork by Cork Corporation in 1847 and were supplied by Mangan’s of Cork. The clocks continue to be maintained by Cork City Council. One of the clocks is inscribed with the following epigraph: “Passenger measure your time, for time is the measure of being”. The clock is known to locals as the ‘four-faced liar’ as each side of the clock typically gives a slightly different time due to high winds affecting the movement of the clocks hands. Biggest clock faces in Great Britain and Ireland until Big Ben (1859).

Shandon Graveyard , many wealthy merchants including one of the Croft family (remember Crofts Lane), Thomas Croft buried 1789.

Skiddy’s Almshouse (remember Skiddys Castle down on Main St.)

Richard Skiddy and Richard Bretridge left trust fund for poor of Cork. Alms house built 1719, refuge for the poor for 250 years. Foundation 3 charitable institutions: the Almshouse, Green Coat School and the North Infirmary.

The North Infirmary was built on the site of the St Mary’s Church that was destroyed during the Siege of Cork in 1690. It originally contained 24 beds, most of its patients during the early years were from the poor and mostly Catholic segments of society. The infirmary’s initial funding came from donations from the community, but population growth in Cork quickly outpaced this funding. In 1744 members of a musical society used their surplus funds to help expand the infirmary to allow 11 physicians and five surgeons to practice there. In 1836 the infirmary was redesigned by architect William Hill with an increased capacity of 90 beds. During the Great Famine it was used as a fever hospital for most of 1847. By 1909, the infirmary had increased its capacity to 115 beds; it contained a modern operating room, spacious wards and highly trained nurses. In 1917 the infirmary was used by military authorities to treat wounded soldiers sent home from the front lines during World War I. During the War of Independence, injured Republicans were covertly treated at the infirmary. It was closed in the 1980s, due to cutbacks in funding and as its design was deemed unfit for modern medicinal procedures.

Mary Harris Jones (1837 -1930), known as Mother Jones , was an Irish-born American schoolteacher and dressmaker who became a prominent organized labour representative and community organizer. She helped coordinate major strikes and cofounded the Industrial Workers of the World. Jones worked as a teacher and dressmaker, but after her husband and four children all died of yellow fever in 1867 and her dress shop was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, she began working as an organizer for the Knights of Labour and the United Mine Workers union. From 1897, at about 60 years of age, she was known as Mother Jones. In 1902, she was called "the most dangerous woman in America" for her success in organizing mine workers and their families against the mine owners. In 1903, to protest the lax enforcement of the child labour laws in the Pennsylvania mines and silk mills, she organized a children's march from Philadelphia to the home of President Theodore Roosevelt in New York. 'Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living'.

Emmet Place

The oldest building on this square is Starbucks – Queen Ann House (1720).

Then the next oldest is what used to be the Cork Customs House, built in 1724 . This building became home to the Royal Cork Institution in the 1830s and was opened as the Cork School of Design on the site in 1850. In the early 1880s, the Cork School of Design was extended with funds and patronage William Horatio Crawford, and the school was re-named as the Crawford School of Art in 1885. In 1979, the art school transferred to another site, and the Crawford building is now used primarily as a gallery and museum. The museum buildings were substantially extended in 2000.

Across the river the former Cork Circuit Court (1885), which was originally built as a warehouse, by the Atkins family. The Drapery Shop dates from the same era, late 1800s. Obviously it was built as a fine townhouse, note the elaborate designs on the façade.

The most modern retail development in the city is Opera Lane, 2009. Opera Lane was previously named Faulkner’s Lane , and it was named after Riggs Faulkner who owned a bank on the historic street in 1760. Sir Riggs Falkiner, (1712 – 1797) was an Irish baronet and politician. On 28 July 1768, an advertisement was placed in the Cork Evening Post, seeking banknotes which were lost in the city. One was from the Faulkner bank and was for £50, dated 15 April 1765, and a reward of five guineas was offered for its return. Then Faulkner went into partnership with Sir James Cotter, Charles Leslie, Sir Richard Kellet and Richard Kellet, see plaque with cheque.

That concludes the tour, I hope you have found it informative and interesting and have developed just a little of the love that I feel for this fine city of Cork.

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8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Cork & Kerry (Ireland Southwest)

A guided walking holiday in cork & kerry.

Join us for a guided walking and hiking adventure in County Cork and County Kerry along part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. The southwest of Ireland boasts jaw-dropping scenery and iconic culture steeped in history and tradition.

This walking tour begins on the beautiful, remote, and rather undiscovered Beara Peninsula. If you’re particularly interested in just walking the Beara Way , you could peruse those self-guided tour options instead.

The next section of our guided walking tour takes you over Healy Pass, a winding mountain road between Adrigole in County Cork and Lauragh in County Kerry, down to the famous town of Killarney.

The final part of our holiday will take you to the Dingle Peninsula, well-known for its stunning beauty, ancient heritage, incredible cuisine, and dedication to tradition.

Why join this Cork & Kerry walking tour?

Our guided walking holiday in Cork and Kerry showcases the best of Ireland’s deep emerald green landscape and mountain ranges, its rugged cliffs, extensive sandy coastlines, remote cottages, woolly lowland sheep, and ancient archaeology scattered amongst the hills.

In short: This walking tour encompasses the iconic imagery of Ireland herself.

You will also experience the ambience of picturesque villages, fall into conversation with the regions’ sing-song accents, and tap your toes to the well-loved traditional music while soaking up the culture of the South West of Ireland.

Looking for other routes or destinations? Explore our other guided walking tours of Ireland for inspiration. You could also take a look at our self-guided walking tours of Ireland if you’d prefer to go on your own with our support and guidance.

Please do feel free to get in touch with any questions at all. We’re always quite happy to chat about our walking routes and help you find the best holiday for you!

Guided Walking Vacation in Cork & Kerry

Prices / dates.

