Are you and your circle of friends searching for enjoyable experiences in Cork? Well, you’re in for a treat!
From cool history and pretty streets to fun culture and amazing nature, Cork is perfect for making great memories with your buddies. No matter if you want to have an adventure or just chill, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s check out the awesome things you can do together with your friends!
Top Picks for Fun Things to Do with Friends in Cork
Some fun things to do in Cork with friends are ziplining at Farran Park, watching a show at The Everyman Theatre, and discovering whiskey at the Jameson Experience.
You can also enjoy stargazing at Blackrock Castle Observatory, biking around Cork City, and bouncing at Airstastic trampoline park.
Feel the Adrenaline Rush While Ziplining at Farran Park
Website: https://zipit.ie/locations/farran-park/park-info/
Address: Aglish, Farran Wood, Co. Cork, P31 C427, Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)51 858008
Email: [email protected]
If you want to have some fun in the forest, you should visit Zipit Farran Park, a Zipline adventure park that offers stunning views of Inniscarra lake and the countryside.
Farran Forest Park has everything you need for a great day out, including parking, toilets, and a playground. The enclosure and the pond have wildlife like deer and ducks, and the display centre in the old lodge teaches you about the forest.
Zipit Farran Park is very easy to get to, as it is only 20 minutes away from Cork City. You can also walk to the National Rowing Centre, or play with your kids at the new playground nearby.
Pro Tip:
Add a challenge to your forest adventure by trying the five zipline circuits at Zipit Farran Park, each with a different height and over 100 activities.
The higher the level, the more thrilling and rewarding the experience.
Enjoy a Live Performance at The Everyman Theatre
Website: https://everymancork.com/
Address: 15 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 E094
Phone: +353 (0)21 450 1673
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12 PM to 7:30 PM (5 PM non-performance days)
- Sunday & Bank Holidays: 4 PM to 7:30 PM (Performance days only)
The Everyman Theatre is a 650-seat Victorian theatre on MacCurtain Street in Cork, Ireland. It opened in 1897, and is the oldest purpose-built theatre building in Cork.
A visit to the amazing Everyman Theatre is a great way to spend a night in Cork City without pubs or food.
It hosts a variety of shows, from drama and comedy to opera and jazz. You’ll also be impressed by the beauty of its historic building, with a proscenium arch, four decorated boxes, and a stained glass window.
The Everyman has a mission to showcase the best of Irish and international performances, from plays and musicals to comedy and opera.
Pro Tip:
To save money at Everyman Theatre, you should check out their concession tickets, student tickets, group bookings, and school bookings. These options can help you enjoy the shows for a lower price and with more benefits.
Learn About the Art of Whiskey-Making at the Jameson Experience
Website: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en/visit-our-distilleries/
Address: Old Midleton Distillery, Distillery Walk, Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 Y394
Email: [email protected].
The Jameson Experience is a must-see attraction for whiskey lovers and history buffs alike. It’s the home of the world-famous Jameson Irish Whiskey, which has been produced here since 1975.
You can take a guided tour of the old distillery, where you will see the largest pot still in the world, the original kilns, mills, maltings, and warehouses. You’ll also learn about the history and craft of Irish whiskey making, from the barley to the bottle.
At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Jameson or a whiskey cocktail, and compare it with other whiskeys from around the world.
The Jameson Experience is a fascinating and fun way to discover the story and spirit of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Pro Tip:
They recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
The expected wait time can vary depending on availability, but luckily they have a great bar team to keep them entertained
Their opening hours and their last tour times differ, and since they don’t want them to miss out, remember, if their closing time says 7pm, chances are their last tour is at 6pm.
Explore the Cosmos at the Blackrock Castle Observatory
Website: https://www.bco.ie/
Address: Castle Rd, Blackrock, Cork, Ireland T12 YW52 CHY 18134
Phone: (021) 432 6120
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 16th-century castle that is now a science centre and an active research observatory.
There are many opportunities to learn about astronomy, space, and science through interactive exhibits, games, and activities.
The observatory also offers a chance to see the stars and planets through telescopes, and to send a message to aliens from the castle tower.
It’s a great place to have fun and discover the wonders of the universe with your friends.
Pro Tip:
To view the cosmos through a telescope, you should choose a dark night when the moon is new or thin, and a season and location that match the celestial objects you want to see.
To get updates on astronomical phenomena, you can subscribe to newsletters or podcasts from reputable sources, such as NASA or Sky & Telescope.
