Things to Do in Cork

The Old Midleton Distillery near Cork, Ireland is home to the famous Jameson Irish whiskey. The distillery was founded by the Murphy brothers in the early 19th century, and it wasn't until 1975 that the new distillery, adjacent to the old one, was built. The new distillery produces 24 million bottles of Jameson, Powers and Paddy Irish whiskeys each year, and the old distillery is now a museum where visitors can take a tour and learn how Irish whiskey is made. 

Visitors are taught how Irish whiskey is produced and shown the old workings of the Old Midleton Distillery. The world's largest pot still is located here, as well as a 150 year old water wheel. Visitors will also get to see the original malting houses, corn stores, and still houses. At the end of the tour, there are Irish whiskey samples for everyone to try. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop with around 25 brands of Irish whiskey.

The Jameson Experience takes visitors on a tour of the Old Midleton Distillery in East Cork, where the well-known whiskey was produced until the 1970s. In the company of a guide, visitors explore the preserved distillery interior, and view old kilns, mills, and distilling equipment, as well as a restored 19th-century warehouse.

 

The Jameson Experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the distillery. Guests take a 75-minute guided tour that includes a short video and a walk through the historic buildings in the old distillery complex, including a 19th-century warehouse where whiskey is aged. Tours conclude with a complimentary drink of Jameson. Visitors can also purchase tutored tastings of premium Jameson whiskeys.

 

 

The Jameson Experience is situated in east Cork, 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Cork city center. Shuttle buses run from St. Patrick’s Quay, Cork, three times daily from late April through September, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October. Cobh-Midleton train service runs between Cork Kent and Midleton station, which is a 20-minute walk from the distillery. Local bus lines 261, 240, and 241, and some hop-on-hop-off buses, run between Cork and Midleton.

 

Tours run year-round, with additional frequency between April and October. The distillery is busiest on weekend afternoons, when coach tours often stop here. Come here first thing after opening (10am) to get in ahead of the crowds.

 

In addition to the Jameson Experience in Midleton, it’s also possible to tour the Jameson Distillery Bow Street in Dublin. This distillery, which was re-created and restored to look much the same as it would have before it ceased operation in the 1970s, can be explored on guided tours, that focus on the art of whiskey making and the history of the Jameson brand.

Built in 1722, St. Anne's Church is known for its large golden fish weathervane, which stands atop its bell tower and can be seen from much of the city. Visitors can climb the tower and try to play a tune on the church's eight bells, which were immortalized in the 19th-century poem, "The Bells of Shandon."

 

St. Anne's Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cork. Visitors are free to wander around the church when services are not in progress but must pay a small fee to climb the tower and ring the bells. The tower is sometimes called the "four-faced liar" because the clock faces displayed on its four sides never seem to be in sync, and often display different times.

 

Guided walking tour groups often visit St. Anne's as well as other Cork sights. Visitors can also hire a private guide, or purchase an audio tour that offers the opportunity to explore Cork independently.

 

 

St. Anne's Church is situated in the Shandon district of Cork, north of the River Lee. Walking from St. Patrick's Quay or Grand Parade will take about 10 minutes. Alternatively, Bus Éireann route 203 runs between Grand Parade and the church.

 

The church is open year-round. Opening hours and tower access can be affected by religious services. The church receives most visitors during the summer months. On busy days, such as Cork Heritage Open Day in August, you can expect to wait in line to ring the bells. To avoid crowds, visit in the morning.

 

Visitors to St. Anne's are able to ring the bells of Shandon, which were originally cast in 1750 but have since been recast several times. Instruction booklets show visitors how to play simple tunes, such as "Frère Jacques," by pulling the bells in the right sequence. Earplugs are provided to protect visitors from the loud ringing sound.

Dating from 1788, this indoor food market is among Ireland’s finest foodie destinations. Set inside a Victorian heritage building with a vaulted ceiling, the market is filled with vendors selling the finest and freshest of local produce, from grass-fed beef and smoked salmon to homemade jam, duck eggs, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

The English Market is an essential stop-off for any visitor to Cork city, whether you want to admire the elegant interior, stock up on fresh food, pick up ready-to-eat treats, or simply people-watch. While many visitors explore independently, others come as part of organized day trips from Dublin or Cobh, which often incorporate visits to Blarney Castle. The English Market typically features on Cork walking tours too, whether guided or self-guided via audio guides. 

The English Market is situated in Cork city center. The city’s main railway station, Kent station, is about a 20-minute walk away. Alternatively, catch the 205 bus, which stops at St. Patrick’s Street, just steps from the market. Other local bus services (203, 207, 208, 209A, 214, and 215) also stop at St. Patrick’s Street. 

The English Market is busiest between 11am and 4:30pm, with Fridays and Saturdays drawing the biggest crowds. If you want the space to explore, and savor the smells and sights at your leisure, go early in the morning. The market is especially atmospheric during the run-up to Christmas when traditional festive fare, such as turkeys, geese, and hams are sold. 

The English Market presents lots of opportunities for hungry travelers to try some Irish specialties. Pick up white pudding (oatmeal sausage), black pudding (blood sausage), and Irish bacon (cut from the loin)—all staples of a full Irish breakfast. Other Irish delicacies include freshly baked Irish soda bread and barmbrack, a fruit loaf with sultanas and raisins that is popular during the run-up to Halloween.