Price:  From  €1,469 per person sharing, 

Single Supplement: +  €395

Tour Dates 2024:

Saturday, 10th to Saturday, 17th August – Sorry, we have no more single rooms available on this tour, but we do have doubles and twin rooms available.

Saturday, 7th  to saturday, 14th september – this tour is now fully booked.

Tour Dates 2025:

Saturday, 17th to Saturday, 24th May

Saturday, 9th to saturday, 16th august, saturday, 6th to saturday, 13th september.

Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate

Accommodation: Hotel & Family Operated Guesthouses 

Included / Excluded

• All accommodation is approved and all rooms are en-suite.
• Meals to include: 7 breakfasts and 5 Evening Meals
• Pickup at Dublin Airport and return to Dublin Airport at the end of your tour.
• All transport to and from walks.
• Cable Car to Dursey Island and Ferry to and from Beara Island.
• Evening Meals on day 3 & 5.
• Entry Fees to Muckross House & Farm
• Picnic Lunches

Cork & Kerry Walking Itinerary

You will be collected at Dublin Airport by your Footfalls Tour Guide at 10 am. En route to the Beara Peninsula in Cork, we will stop to visit the famous Rock of Cashel and will explore the ruins and the quaint town of Cashel for about an hour. We will stay overnight in Castletownbere .

Your first day's walk starts on Dursey Island, a small remote island that is serviced by Ireland’s only working cable car. The cable car carries six passengers or one cow at a time. Cows have priority over people here, so don’t be upset if you have to wait your turn!

Dursey Island is a wild-bird and whale sanctuary and is a beautiful haven of tranquillity. It is, therefore, a perfect start to your walking vacation.

We will stay overnight in Castletownbere .

Distance : 10.5 km/6 miles,  Ascent : 260 m/750 ft

We will take a short ferry ride to Beara Island. This is an enchanted place, shrouded in ancient myth with its many stone circles and standing stones. This island is also a haven for wildlife. Our walk follows the Beara Way along quiet country tracks offering stunning views in all directions that must be seen to be believed.

We will again stay overnight in Castletownbere.

Distance : 12 km/7.5 miles,  Ascent : 240 m/720 ft

Today, we will depart the Beara Peninsula and County Cork, travelling over Healy’s Pass to the famous greenery and sing-song voices of County Kerry.

In the early afternoon, we will visit Muckross House & Gardens with its working farm situated amidst the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park.

The rest of the afternoon is left free for you to explore the town of Killarney, which will be our base for the next two days of walking. Overnight stay, Killarney

Today's walk starts at the famous Kate Carney’s Cottage and takes us into the Black Valley. The valley is a glaciated relic whose retreating glaciers left behind incredible rock formations, a wild and rugged glen, quarry lakes, and small waterfalls. This beauty is simply indescribable.

We will join the  Kerry Way walking trail that takes us through Derrynahierka Oak Forest, finishing at Galway’s Bridge on the Ring of Kerry.

We will stay overnight in Killarney .

Distance : 15 km/9.4 miles,  Ascent : 280 m/800 ft

From Killarney, we will continue our walking tour on the most westerly point in Ireland: the Dingle Peninsula. The peninsula is rich in archaeological remains, sweeping green and blue coastal landscapes, music, and plenty of ‘craic’.

We will walk through traditional methods of turf cutting using the sleán (spade) in the low bog as we work our way down to walk along Inch Beach. This majestic beach was used in the making of the 1970 film “Ryan’s Daughter”. Overnight stay in Tralee

Distance : 8 km/5 miles

Our final day of walking starts just outside the village of Cloghane on the Dingle Way, leading us through an area where turf is still harvested in the old traditional way. We will follow an old bog road to an area known as Sás Creek (Sauce Creek), a spectacular horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by 300-meter sea cliffs.

Our walking trail continues to Brandon Point, passing the remains of some prehistoric beehive huts and settlements, before we finish our day in Brandon Village.

We will again stay overnight in Tralee .

Distance : 12.5 km/8 miles,  Ascent : 516 m/1500 ft

After a hearty Irish breakfast, we depart for Dublin Airport early to arrive around 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm.

A few words from our customers...

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Dolce Tempo Journey - Cork, Killarney & Ancient Celtic Gems

There’s beauty in the little things. The sun peeking through the clouds on a gray day. The winking smile of the bartender pouring you a pint. A cup of tea in the afternoon. The laugh of a new friend. Small things—like this island off the coast of Great Britain. Come see why bigger isn’t always better. Why sunshine doesn’t always beat rain. It all makes sense in Ireland.

• Be amazed by the beauty of Ireland and its varied landscapes: from rugged coastal cliffs to placid meadows and silent forests, this is the right place to experience on foot
• Enjoy our local connections, like our fantastic guide who'll bring stories of the region to life and discover camaraderie and companionship like never before on a vacation
• Explore the dramatic Beara Peninsula, taste Irish whiskey with aficionado John Moriarty, tour a 15th-century castle and discover Killarney's delightful craft shops and pubs
• Relax and enjoy the hospitality of our premiere hotels, from a family-owned Victorian gem in the heart of Killarney to a regal Relais & Châteaux manor set along Kenmare Bay

Start/End Cork

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into and out of Cork Airport (ORK).

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Discover the Irish culture of rambling as we walk country roads and coastal cliff trails • Visit the Gap of Dunloe, an unforgettable glacier-forged valley • Be entertained in true Irish fashion as a seanachie (storyteller) spins charming tales • Enjoy classic country cooking and the company of our local friends and hosts • Sip a cup of tea and wander the gardens of our hotel • Take in views of the spectacular cliffs of Dingle Bay and the sparkling waters of Caragh Lake • Soak in the serenity and Victorian décor at our lakeside lodging.