Discover Cork’s Beauty on a City Cycle Tour
Website: https://www.beyondtheglass.ie/tour/cork-city-cycle-tour/
Address: 36 St. Patrick’s Quay, Victorian Quarter, Cork (meeting place)
Phone: +353 86 385 0398
Email: [email protected]
The City Cycle Tour lets you and your friends enjoy a fun bike ride in Cork, where you can see pretty places and important buildings along the way.
Some of the cool spots you will visit are Fitzgerald’s Park, a lovely green space with a museum and a fountain, and St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, a Gothic-style church with stained glass windows and a gold angel.
The guide will tell you interesting facts about Cork’s past and how people live here. They give you a bike and a helmet, and the ride takes about two hours.
You can book it on the internet or by calling. It’s a neat and unique way to explore Cork with your buddies.
Pro Tip:
Before you join a city cycle tour, you should wear comfortable clothing, shoes, and helmet, and pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera.
You should also make sure your bike is in good condition, or rent one from the tour company or a local bike shop if you don’t have your own.
Have a Bouncy Good Time at Airstastic
Website: https://air-tastic.com/locations/cork
Address: Unit 5, Eastgate Retail Park, Little Island, Cork, Ireland, T45 NF25
Phone: 0818 88 22 32
Email: [email protected]
Airtastic Entertainment Centre in Little Island is a fantastic place to visit with your friends in Cork, where you can enjoy a variety of leisure and excitement activities.
This one-of-a-kind indoor trampoline park offers an unforgettable experience that promises laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
At Airtastic, you and your friends play ten-pin bowling on a 12-lane alley, play mini-golf on a space-themed course, or jump and bounce on trampolines.
You can also have fun with different activities, such as bowling, mini-golf, and inflata and ninja park.
Pro Tip:
Stay hydrated and take breaks. Playing at Inflata can be tiring and sweaty, so make sure you drink plenty of water and rest when you need to.
Best Outdoor Adventures to Add to Your Circle’s Bucket List
Try Your Hand at Axe Throwing for a Stress-Relieving Experience
Website: https://www.axethrowingcork.com/
Address: 4 French Church Street, Cork City, T12 AE4X
Phone: 087-2546307
Email: [email protected]
Axe throwing is a sport that involves throwing axes at wooden targets. It is a fun and exciting way to test your accuracy, strength, and coordination. You can try it at Axe Throwing Cork, the first and only indoor axe throwing venue in the city.
You choose your favorite axe and learn how to throw it safely and accurately from expert instructors. The place also has an old-fashioned feel with a bar and chill area.
Throwing axes helps with stress and is like exercise. It’s good for your muscles and heart and it also makes you think and focus better.
Axe throwing is a mix of fun, staying fit, and being good at something. It’s a different and cool thing you can do in Cork.
Pro Tip:
Choose the right axe for you. Different axes have different weights, lengths, and shapes, and you should find one that suits your hand size, strength, and preference.
Embark on an Adventure with Ocean Escapes
Website: https://www.oceanescapes.ie/
Address: Custom House Quay, Centre, Cork, Ireland
Email: [email protected]
Ocean Escapes is a tour company that offers the ultimate Cork Harbour experience. You’ll see old waterways, old buildings, sea animals, nice views, and places where battles happened.
The highlights of the tour includes places like Rochespoint Lighthouse, Blackrock Castle, Spike Island Prison, Camden Fort Meagher, Haulbowline Naval Base, Martello Towers, Lord Inchiquin and the World’s first Yacht Club, and Cobh.
For thrill-seekers, Ocean Escapes offers high-speed ribs – small inflatable boats reaching high velocities. These allow you to customize your tour of the harbour, and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
Pro Tip:
Whether it’s a warm or a cool day, you can enjoy our spacious boats and bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, water, camera, jacket, warm clothing, and even a hot water bottle if you like.
Have a Unique Game of Kinsale Footgolf
Website: https://www.footgolfcork.com/
Address: Foot Golf Cork, Ringenane, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Phone: +353 85 2290367
Email: [email protected]
FootGolf is the sport that combines football and golf into one awesome activity. It’s the only place in the South of Ireland where you can play FootGolf on a specially designed course.
The rules are simple: you kick a football into holes that are made for this sport, and you try to use as few kicks as possible.
FootGolf Cork has 18 holes that vary in length from 39 to 90 yards. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to finish a round.
Footgolf is a fun thing to do for friends in Cork because it is a new and exciting sport that combines the skills of football and golf. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and have some friendly competition.
Pro Tip:
Play with the wind. You should take into account the direction and speed of the wind when you kick the ball, as it may affect its trajectory and distance.
