See

Elizabeth Fort

The original fort built in 1601 was just timber and earth, and the citizens made short work of it. It was rebuilt from 1624 as a stout "star" fortress. It lost its defensive role in 1719 but was variously used as a barracks, a depot for convicts (mostly female) awaiting transportation to the colonies, and a police station to 2013. It's now simply a tourist area with a gallery and occasional events, and you can walk along the walls.

Address: Barrack St T12 C8A0
Hours: Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM
Price: Free
Website: corkcity.ie (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Cork, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Eat
Quay Co-op
Vegetarian restaurant (lots of vegan and GF choice) within a health food store.
Mon-Sat 8AM-6PM
See
St Fin Barre's Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre (550-623 AD) was a preacher who spent his last 17 years hereabouts. A monastery dedicated to him was built in the 7th century, and there have been at least three churches on the site before the present building. This is an elaborate Church of Ireland (Anglican) cathedral built 1865-79 in Gothic Revival style. The interior is relatively small: Burgess the architect realised it would go way over budget so the focus was on creating a grand frontage, to impress the citizens and overawe the resurgent Catholics. There are three great spires, intricate carvings and gargoyles, stain glass windows, and a high ceiling over a rather stubby nave. The pipe organ adds to the cathedral's many expensive items of construction and maintenance.
Mon-Sat 9:30AM-5:30PM, Sun 1-5:30PMAdult €7, conc €6, child free
Drink
An Spailpín Fánach
It's Irish for "the migrant labourer" and has trad music most nights and a great atmosphere.
Mon Tue 5-11:30PM, Wed-Sun 7-11:30PM
See
Nano Nagle Place
Honora Nagle (1718-1784) pioneered Catholic education for girls in an era when that was repressed by the Penal Laws. She founded an Ursuline convent and the Presentation Sisters, which inspired Edmund Rice in Waterford to found the Presentation Brothers and later Christian Brothers. The museum depicts Nano's life, times and works, and the garden is an oasis of tranquillity.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PMAdult €7.50, conc €5, child €4.50