Enjoy the gracious hospitality of the Slattery family at this restored Victorian gem—originally a hunting lodge—set on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. 

Meet our local guide and hear stories of the mysterious history of this area, from Torc Waterfall to Muckross Estate and its ancient abbey • Tour the restored tower of 15th-century Ross Castle • Linger in delightful Killarney and enjoy its lively craft shops and boutiques • Sing your heart out at a lively Irish pub.

A luxurious modern hotel set amid lush countryside, with panoramic lake and mountain views. (pool, spa)

Reunite with our local guide to explore Killarney National Park • Discover rugged gorges, dark forests and wind-battered peaks • Spend an afternoon in charming, colorful Kenmare • Treat yourself at Samas Spa, a renowned spa and pool • Explore the rugged Beara Peninsula, little-changed since Celtic times • Accompanied by aficionado John Moriarty, taste some Irish whiskey • Stroll peaceful paths on your way to a 4000-year-old Druid stone circle.

It's just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa) 

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity.  Learn more

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What's Included

• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
• Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
• Park and other entry fees
• Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage

Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Carrig Country House and Park Hotel Kenmare are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

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All About Cork: Cllr McCarthy’s July historical walking tours

Local historian Cllr Kieran McCarthy hosting a historical walking tour of the City Workhouse for the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival.

Former Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy has announced his free historical walking tours for July, which have a focus on the city centre’s development and also the city’s nineteenth century social history.

He will conduct walks across the city centre, St Patrick’s Hill area, Docklands, The Marina, and Blackpool.

Douglas-based Cllr McCarthy noted: “The July tours are all about showcasing Cork city’s unique character, plan, topography, and built fabric. It is also a city that is unique among other cities, it is the only one which has experienced all phases of Irish urban development, from circa 600AD to the present day.

“So, there are so many histories to view in just a cross section of a section of the city centre.

“All tours attract large groups of people and offer interesting lens to view the realities of living in a port city, beset by large scale poverty, whereby everyone did not make money and lived in a sense on the edge of making ends meet,” concluded Cllr McCarthy.

All tours free, two hours, no booking required. They are:

Friday, July 5: Cork Through the Ages, An Introduction to the Historical Development of Cork city: meet at the National Monument, Grand Parade, 6.30pm.

Sunday, July 7: The Northern Ridge – St Patrick’s Hill to MacCurtain Street: Historical walking tour of the area around St Patrick’s Hill – Old Youghal Road to MacCurtain Street; meet on the Green at Audley Place, top of St Patrick’s Hill, 6.30pm.

Sunday, July 14: Cork South Docklands; Discover the history of the city’s docks, from quayside stories to the City Park Race Course and Albert Road: meet at Kennedy Park, Victoria Road, 6.30pm.

Tuesday, July 16: The Marina, discover the history of the city’s promenade, from forgotten artefacts to ruinous follies: meet at western end adjacent Shandon Boat Club, The Marina, 6.30pm.

Wednesday, July 17: Blackpool: Its History and Heritage, historical walking tour: meet at square on St Mary’s Road, opp North Cathedral, 6.30pm.

Frankfield traffic survey to take place at busy estates

A survey of traffic issues at two busy estates off the Grange Road will take place, following concerns expressed by residents.

Dunvale and Frankfield Estates are set to be surveyed by Cork City Council to examine issues being experienced entering and exiting.

Former Cllr and Lord Mayor Mick Finn had raised the issue before his term expired.

“I was informed that the waiting times to enter and exit these estates can be significant, especially at peak times, and that there are safety concerns,” Mr Finn said.

“I have been informed by the Council Roads Directorate that while there are many competing needs associated with use of the junction, a survey of lights sequencing and traffic volumes will be undertaken to determine if changes are needed.

“While I acknowledge there are competing needs, the needs of residents must be paramount in these considerations and must be taken seriously.”

Cllr Horgan seeks return of layby at Broadale bus stop

Newly elected Cllr Peter Horgan has written to the National Transport Authority to seek the return of the layby at the Broadale bus stop to ensure traffic flows are not congested at rush hour.

“I campaigned for the installation of that bus shelter over many years and was delighted, along with other local representatives to see its installation last Christmas,” said Cllr Horgan.

“However, the removal of the layby has resulted in long traffic lines in the mornings and evenings rush hour, especially with school traffic.

“I want to see a reduction in volumes and speed on the Hill but the layby removal has compounded issues for commuters and is resulting in making it more difficult for those exiting Broadale and Maryborough Ridge.

“It is a massive pedestrian safety issue given the long queues of traffic now at those hours too.

“I have written to the NTA to send personnel down to view the impact of the layby formally with a view to returning that layby to alleviate the congestion.”

Flying high at Douglas Gymnastics Club display

Douglas GAA Club development programme

Kevin Mulcahy, Head of Athletic Development at Douglas GAA Club met with coaches, parents and board members to initiate a discussion and plan going forward on the athletic development of underage playing members in Douglas GAA.

He will take some full sessions with teams periodically but also is to assist coaches and teams on an ongoing supportive basis.

Attending sessions to help structure warm ups and other athletic development elements to empower the coaches to support the players on going as well.

Kevin answered questions and a long interesting discussion emerged around player preparation and load.

The discussion led to Kevin detailing how many events young players should have a week and at different times of the season.

This will be a crucial part of Kevin’s role from the research and sports science point of view to try and support the club and coaches to in turn provide best practice for the players.

The short-term commitment is to support teams and coaches during the summer in their preparation for championship and then to re-assess near seasons end how Douglas and Kevin can support transition between seasons, work with players and coaches on load and prepare for the following season.

As part of the contra deal Kevin is making use of the Douglas GAA Gym for pocketed periods of the week and will be offering Group PT and other health and fitness services in the very near future.