Make a Splash at Ballyhass Aquapark
Website: https://www.ballyhass.ie/
Address: Lee Valley Harbour, Carhoo Upper, Carrigadrohid, Co. Cork, P12 AN29
Phone: +353 (0)21 733 4774
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday & Monday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Ballyhass offers over 15 different outdoor activities such as Aquaparks, axe throwing, wakeboarding and more at two sites near Coachford and Mallow. Both sites have café’s serving pizza, treats and tea and coffee.
Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll embark on water-based escapades tailored to your skill level and abilities. Activities are neatly categorized into four exciting sections: Water, Height, Land, and special events.
You and your friends can have fun on the High Nets Course in Coachford, where they can bounce and play high in the air. You can also enjoy the kayaking tour on the Lee Valley, where they can see nature and a castle on the river.
Ballyhass is a beautiful and historic place that promises a memorable day out.
Pro Tip:
If you are looking for more adventure and variety, you can try out some of the other activities that Ballyhass Coachford offers, such as wakeboarding, kayaking, ziplining, archery, axe throwing, and more.
Top Nightlife Destinations to Enjoy with Friends
Experience the Charm of Historic Pubs Like Hi-B Bar
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063605045232
Address: 108 Oliver Plunkett St, Cork, Ireland
Phone: +353 21 427 2758
Email: [email protected]
Hi-B Bar is a charming and cozy place that you can’t help but adore. It’s upstairs opposite the Post Office, in the heart of Cork.
The bar, which has been run by the same family since the 1920s, still thrives despite the sad loss of its legendary owner Brian O’Donnell in 2019. The vintage style of the décor reflects the long history and character of the iconic bar.
The bar is famous for its strict rules, such as no mobile phones, but that only makes it more fun and quirky.
This is one of the Cork pubs that attracts both locals and tourists alike. A perfect spot to spend a winter evening.
Pro Tip:
Since you’re not allowed to bring a mobile phone into Hi-B Bar in Cork, consider engaging in face-to-face conversations more deeply and be present in the moment without distractions.
Catch a Show at the Crane Lane Theatre
Website: https://www.cranelanetheatre.ie/
Address: Phoenix Street, Cork City
Phone: +353 (0)21 427 8487
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 2 PM till late
- Saturday & Sunday – 12 PM till late
The Crane Lane Theatre is a legendary bar in Cork City. It used to be a gentleman’s club in the 1920s and still has a vintage vibe throughout.
The Crane Lane has three bars that serve craft beers and spirits, and a beer garden. It has live music of different kinds every night, and it is a lively place to go out.
The bar has hosted some of the biggest names in blues, jazz and indie music since it opened. When you go there, you can expect: live music every night, vintage decor from the 20s, 30s and 40s, theatre shows, burlesque nights, and more
Pro Tip:
The Crane Lane Theatre is one of the most popular pubs in Cork City, so it can get crowded. It is better to go there early if you want to get a good spot.
Enjoy Live Music And Comedy At Coughlan’s Live
Website: https://www.coughlans.ie/
Address: Coughlan’s, 7 Douglas Street, Cork, Ireland
Phone: +353 (21) 229 0482
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 2 PM till late
- Saturday & Sunday – 12 PM till late
Coughlan’s Live is a popular venue for music and comedy lovers in Cork City. It has a long history of hosting some of the best musicians from Ireland and abroad, and it offers a superb experience to its visitors.
Coughlan’s is a cozy and award-winning pub that has been run by the same family for nearly 200 years, making it one of the city’s oldest. It features a variety of live music every night, from famous names to new talents.
It also boasts one of the largest gin collections in the county, and a heated beer garden.
Pro Tip:
Check out the “What’s On” section in their website. There you can find the upcoming events and shows that are happening at this music venue and pub.
Savor The Award-Winning Atmosphere At The Old Town Whiskey Bar
Website: https://oldtownwhiskeybar.com/
Address: 44-45 Cornmarket St, Centre, Cork
Phone: +353 21 427 3756
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to Midnight
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 2:30 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega is a cozy and family-run pub that is Ireland’s largest whiskey bar, located in a beautiful building in the heart of Cork City. It has a vintage vibe and has been open since the 1920s.
The pub has live music and comedy shows with some of the best musicians from Ireland and abroad, and it serves craft beers, spirits, and Irish pub food. It has a fireplace, a TV, an outdoor seating area, and a lot of popularity and fun.
It’s a place where friends can have a superb experience of Irish culture and hospitality, enjoying good food, drinks, music, and laughter. It is a place where friends can feel at home.
