Cork: Day Trips and Tours from Dublin

Visit dramatic castles, legendary stones and lively cities on a Cork day trip from Dublin. Explore the bustling Irish city of Cork to see its picturesque streets and historic sights, including the English Market and Cork City Gaol.

Take a trip to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, then, visit the passenger ship Titanic’s last port of call in the town of Cobh.

How to get to Cork from Dublin?

The city of Cork is located in southwest Ireland around 220 kilometers below Dublin. There are a number of ways to travel between the cities, and rail is usually the fastest.

From Dublin to Cork by car

The journey from Dublin to Cork takes from 2.5 hours to three hours by car and covers approximately 260 kilometers. Simply, take the N7 from Dublin to Naas where the N7 turns into the M7 motorway. Follow the M7 until it joins the M8 (Cork/Durrow) then take the M8 all the way to Cork city.

From Dublin to Cork by train/bus

The train is the best option when traveling between Dublin and Cork by public transport. The service departs Dublin Heuston Station every hour on the hour and the trip takes around 2.5 hours.

The same journey can be made by bus, which takes around three hours. Buses leave from Dublin Aston Quay every hour on the hour.

Guided tour to Cork from Dublin

A guided day trip is one of the easiest ways to visit Cork from Dublin. These tours include return travel from Dublin city center and extend from single-day trips to multi-day trips.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Cork from Dublin?

A typical Cork day trip from Dublin may begin with a rail journey from Dublin Heuston Station. Meet your tour guide at a convenient city center location and begin the journey to Cork by rail. Relax on the 2.5-hour journey through the picturesque Irish countryside and depart the train in the city of Cork.

Travel by coach to Blarney Castle to see the scenic gardens and the castle ruins. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone if you wish and enjoy lunch in the cafe or at one of the nearby pubs. Next, visit the town of Cobh, located on an island in Cork harbor, to see the last port of call of the infamous passenger ship, the Titanic.

Explore the Cobh Heritage Centre to learn about the Titanic and key moments in Irish history. Discover more about the Great Famine and the mass emigration of Irish citizens to the United States.

Tour the streets of the city of Cork and see some of its most famous landmarks, including Cork City Gaol and the English Market, before returning to Dublin by train.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cork?

When choosing a Cork day tour from Dublin you have a number of options, including single and multi-day trips and tours that also visit additional places nearby such as the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher.

Guided tours to Cork from Dublin

These single-day guided excursions visit the city of Cork and its most notable nearby attractions, including Blarney Castle and the town of Cobh. Travel by bus or by train and coach for a full-day trip around the highlights of Cork.

These tours usually include all transportation for the day, admission fees and a knowledgeable local guide to explain to you about the places you are visiting.

Multi-day tour to Cork from Dublin

Travel by bus and rail for a multi-day trip to Cork and other highlights of Ireland. Visit the city of Cork and Blarney Castle, and other famous locations, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Cahir Castle and more.

These tours usually include all transportation and accommodation for your stay and sometimes meals are included in the price. You will be accompanied by a local guide who will coordinate everything. There are two, three and four day trips available, and you can choose between small group tours or larger group trips.

How much does a tour to Cork from Dublin cost?

The price of a Cork day trip from Dublin will vary depending on the tour options you choose. Single-day group excursions are the cheapest and cost between €70 and €130 per person.

Multi-day trips include accommodation in the price and cost from €310 to €430 for a 2-day trip, €650 to €700 for a 3-day trip and up to €920 for a 4-day trip. Prices are per person.

What will you see and do in Cork?

There are many attractions in and around the city of Cork to visit. Blarney Castle is one of the most popular local landmarks to visit along with the port town of Cobh and the historic city center of Cork.

Blarney Castle

Well-known around the world as the home of the legendary Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Many visitors come here to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, which is thought to endow people with eloquence and charm, known as the “gift of the gab.”

The Blarney Stone is built into the castle tower and, to kiss it, one must lean back over a precarious drop. Legend says the stone was a gift to the King of Munster from Robert the Bruce in recognition of Irish support given at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Aside from the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle has many other interesting sights to see. The semi-ruined castle has dungeons, halls and caves to explore, as well as extensive grounds with exotic gardens and much more.

Cobh

The town of Cobh was the last port of call for the passenger ship, Titanic, before it took its only voyage in 1912. The town’s Titanic Experience museum is located in the historic ticket office of the White Star Line shipping company, where the Titanic passengers departed for their ill-fated journey.

You can also check out the Cobh Heritage Centre to learn about Irish history, including the period of mass emigration to the US during “the “Great Famine” of the mid-19th century.

Cork

The city of Cork is Ireland’s most southern city and its second-largest after Dublin. Visitors can stroll through the historic center of the city and check out local landmarks such as the prison museum, Cork City Gaol and Nano Nagle Place, a museum of local history.

Be sure to check out the c for local specialty foods and handmade products.

When is the best time to visit Cork?

The best time to visit Cork is from late spring to autumn. The months of July and August are the height of tourist season, so visit in June or September if you prefer to explore the area without the crowds.

Travel tips

• Cork day trips can be long, usually around 12 hours, so pack everything you will need for the day, including snacks and water.
• These tours are popular so book your Cork day trips in advance to be sure they are available during your time in the region.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as there will be plenty of walking involved in the excursions.
• Pack an umbrella or light raincoat even in the summer, as the weather here can be unpredictable.