The pitch-based programme is aimed at 14-18 year olds: boys 3-4pm, pitch 1; girls 4-5pm pitch 1, every Friday for the foreseeable future.

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GAA: All-Ireland Hurling semi-finals to renew old rivalries

The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship has reached its penultimate weekend, bringing together familiar foes at Croke Park.

First up on Saturday, Brian Lohan's Clare will be hoping third time proves to be the charm as the Banner men face Kilkenny in their third consecutive All-Ireland semi-final.

Derek Lyng's side came out on top in the previous two encounters, and have had a nice respite since securing their semi-final spot after a convincing win over Dublin in the Leinster final.

Clare, on the other hand, found their way here after another stinging Munster final defeat to neighbours Limerick, followed by a comfortable win over a 14-man Wexford.

After a shaky start in the provincial championship, Cork staged the comeback of the season to beat Limerick in the Munster round-robin stages.

Although the resurgence proved insufficient to see them into the Munster final, Cork fought past Offaly in the preliminary quarter-final before their five-point win over a defiant Dublin side.

John Kiely's men, fresh after their historic five-in-a-row Munster title win, await the Rebels on Sunday, looking to stay on track for their fifth successive All-Ireland title.

Two All-Ireland Senior Camogie quarter-finals are also on the agenda, with Dublin coming up against Kilkenny on Saturday before Galway take on Waterford on Sunday.

The winners will go on to face group-toppers Tipperary and Cork in the semi-finals on July 27th.

And finally, only eight counties remain in the running in the TG4 All-Ireland Championship, with the quarter-finals being played off over the weekend.

Three of the fixtures are set for Saturday; Cork v Waterford, Kerry v Meath, and Dublin v Galway, before Armagh v Mayo decides who take the last semi-final spot.

All-Ireland Senior Hurling semi-final: Kilkenny v Clare – Croke Park, 3pm.

All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football quarter-final: Cork v Waterford – Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 1.15pm.

All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football quarter-final: Kerry v Meath – Austin Stack Park, 5.15pm.

All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football quarter-final: Dublin v Galway – Parnell Park, 7.30pm.

All-Ireland Senior Camogie quarter-final: Dublin v Kilkenny – Croke Park, 12.30pm.

All-Ireland Senior Hurling semi-final: Limerick v Cork – Croke Park, 4pm.

All-Ireland Minor Football Final: Armagh v Derry – Omagh, 2pm.

All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football quarter-final: Armagh v Mayo – Athletic Grounds, 5.45pm.

All-Ireland Senior Camogie quarter-final: Galway v Waterford – Croke Park, 1.30pm.

‘Divided’ media committee makes recommendation to abolish TV licence fee

Offaly History organising Tullamore walking tours on upcoming weekends

Comedy play coming to Moate's Tuar Ard this weekend

• Arts & Culture

Eight things we are still talking about after Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Dublin

Taylor Swift performs on stage during The Eras Tour in Dublin. Picture: Charles McQuillan/TAS24/Getty Images 

1. Irish fans might be the loudest in the world 

Shortly before her first show, Taylor Swift shared a picture of some flowers sent to her by U2 and gushed about “already feeling that Irish hospitality”. If you thought that was merely a throwaway comment, she spoke at length during Friday night's show about her love of Ireland and her Irish fans.

"I haven’t played a show in Dublin in over five years,” she said.

"And I know you know this, but nobody does it like you. We’re a couple of songs into this very long show, and I’m already seeing people in the audience who should be getting awards for their performance. Not only do you know the words, you’re screaming them!"

The following night, she keeps telling us there's nowhere else she'd rather be than a sold out stadium in Dublin on a Saturday night, and on Sunday she says "we've never played for crowds on this level". And we'd believe her - we've never heard a crowd this loud.

Almost every Eras Tour survival guide says it is the loudest show you will ever go to, and that’s probably not an exaggeration. One moment in particular stood out at the Dublin shows for the rising noise levels when the crowd reached deafening levels.

‘Champagne Problems’ from her evermore album is a beloved track for fans and on this tour in particular, its become the song that tends to inspire the longest applause. On Friday night, the two-minute-long applause became ear-splitting, by Saturday and Sunday, it had extended beyond three-minutes. 

Chants of 'Taylor, Taylor' and 'Olé, Olé, Olé’ were added as Swift looked genuinely astonished by the reaction, taking out her earpiece to fully embrace the moment. 

You didn’t need to be an expert lip-reader either to understand what Taylor was saying to her band: “Are you guys hearing this too? Wow!” 

2. The Irish phrases in 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together'

There were plenty of Irish references throughout Swift's three night residency at the Aviva, but our favourite might have come from Swift's dancer Kameron Saunders.

The first Irish nod came during the Red era on night one with a cúpla focal during ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’. 

“Póg mo thoin” was inserted into the lyrics by dancer Kameron Saunders, who has been tweaking it with a phrase native to each city they are in.  On night two, he proclaimed "The neck of ye!" while on night three he delighted audiences with 'Bleedin eejit!'.

We were also treated to a nice 'haon, dó, trí, ceathair' countdown in ‘I Can Do It With A Broken Heart’ on each night with Swift changing into a green and orange sequin ensemble for her 1989 era on nights one and three. 

Paramore too got in on the grá, with singer Hayley Williams sporting a Cranberries tee on stage on Friday and a Sinéad O'Connor one on Saturday.

3. Folklore 'belongs' to Ireland 

While in her Folklore era on Friday, Swift again started praising Ireland (she really, really likes us), this time paying tribute to our rich history of storytelling.

“Irish people are such great storytellers. The folklore from Ireland is unmatched,” she said.

"I think it might be 50/50. 50% they're great storytellers and 50% they just have the best accents."

She also revealed on Saturday that Ireland was the "official" home for her 2020 album folklore . 

