Flights To Cork Guide

The primarily operational airport in Cork is the Cork Airport (ORK), situated at Farmers Cross, 6.5 kilometres  south of the city centre. Numerous amenities are accessible at the airport, such as business lounges, free Wi-Fi, dining choices, and ride rentals. 

For tourists looking for alternative airport options, Cork is also served by the Shannon Airport (SNN) to the northwest of the city and Kerry Airport (KIR) to the southwest of the city. Both of these facilities offer domestic and several international flights.

The typical flight duration from the UK to Cork lies somewhere between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes, depending on the departure point. The airlines operating direct flights from the UK to Cork include Ryanair, British Airways, and Aer Lingus.

Woking Travel manages transfer services from Cork Airport to your accommodation to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. To guarantee a convenient transit from the airport to your lodging, you can book a transfer service at Transfers-Woking Travel.

Woking Travel provides a range of accommodations in Cork. You can explore hotels by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or browse our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel.

Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or an outdoor explorer, Cork has something in store for everyone. And to facilitate your Cork adventure, here’s a list of the top 10 hotels each with its own unique flair:

1. The Merchant Hotel: The 5-star Merchant Hotel is a refurbished 19th-century establishment providing luxurious accommodations, top-tier dining, and an opulent spa. The hotel also has a beautiful atrium with a gorgeous glass ceiling, creating a bright and airy ambience.
   
   
2. Hayfield Manor Hotel: With a beautiful courtyard lawn, this 5-star hotel provides luxury with a contemporary take. Roomy suites, a famous restaurant and a relaxing spa are the amenities this hotel offers, in close proximity to the Cork city centre.
   
   
3. Fota Island Resort: Spend a day filled with grandeur at this 5-star island paradise sitting on the coast of Cork. With immaculate golf-courses, a luxury spa and sauna, and an assortment of dining options, this private island facility is the perfect place for the elite and luxury-seekers.
   
   
4. Castlemartyr Resort: With its old-world charm and all sorts of modern amenities, this beautiful 5-star resort sets a regal accommodation for its guests. The hotel has beautifully preserved architectural features in the 18th century castle that it is housed in.
   
   
5. The Dean Cork: This chic 4-star hotel in the heart of Cork’s vivid Victorian Quarter is ideally curated for design enthusiasts with its quirky Irish interior. With deluxe lodges, a rooftop cinema overlooking beautiful views of the city, and a bustling bar and eatery scene, it conveniently caters to guests’ requirements with great service.
   
   
6. The Montenotte Hotel: This luxury 4-star boutique hotel owns stylish rooms, an opulent bar, and an award-winning restaurant. Most rooms are lined with windows glimpsing at the stunning city views, for that touristy feel.
   
   
7. Clayton Hotel Cork City: Setting the standard high with a sky bar, the observatory, and breathtaking rooftop views, this 4-star hotel provides all kinds of comforts to its guests with a hint of splendour.
   
   
8. The Metropole Hotel: Presenting a piece of Cork’s history, the classic 3-star Metropole Hotel offers original Victorian architecture, cosy accommodations, and a welcoming atmosphere.
   
   
9. Jurys Inn Cork: Centrally located, this 3-star hotel offers comfortable amenities on a budget for tourists seeking affordable accommodations. The inn is an ideal place for a family stay and is children- friendly with a designated play area.
   
   
10. Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork: This modern 3-star hotel offers excellent value for money with its services. Located shortly from Cork city centre, it offers cosy rooms, a bar and restaurant, and a great spa.

Cork provides a range of transport options to facilitate tourists moving around the city and county. These include sprawling bus networks, commuter train lines, taxis, biking and cycling routes, and more. Here’s a detailed rundown:

• Buses: Bus Éireann manages a substantial bus network within Cork city and links it to nearby towns and villages in the county and beyond. The chief bus station is located at Parnell Place in the city’s core. Moreover, Local Link offers a network of smaller buses operating in rural areas.

• Trains: Irish Rail runs two commuter train lines in Cork: the Cork-Cobh line and the Cork-Midleton line. These are a considerable option for day excursions to these beautiful towns in the city.
• Taxi: Taxis are operational throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked on phone. Cork, unlike other cities in Ireland, does not have ride-hailing services running within the city premises.
• Cycling: Cork is enhancing its bike-friendly characteristic, with dedicated cycle lanes on many roads along with bike rental services. 
• Walking: Cork is comparatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, an ideally suitable way to explore the scenic spectacles and soak up the crisp atmosphere.

Cork has an intriguing culture, alluring scenery, and hospitable people, among other attractions worth checking out when visiting this place. Here are ten destinations that should be on top of your itinerary if you are meaning to visit Cork:

1. Blarney Castle and Gardens: This is where the Blarney Stone lies, which visitors can kiss for a gift for good fortune.
   
   
2. English Market: An iconic covered marketplace based in Cork, it is popular for the fresh foods produced within its vicinity and for its active vibe.
   
   
3. Titanic Experience Cobh: Tour the terminal port of call, Cobh, where tourists can experience the ancient narrative and history of the Titanic through interactive displays.
   
   
4. Fota Wildlife Park: The wildlife sanctuary that allows visitors to sight animals in their natural habitats.
   
   
5. Cobh Heritage Centre: Discover more about Cobh’s maritime history, including its tragic connection to the Titanic and mass emigration during the world famine.
   
   
6. Spike Island: Spike Island was once a monastic colony and a citadel, but now it is a site offering guided tours full of historical wonders.
   
   
7. Kinsale: This picturesque town boasts colourful streets, historical sites like Charles Fort and gourmet dining.
   
   
8. The Jameson Experience, Midleton: You can only get enriched by taking guided tours around this whiskey distillery and tasting it.
   
