If you have a lot of time to spare between flights, don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do near Cork Airport that will make your time fly by.
Whether you want to explore the charming city of Cork, enjoy some nature and scenery, or relax and unwind, you’ll find something to suit your mood and interests.
We got awesome suggestions for you!
What are the top things to do near Cork Airport?
The top things to do near Cork Airport include relaxing at The Pavilion Garden Centre & Restaurant, sipping tea at The Workshop Cork, and getting active at Tramore Valley Park.
You can also sample artisan delicacies at the English Market, explore University College Cork and nearby attractions, take pictures of the colorful Ardú Street Art, and have retail therapy at Cork Shopping District.
Relax in a Countryside Setting at The Pavilion Garden Centre & Restaurant
Website: https://www.thepavilion.ie/
Address: Myrtle Hill, Ballyduhig South, Ballygarvan, Co. Cork
Phone: +353 21 488 8134
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
This is the nearest spot from Cork Airport, but you might miss it if you don’t know where to look.
The Pavilion Garden Centre & Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers more than just plants and flowers. It’s also a great place to enjoy a delicious meal, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a decadent dessert.
The restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients and serves tasty and healthy dishes. You can dine indoors or outdoors, surrounded by beautiful gardens and the soothing sounds of nature.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind and treat yourself after a long flight, you can’t go wrong with The Pavilion Garden Centre & Restaurant.
Pro Tip:
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their garden shop, where you can find a wide range of flowering bulbs for your home or garden. They won’t take up much space in your baggage when you buy a handful.
Sip a Cup of Tea at The Workshop Cork
Website: http://theworkshopcork.com/
Address: Lios Cross, Ballygarvan, Co Cork
Phone: 021 2373033
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
The Workshop Cork is a cozy and charming café that serves delicious local food and drinks in a vintage setting.
You’ll love their local and fresh products, from gourmet sandwiches to gluten-friendly soups and desserts. And of course, their teas are amazing, whether you prefer something fruity or the classic Barrys Tea.
They also have great coffee options from Badger and Dodo, a local roaster. The best part is that they serve everything in antique and vintage china, giving you a nostalgic and relaxing vibe.
Pro Tip:
One of the most popular items on the menu is the Workshop Breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, beans, mushrooms, tomato, toast and tea or coffee.
Get Active and Stretch Your Bodies at Tramore Valley Park
Website: https://tramorevalleypark.glencentre.ie/
Address: Lios Cross, Ballygarvan, Co Cork
Phone: 021 2373033
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Ready to get fit after a long flight at Cork airport? Then head over to Tramore Valley Park, a former landfill site that has been transformed into a green oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
You can enjoy a variety of walks, such as the 2.5 km Robert Hernan walk that offers views over the city skyline, or try out the sports facilities, including the only international standard BMX Track in Cork.
Tramore Valley Park is also home to an outdoor gym, a rugby pitch, and a dome for events and activities. The park is free to enter and has plenty of parking for cars and bikes.
Pro Tip:
Head to the Dome in the park for panoramic views of Cork’s iconic landmarks like Shandon Bells and Elysian Tower, especially on clear sunny days.
Sample Cork’s Artisan Delicacies at the English Market
Website: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/english-market/english-market-home/
Address: Grand Parade, Centre, Cork, Ireland
Phone: +353 21 422 6902 or +353 87 280 9483
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – closed
- Bank holidays – closed
You don’t have to settle for the food sold at the airport. Why not sample some local cuisines at the English Market, a historic and vibrant place in the heart of Cork?
The English Market is a historic and lively food market that showcases the best of Irish food and culture. It offers a wide range of fresh and delicious products, including seafood, meat, cheese, bread, and exotic spices and sauces.
It’s also a place where you can mingle with the friendly locals, admire the beautiful Victorian architecture, and learn about the history and traditions of Cork. It’s a feast for all your senses and a great way to explore the city.
Pro Tip:
Located in the upper gallery, Farmgate Restaurant cafe offers a delightful dining experience where you can savor dishes made with ingredients sourced from the vibrant stalls below, making it a must-visit for a taste of the local food scene.
Wander around University College Cork and Nearby Attractions
Website: https://www.ucc.ie/en/visitorservices/tours/public/
Address: Lios Cross, Ballygarvan, Co Cork
Phone: 021 2373033
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
One of the coolest places to visit in Cork City is University College Cork, or UCC for short. It’s a historic university that blends old and new, and it’s only 1km from the city centre.
You can join a walking tour of the campus and see amazing sights like the Gothic Quadrangle, the ancient Ogham stones, the grand Aula Maxima, and the modern Glucksman.
But that’s not all. UCC is also close to some other awesome attractions:
- Fitzgerald Park (11-min walk from UCC)
- Cork Public Museum (Just around Fitzgerald Park)
- Cork City Gaol (13-min walk from Fitzgerald Park)
Pro Tip:
Enjoy a pint at Bishopstown Bar, a cozy pub just minutes away from UCC campus. With a wide selection of drinks, delicious food, and entertainment options like live sports, pool, darts, and live music, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Explore the City Centre through Shandon Mile Walk
How about a stroll through Cork’s history and culture? That’s what you’ll get on the Shandon Mile Walk, a self-guided tour that takes you to some of the city’s most iconic sights.
Start at Daunt’s Square, where you can explore the English Market and sample some of the best food in Ireland. Then follow the signs to see St. Anne’s Church, the Butter Museum, and Shandon Bridge.
The walk is only one mile long, and you can find a map online to guide you along. It’s a great way to discover Cork’s rich history and vibrant culture in a short time.
Pro Tip:
A fun and unique activity for your layover is to ring the bells at St. Anne’s Church. You’ll enjoy the historic sound and the amazing views from the tower.
Take an Instagrammable Shot with the Colorful Ardú Street Art
Website: http://arducork.ie/
Email: [email protected]
Your trip to Cork doesn’t have to be boring. You can spice up your trip with some colorful photos at the Color Ardú Street Art project–a series of murals painted by local artists on the walls of buildings in the city center.
The art tour, starting at Wandesford Quay, showcases vibrant portraits, abstract patterns, and inspiring messages that celebrate Cork’s people during the pandemic, offering an hour-long journey suitable for all ages to brighten up their day.
There’s a map available online that shows you where to find each mural, or you can join a guided tour for a more immersive experience. Either way, you’ll be amazed by the talent and imagination of the artists who created this urban gallery.
Pro Tip:
Enhance your experience of the Ardú Street Art project by taking the free audio tour on the Ardú website, featuring artist interviews, mural stories, and insights into the art.
Have a Retail Therapy at Cork Shopping District
Cork is a shopper’s paradise, with a variety of stores, boutiques and street stalls to suit every taste and budget. You can explore the main street of St. Patrick’s, where you can find everything from books to fashion, art supplies to homeware.
You can also check out the new Opera Lane, where you can shop for the latest trends from high-street brands like Top Shop, River Island, H&M, and more.
And when you need a break, you can relax in one of the many cozy bistros that dot the city. Cork is the perfect place to have a retail therapy and enjoy the creative spirit of Ireland’s second largest city.
Pro Tip:
Visit Carrolls® Irish Gifts on Patrick Street for a wide range of unique Irish souvenirs, including clothing, jewellery, books, and food, all with a touch of Irish charm.