"When I was making the album, it was two days into the pandemic that I started writing folklore, and I wasn't in Ireland, so I had to create an album where the imaginary world that I pretended to go every single day when I was writing it, gotta be honest, it kinda seemed like Ireland. 

"So we're back where we belong. Conceptually, folklore , we can all agree, just belongs with you guys."

4. No Reputation (Taylor's version) announced 

Fans were in a frenzy as rumours grew that we could expect an album re-record announcement during Swift’s Irish tour dates. As she makes her way through her back catalogue, many are interpreting what they believe are clues from the singer, who famously leaves cryptic clues about upcoming projects littered throughout her performances, social media, and pretty much anything else she touches.

Every gesture on the tour has been pored over and fans were convinced Reputation (Taylor's Version) would be revealed at the weekend. The most likely day was Sunday — on June 30, 2019, Scooter Braun bought Big Machine Records, effectively becoming the owner of all of Swift’s music, prompting her to undertake the re-recording of all her music. Announcing another release on that date would just be good ‘Karma’.

But, alas, it wasn't to be. On Sunday night, the audience was full of Reputation-inspired outfits, and when she donned a black and silver jacket during 'The Man', and a black and silver dress during the Fearless era, fans were really 'clowning' to use Swiftie parlance. We suppose she couldn't really embrace her snake era in a country known for getting the snakes out, right? 

5. Dublin's iconic surprise sets

A big talking point of the tour is the acoustic set. Here, Swift performs between two and four songs, and every night is a surprise. She rarely plays the same songs twice, but Ireland broke the mould - and even got the first live performance of three (!!) new tracks.

On Friday night, Swift played ‘State of Grace’ on the guitar, the opening track from Red and mashed it up with ‘You're On Your Own Kid’, the song with the iconic lyric "so make the friendship bracelets".

Next, we were back to the piano for 'Sweet Nothing', a song with a direct reference to her time in Ireland: “Does it ever miss Wicklow sometimes?" She blended the track with 'Hoax' from Folklore , making it the first time she played that track live.

Saturday's audience was also treated to a song she says she's never done live before, 'The Albatross', off the anthology edition of her last album, The Tortured Poets Department . Maybe she picked it for the lyric "and when that sky rains fire on you" - thankfully though, the rain had dried up before she took to the stage that night. She mashed it up with 'Dancing With Our Hands Tied'  from Reputation , before moving to the piano for a gorgeous mash-up of 'This Love' from her 1989 album and 'Ours' from Speak Now.

On Sunday night, Stevie Nicks was in the house, and the entire surprise set seemed to be in her honour.

Swift dedicated 'Clara Bow', a song which mentions Nicks by name, to her 'friend' and 'hero' in the VIP tent, and mashed it up with 'The Lucky One' from the Red era, another song about a girl who makes it big. She then played 'You're On Your Own Kid' for a second time, the first time she's repeated the same song twice in the one city on The Eras Tour. This rarity is likely to have occurred because of Nicks, who has previously said that song helped her process the passing of her friend and Fleetwood Mac bandmate Christine McVie. Swift played the song straight through on night three with no mashup.

6. Travis Kelce's surprise appearance 

Over the course of the weekend, a number of celebrities were spotted in the VIP tent , located beside the standing area on the Aviva’s pitch. On Sunday night, the likes of Stevie Nicks and Julia Roberts were rubbing shoulders, while over the course of the weekend fans shared photos and videos of Irish celebrities they saw in the stadium such as Graham Norton, Ryan Tubridy, Jedward, and  Father Ted's Ardal O’Hanlon.

Ireland's sporting legends were also getting in on the action.

Amy Huberman shared a photo on her Instagram at the show alongside three former captains of Irish rugby, including husband Brian O’Driscoll, Rory Best and Johnny Sexton, while Shane Lowry attended with his wife and seven year old daughter. 

But by far the most exciting guest of all was Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight-end has appeared at numerous shows throughout the European leg of The Eras Tour, but hadn't been spotted at Friday or Saturday's shows in Dublin.

But on Sunday night, the 34-year-old waltzed through the crowd during Swift's folklore/evermore era, smiling and waving at fans as he made his way to the VIP box.

His arrival led to mania in the stands as fans shouted and pointed, the news reaching fans around the stadium like a kind of Mexican wave. 

Swift appeared to look shocked at his arrival and fans believe she may have been taken by surprise as Kelce is thought to have been at a wedding in the United States just the day prior.

Here is dual shot I made of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce first locking eyes at his surprise appearance at Dublin N3 🥰🥰🥰 pic.twitter.com/9KRpm0NIvA — Da🦦Otterside (@DaOtterside) July 1, 2024

Some lucky fans even spotted Kelce and Swift leaving the arena after the show and were treated to waves and smiles from the pair. 

7. Where Taylor was outside of the Aviva

Swift has managed to stay completely under the radar outside of her time on stage while in Dublin.

But rumours fly, as Swift would say herself...

One such rumour is that she was staying in the Adare Manor, target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> while another is that she was in The Westbury in Dublin. While Swift herself wasn't pictured at either location, we do know there was a heavy security presence around The Westbury and her entourage, at least, is believed to have stayed at the stunning Dublin five-star.

🍀| Taylor, Travis, Stevie Nicks, Paramore and her crew were all out to celebrate the Dublin shows at Hacienda Bar last night. pic.twitter.com/QXl202IQN4 — Taylor Swift Updates 🩶 (@swifferupdates) July 1, 2024

As for how she celebrated after wrapping her three night stint on Sunday? Hacienda Bar on Dublin's Mary Street claims she was in their establishment, but they opted not to request a pic.

The bar say she celebrated with her boyfriend Travis Kelce, Stevie Nicks and her opening act, Nashville band Paramore. 

8. Taylormania 

It has to be said, Taylormania well and truly took over Dublin city. 