Pro Tip:
The bar offers a variety of dishes that are made with fresh and local ingredients, and that pair well with their extensive whiskey selection. Here are some of the dishes that you can try:
• Bookmaker Burger
• Bodega Fish & Chips
• Veggie Burger
• Whiskey Board
Fun Cultural Experiences to Do in Cork with Friends
Ring the Iconic Shandon Bells
Website: http://www.shandonbells.ie/
Address: Shandon Bells & Tower, St Anne’s Church of Ireland, Eason’s Hill, Shandon, Cork City, T23 YN88
Phone: 353214505906
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM (Last Entry: 4:30 PM)
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Last Entry: 4 PM)
- Bank Holiday (June/August) – 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Last Entry: 3:40 PM)
If you want to have a unique experience in Cork, don’t miss the chance to climb up to the top of St. Anne’s Church in Cork City and ring the 18th century Shandon Bells!
On the first floor, you can ring the bells unaccompanied. As you climb to the balcony, you’ll see the clock’s heart and brain, the pendulum and the mechanism, and learn about the mysterious urns and the four-faced liar.
You’ll also pass through the belfry with the heavy bells, where you’ll need ear defenders and some courage to face the narrow space and the wooden steps.
Finally, you’ll reach the top of the tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of Cork City. You’ll see the city’s history and development in 360 degrees, and admire its many steeples and spires.
Pro Tip:
Remember, you have to climb 132 steep steps to reach the Shandon Bell, so being physically fit is essential.
• Start with a light warm-up, such as brisk walking or light stretching, to get your muscles ready for the workout.
• Divide your stair climbing practice into intervals. Each interval consists of climbing the stairs at a moderate to brisk pace followed by a short recovery period.
• Stair climbing can be a demanding exercise, so make sure to stay hydrated.
• Consistency is key. Aim for regular practice sessions leading up to your visit, but also remember that progress takes time.
Immerse Yourself In History At The Titanic Experience
Website: https://www.titanicexperiencecobh.ie/
Address: 20 Casement Square, Cobh, Co. Cork P24 DW63
Phone: + 353 (0) 21 4814412
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- October to March: Open Daily – 10 AM to 5:30 PM (Last admission: 4:30 PM)
- April to September: Open Daily – 9 AM to 6 PM (Last admission: 5:30 PM)
One of the most interesting attractions in Cork is the Titanic Experience. You can learn the fascinating history of one of Ireland’s most famous ships at this popular place.
Although it’s actually a museum experience and not a real ship, this experience lets you feel like you are part of the Titanic story, as you go to the recreated Titanic ticket desk that used to be there, get a ticket, and board the Titanic.
This thrilling and unforgettable experience is sure to be one of the best things to do in Cork with friends.
Pro Tip:
Cobh is a great place to visit all year round, with many attractions to enjoy like St. Colman’s Cathedral, Fota Wildlife Park, Cuskinny Court, Fota Island Adventure, and Cork Harbour Boat Hire, the historic Spike Island.
Get A Different Perspective By Kissing The Blarney Stone
Website: https://blarneycastle.ie/
Address: Blarney Castle, Blarney, Cork, Ireland
Phone: 00 353 21 438 5252
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- January to March: 9 AM to 5 PM (Last Admission 4 PM)
- April: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (Last Admission 4:30 PM)
- May to September: 9 AM to 6 PM (Last Admission 5 PM)
- October: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (Last Admission 4:30 PM)
- November to December: 9 AM to 5 PM (Last Admission 4 PM)
- Dec 24th & Dec 25th: Closed
- Dec 26th & Jan 1st: 10 AM to 5. PM (Last Admission 4 PM)
Blarney Castle and Stone are famous attractions that you should not miss when you visit Cork.
The most famous feature of the castle is the Blarney Stone, a block of limestone that is set into the battlements of the castle. It’s said to have magical powers that give the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it.
The gift of eloquence means that you can speak well and persuade people. To kiss the stone, you have to climb 132 steep steps to the top of the castle, then lean over backwards on the edge of the parapet with the help of an assistant.
Kissing the Blarney Stone is not only a fun thing to do with friends, but also a way to make new friends. It’s also an opportunity to connect with people from different places and cultures who share your curiosity and sense of adventure.
Pro Tip:
• If you want to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of gab, the best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, when the crowds are thinner.
• Be prepared to climb to the top of the castle and lean backwards over a wall. You’ll hold onto iron bars and lower yourself down to reach the stone, which is upside down.
• Don’t miss the castle and the gardens, where you can see beautiful views and learn about poisonous plants.