In the past week, many stores had carefully curated window displays hinting at the stars arrival, with Taylor-themed t-shirts, jackets and more cowboy boots than a country startlet could ever need. 

The excitement really started building on Thursday as hundreds of fans queued to enter the official Taylor Swift merchandise store at the 3Arena. Ever since then, the city was full of people walking the streets, on public transport or eating and drinking out wearing a piece of Eras tour memorabilia. Ahead of the gigs, this was compounded by people wearing sparkles and sequins, cowboy boots and adhesive pearls in their hair and on their faces.

On many corners in the city centre, outside train stations and near the Aviva, vendors were selling cowboy hats, ponchos, feather boas and friendship bracelets.

Most fans heading to the concerts had arms full of friendship bracelets, most carefully crafted by themselves and friends. Fans bought so many beads that Dublin sellers noticed an increase in sales from months prior to the show. Yellow Brick Road, a bead shop on Bachelors Walk, said: “It started many months ago with the majority of letter beads, seed beads and Stretch Magic cord sales happening in the last week or two.

“All materials are being sought by diehard Swifties to make Friendship Bracelets ahead of the Dublin leg of the Eras Tour this June.” There were a number of Swift-themed brunches and afterparties on to celebrate the star, and even regular club nights played hits from her discography to ensure everyone got to experience a bit of Swiftie magic.

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18 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages In Ireland

T he beautiful landscape of Ireland is best seen from its small towns and villages. Many are positioned in coastal areas featuring beautiful oceanfront scenery and are also surrounded by towering mountains, which makes them even more scenic. Unlike the country’s larger cities, towns and villages here are laid-back and beautiful and also have plenty of things to offer visitors. This makes them perfect for a relaxing vacation. There are so many such towns and villages in the country, but these 16 stand out as the most beautiful towns in Ireland.

UPDATE: 2023/06/30 23:23 EST BY REENA JAIN

18 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages In Ireland

This list has been updated to include two more of beautiful towns in Ireland, including Ardara and Birr, for offering visitors a range of exciting explorations and adventures to enjoy some thrills, as well as serene surroundings to connect with nature.

Ardara, Donegal

Donegal's charming Ardara is the ideal launching point for exploration for being close to a limitless number of attractions. The village, once named one of the best villages to live in Ireland, is also known for its bustling festivals and excellent food and drink scene. There are several traditional taverns and restaurants where guests can enjoy a variety of delectable cuisine as well as local beverages. From the Cup of Tae Festival (May) to the Ardara Bluegrass Festival (July), there is always something going on.

• Where: County Donegal, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Ardara: Assaranca Waterfall, Glengesh Pass, Caves of Maghera, Narin/Portnoo Beach, Malin Beg, Slieve League

Birr, Offaly

Birr is a great spot for taking a vacation from the city's bustling life for good reason. The well-preserved Georgian architecture transports visitors back in time. From appreciating the majestic architecture of Birr Castle Demesne to meandering through the gorgeous gardens and witnessing the famous Great Telescope, every experience provides insight into the town's rich history. But Birr has more to offer than history, such as live plays at Birr Theatre, horseback riding across the gently sloping countryside, photographing the Seffin Stone, and visiting the gates of St. John's Hall, known as the "Centre of Ireland."

• Where: County Offaly, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Birr: Birr Castle Demesne, Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr Equestrian Centre, St. John's Hall,

Sneem, Kerry

One of Ireland's smallest towns on this list, Sneem is a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking views and a wide range of fun activities like biking, hiking, sightseeing, and dining. At Blueberry Hill Farms, visitors can pet and feed farm animals, take in the picturesque surroundings, and discover how to make candles. The Way the Faeries Went is a short walk along the water dotted with miniature faerie homes and sculptures, providing visitors with beautiful photos and pleasant memories. Sneem is a great pit stop for those traveling the Ring of Kerry, offering many mystical, picturesque locations.

• Where: County Kerry, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Sneem: Bull Rock, Skellig Michael, Brushwood Studios, North Square, South Square, The Way the Faeries Went

Howth, Dublin

Howth, one of Ireland's most picturesque towns, is just 30 minutes drive from Dublin, and has a rich historical background and modern appeal. From views and experiences to countryside charm, this small Irish town has it all! While the Howth Cliff Walk Loop is a must-see for its amazing vistas, Ireland's Eye is a major draw for its breathtaking views, sandy beaches, and variety of activities, such as fishing and bird watching. There is also an 800-year-old castle that provides insight into the region's rich history.

• Where: County Dublin, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Howth: Howth Cliff Walk, Howth Castle and St. Mary’s Abbey, Ireland’s Eye, Howth Pier, Howth Market

Clifden is a charming coastal town in Galway's Connemara region with many lovely castles, sunset viewing vantage points, hiking loops, and magnificent beaches. After a long day of activities and exploration, one can unwind in one of the city's many restaurants and pubs. One of the prettiest towns in Ireland, Clifden can meet the needs of any traveler, whether looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed vacation.

• Where: County Galway, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Clifden: Connemara National Park, Derrigimlagh/Marconi walking loop, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens, Clifden Castle, Dog's Bay Beach

Dalkey is a charming fishing port and an affluent neighborhood for Dubliners. It is a medieval town renowned for its fortified castle and spectacular coastal landscapes. The presence of the vacation homes of affluent Irish people makes it referred to as the "Beverly Hills" of Dublin. Furthermore, being so close to the Irish capital makes it the ideal location for a getaway if one wants to enjoy the tranquil surroundings as well as the city's highlights.

• Where: Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County, Dublin, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Dalkey: Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Killiney Hill Park, Dalkey Island, Coliemore Harbour, Sorrento Park, Vico Baths, White Rock Beach

Located in Cork Harbour, Cobh is the most beautiful town in Ireland with a fascinating history. From daring adventures to historical experiences and lovely trails to heart-pumping activities, it offers something for all ages and tastes. Renowned as the Titanic's final European port of call, Cobh has so much to see and do that a visitor could stay there for days without getting bored.

• Where: County Cork, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Cobh: Fota Wildlife Park, Deck of Cards, The Promenade, The Queenstown Story, Spike Island, Cobh Heritage Center

Visitors are drawn to Lismore by its magnificent historical buildings, such as the eight-hundred-year-old medieval Lismore Castle, as well as by the surrounding natural beauty of the River Blackwater and the Knockmealdown mountains. Besides historical sites, Lismore is home to many lovely eateries and bars where tourists can sample the local cuisine and beverages and experience true Irish nightlife.

• Where: County Waterford, Munster, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Lismore: Lismore Castle, Saint Carthage's Cathedra, St. Carthage's Catholic Church, Fortwilliam, Lismore Farmers & Craft Market, Cotton Library, Lismore Heritage Centre

Adare, Limerick

Adare is a small village that comes with a natural and historic appeal. Large parts of the town are covered with trees and grasses, while the town itself is lined up with colorful and thatched-roofed buildings. Walking through the streets is a must-do in this village as it takes one through the enchanting scenery it has to offer. Adare has restaurants and hotels and a couple of historic attractions like Desmond Castle, which was built in the 12th century, and the Trinitarian Abbey - the only Trinitarian monastery in Ireland built in the 13th century.

• Where: County Limerick, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Adare: Desmond Castle, Holy Trinity Abbey Church, Adare Town Park, Adare Heritage Centre, Old Trinitarian Abbey

Kinsale, County Cork

There is so much to love about Kinsale , from the beautiful natural and architectural scenery to the rich history it has accumulated throughout its existence. Famous for being a fishing town, Kinsale has seen a fierce battle and has been used as a port for a long time.

Visitors from all over the country now come to this town to enjoy a charming seaside vacation filled with fishing and food adventures. One will enjoy wandering the streets of Kinsale as it is where to find the beautifully colored buildings and numerous pubs and restaurants that serve sumptuous meals. The town is also a great place to shop, relax, or learn some interesting Irish history .

• Places To Visit In Kinsale: Town Centre, Ramparts of Charles Fort, Kinsale Museum, Kinsale Loop, Blacks Brewery, Shannon River

Allihies, Cork

A visit to Allihies is sure to be memorable as the village welcomes all visitors with incredibly natural and architectural scenery. This village is quite small and remote, but there are plenty of things that make it worth visiting. The town sits majestically on the Beara Peninsula and overlooks the scenic coast. Within the village, one will find colorful villas, outdoor bars and restaurants, and several historic sites. One historic site to visit here is the Allihies Copper Mines, as it played a major role in the development of the area. For those who want more adventure, Allihies has several amazing viewpoints from which to see the incredible scenery of the area, and it also has a sandy beach where one can relax and watch birds.

• Places To Visit In Allihies: Allihies Copper Mine Museum, Allihies Beach, Allihies Copper Mine Trail, Beara Way, Dursey Island, Sheeps Head Peninsula, Mill Cove Gallery, Mizen Head

Carlingford, Louth

Sitting at the foot of the towering Slieve Foy mountain and on the shores of Carlingford Lough, this town is one of Ireland’s finest. The town comes with a medieval view as its streets are narrow and filled with colorful buildings. Carlingford has plenty of historic structures, from castles to monasteries which visitors can spend their time exploring. It is also surrounded by beautiful green areas where one can enjoy a walk in nature. In and around the town of Carlingford, there are opportunities for horse riding, biking, and water sports such as - kite surfing, diving, and boating.

• Where: County Louth, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Carlingford: King John’s Castle, Carlingford Abbey, Taaffe’s Castle/Merchant House, The Tholsel, The Mint, Ghan House, Church of the Holy Trinity, Town Wall

Dingle, Kerry

Dingle is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the world as it sits on the Atlantic Coast and presents incredible ocean scenery and even mountain scenery. Like many other destinations in Ireland, the town also features beautifully colored houses that make it look like a painting. As a fishing town, one will find lots of opportunities to fish and enjoy some seafood here.

When it comes to infrastructure and facilities, Dingle is endowed with an abundance of pubs, restaurants, and even a distillery where one can enjoy some spirits. Besides fishing and exploring the town’s attractions, things to do in this town include - boat tours, relaxing at the beach, riding horses, diving, hiking, and taking scenic drives to nearby places.

• Places To Visit In Dingle : Inch beach, Dingle Peninsula Drive, Lios Stone Circle, Coumeenoole Beach, Slea head drive, Sybil’s Head or Ceann Sibéal, Conor pass

Dunmore East, Waterford

At Dunmore East, one will be met with beautiful seaside scenery and streets filled with unique thatched-roof buildings. The town has beautiful beaches that have sea caves, several ancient sites, restaurants, pubs, and hotels with incredible views of the sea.

Besides walking through the streets and gazing at the town’s impressive architecture, visitors to this city will have the opportunities to cliff walk, cruise the scenic ocean, relax on the beach, enjoy delicious meals with amazing views, and enjoy golfing on a cliff edge. That’s not all, however. There’s more to do in this laid-back picturesque town, and the only way to enjoy all the town has to offer is by visiting.

• Where: County Waterford, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Dunmore East: Dunmore East cliff, Councillors Strand, Ladies Cove1, Dunmore Strand, Dunmore Adventure, Tramore

Related: Top 13 Things To Know Before Visiting Ireland

Kenmare, County Kerry

Kenmare comes with a vibrant atmosphere and amazing natural scenery. From any part of the town, one will be met with views of colorful structures backdropped by towering mountains. The town has a scenic lake where one can enjoy some kayaking and fishing adventures, and it is also surrounded by lush forest areas where one can enjoy a nature walk. Visitors here will have opportunities to walk through streets lined up with beautifully colored buildings, some of which are restaurants and bars where one can enjoy some of Ireland’s delicious food and drinks.

• Places To Visit In Kenmare: Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm, Gleninchaquin Park, Old Kenmare Road, Derreen Gardens, Reenagross Park, Cromwell’s Bridge, Holy Cross Church, Verart Sculpture Garden

Cong, County Mayo

Cong is a charming and historic village endowed with a huge selection of ancient sites. With so many trees and streams around the village, visitors here will feel like they are in a fantasy land. It really feels medieval here, especially when one is visiting the town’s numerous historic attractions, one of which is Cong Abbey - a site that dates back to the 12th century and the world-famous Ashford Castle which is also a five-star hotel, by the way. Here are more castles in the country that also pass as hotels .

It may look like an abandoned little village, but Cong has hotels, bars, and pubs, and it also offers opportunities for hiking and fishing.

• Where: County Mayo, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Cong: Cong Abbey, The Quiet Man Museum, Bridge between Galway and Mayo, Cross of Cong, Cong Love Tokens, Statue of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, Monks Fishing Hut, Cong Nature Trail

Doolin, Clare

Doolin is one village that presents the incredible coastal scenery that Ireland is known for. Like a typical settlement in Ireland, this village is also lined up with several colorful buildings, and it is particularly famous for being a place to enjoy Irish traditional music. Doolin has restaurants, bars, and historical/natural attractions to keep visitors busy. It is also close to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, and activities one can do in the area include hiking and rock climbing.

• Where: County Clare, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Doolin: Doolin Cave, Burren Scenic Drive, Aillwee Caves, Cliffs of Moher, Doonagore Castle

Related: The Wild Atlantic Way: The Ultimate Irish West Coast Road Trip

Westport, County Mayo

Located in County Mayo, Westport is one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland characterized by streets lined up with beautifully colored buildings and surrounded by towering mountains and gorgeous trees. The town has picturesque beaches as well as charming lakes that add to its scenery.

When it comes to things to do, Westport has plenty of them . If one does not want to relax on the beaches or hike in the nearby mountains, one can wander the streets of the town and patronize the bars and restaurants in it. The town also has some historic attractions one can visit, some of which include - the old stone bridge and a house known as the Westport House, which is more than 200 years old.

• Places To Visit In Westport: Westport House & Gardens, Great Western Greenway, Croagh Patrick, Pirate Adventure Park

Editor Picks: 5 of the Best Dublin Walking Tours

With old cobbled lanes, colourful shop fronts and historical buildings, Dublin is a great place to explore on foot – here is our pick of walking tours of the city.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Dublin is the kind of city that is full of surprises – walk cobbled streets, past colourful shop fronts and old timewarp pubs, and just soak up the atmosphere of the Irish capital. Obviously, with Dublin being fairly compact compared to other European metropolises, a walking tour makes perfect sense, taking you at slow speed through the city so that you don’t miss a thing. There are plenty of excellent, affordable walking tours in Dublin to take – here is our pick of five of the best. 

Dublin: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour

If you are new to Dublin, this is the tour you should sign up for. Featuring the main sights and some hidden secret spots, it’s a great overview of life in the Irish capital. That doesn’t mean it’s dull however, the professional, local guide whipping up some great stories about life past and present, from the Vikings to Georgian boulevards to writers, rebels and rock stars. Once you’ve had your fill of history, you may be hungry for some of Dublin’s culinary highlights – the guide can also give you advice and tips on where to eat for the rest of your trip. The tour is two hours long and is good value. From €23.00.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Dublin: Mythology and Folklore Walking Tour

Now for something a little different. This tour delves into the myths and legends of Dublin, exploring the characters and stories that have shaped the city and Ireland as a whole. The guide is an expert in Irish folklore and knows how to brings these takes to life, explaining about everything from mythical creatures such as the banshee and púca, and telling stories about rebellions, grave robbing and revolutions. Over the two hours you’ll also get to explore Dublin away from the tourist trail, with a visit to some of the city’s lesser-known locations. Another recommended and affordable tour. From €23.00.

2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin

One of the first things worth noting about this excellent tour is the price – it’s one of the cheapest walking tours in the capital and worth every penny. The reviews speak for themselves – it has almost always five-star feedback. Unlike lesser tours, the history postgraduate guides really know their stuff, explaining everything from the English conquest to Brexit, with the kind of stories and insight that you won’t hear everywhere. The meeting point is Trinity College and the tour finishes at Dublin Castle. This is a great experience for both history buffs and anyone who wants to better understand the history of Dublin and Ireland. From €19.00.

Book at Viator.com

Dublin: Foodie Walking Tour with Local Guide

Dublin is very much a foodie destination, with everything from decent fish and chips to exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants. This tour is about getting to know the best local cuisine in the Irish capital, as well as some history of the city thrown in as you go. You’ll visit true local spots – avoiding the usual tourists traps – stopping off for five dishes along the way. Be sure to make sure you turn up to this tour hungry. Included in this three-hour activity is the tour guide – but food and drinks are extra. From €27.50.

Walking Tour Along Dublin’s River Liffey Bridges

If you’re not really the kind of person who wants a straightforward walking tour, this guided stroll takes a different spin. The focus, loosely, is on the River Liffey bridges, which span not over the river but hundreds of years, coming in all shapes and sizes. As you walk you’ll also pass some of the city’s major landmarks, from the Guinness Brewery to Christchurch Cathedral to the Custom House, with the guide happy to explain their significance too. This is a really informative and unique way to see Dublin, away from the crowds of the city centre, and as it is a private tour you can ask lots of questions and hear about what you are interested in. Ben, the guide, is friendly and knowledgeable. From €47.06.

Book at Withlocals.com

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