   
9. Garnish Island: A mind-blowing garden island with exotic plants, Artistic sculptures, and sea views that take your breath away.
   
   
10. Cork City Gaol: This reconditioned jail museum brings history back to life with dynamic displays and sensory experiences.

1. The Ramen Bar: This hip eat-out teleports you to Japan with exquisite ramen bowls and original street food experiences. Slurp down the steaming ramen broth and savour flavourful noodles.
   
   
2. Lorne Restaurant: Enjoy a modern twist on traditional Irish cuisine incorporating fresh, locally-obtained products. Tourists can expect innovative presentations and an emphasis on seasonal flavours.
   
   
3. The Fishwife: Delve right into an atmosphere of fresh catches at this alluring harborside restaurant. Spanning from classically cooked fish and chips to extraordinary seafood creations, your taste buds will likely somersault.
   
   
4. Market Lane: Tourists can experience unique culinary creations from around the world with Market Lane’s special tapas menu. Delicacies influenced by Moroccan spices, Asian street food, and Spanish classics, all in a spirited atmosphere.
   
   
5. Shandon Bells: This cosy pub is a delightful sanctuary for filling, traditional Irish cuisine. Imagine slow-cooked stews, fresh seafood chowders, and delicately poured pints of Guinness, ideal for a rainy day.
   
   
6. Bodega Tapas & Wine: Set foot in a Bodega’s charming cellar transformed into a tapas delight. Tourists can enjoy pure Spanish tapas along with an extensive range of wines, a truly satisfying experience.
   
   
7. Nash 19: This top-tier restaurant focuses on modern European-inspired dishes with a contemporary turn. Tourists can expect lavish plating, exquisite ingredients, and a fine dining ambience perfect for a special occasion.
   
   
8. Farmgate Cafe: With their ingenious and scrumptious brunch fare, this popular café lifts brunch to a new degree. Breakfast and brunch fanatics will discover a perfect paradise here, featuring everything from delicious pancakes to wonderful eggs Benedict permutations.
   
   
9. The Franciscan Well: Tourists can enjoy excellent pub cuisine and a wide assortment of Irish craft beers inside this ancient tavern. Gulp down a pint, feast on their famous cheese board, and take in the fun ambience.
   
   
10. The French Paradox: Tourists can engross themselves in the traditional French food at this Parisian bistro. Treat yourself to flavourful pastries, savoury quiches, and appetising charcuterie boards while surrounded by a cosy and romantic atmosphere.

1. Take a Tour of the Jameson Distillery: Learn about how Irish whiskey is made by visiting Midleton’s Jameson Distillery, where whiskey tastings and a peek into its heritage are available.
   
   
2. Visit Blarney Castle: Enter the Blarney Castle premises, bordered by beautiful gardens filled with a variety of flowers or shrubs besides roses. Don’t leave without having kissed the famous Blarney stone for fortune and eloquence!
   
   
3. Traverse the River Lee: The relaxing boat trip on the River Lee is a chance to tour Cork and its environs with its incredible views.
   
   
4. Walk across Fitzgerald Park: Spend a tranquil day exploring the Fitzgerald Park, which is home to some of the most beguiling gardens in Ireland and the Cork Public Museum.
   
   
5. Explore Cobh’s Maritime History: Stop by the Cobh Heritage Centre to be introduced to some interesting aspects of this town’s maritime chronicles, including its sad relevance with the Titanic.
   
   
6. Journey into Fota Wildlife Park: Fota Wildlife Park is an ideal place to sight wild animals in their natural habitats; it is a favourite among many animal lovers.
   
   
7. Enjoy Kinsale’s Food Scene: Kinsale has become synonymous with fine dining for food lovers, offering a broad assortment of great eat-outs, cafes and gourmet delicacies that can be embarked upon.
   
   
8. Picnic at Fitzgerald Park: A peaceful picnic in this park’s serene surroundings is one way to de-stress while relishing nature at its prime.
   
   
9. Take a Walking Tour of Cork City: Those who are curious about Cork City’s architecture, history, regional legends, and other landmarks around it should take strolling tours since these are curated in such a way that one can fully experience all that the city has to offer.
   
   
10. Explore the English Market: Take some time off and shop around fresh produce stalls at this local indoor food marketplace, or devour culinary delicacies served here and local craftspeople selling artisan products while you are at it!

Cork encounters a four-season adventure throughout the year, its charm extending beyond its rich heritage and cultural significance. Here is a breakdown of what Cork looks like through the year:

• Summer (June – August): Cork experiences a warm and delightful summer with temperatures ranging from  15-20°C (59-68°F). Summer is relatively drier than other seasons, experiencing little rainfall. Tourists can bathe and soak in the sun, visit bustling festivals, take boat trips on Cork Harbour, or trek on the beautiful trails bordering the city.

• Fall (September – November): Fall consists of mild days with cooler nights , averaging 10-15°C (50-59°F). Rainfall comparatively increases in the fall than summer but stays controllable. Inhale the lush foliage, explore historic locations like Blarney Castle with lesser crowds, and lose yourself in cosy pub evenings with traditional tunes.

• Winter (December to February): Winters come as the chilliest months in Ireland with average temperatures of 9-15°C (48-59°F). This season is the wettest of all, with the highest average rainfall. Engage in a riveting show at the Cork Opera House, tour museums and archaic sites for a cosy vacation, or bask in the festive bustle of the Christmas markets.

• Spring (March to May): With an eventual increase in warmth, casting an average temperature range of 9-15°C (48-59°F). The fluctuating forecasts put on a show of occasional sunny spells and rain showers. Experience the city come alive with blossoming flowers, enjoy outdoor pursuits like kayaking or biking, and witness the whir of pre-summer festivities.
  
  

Tourists can stay updated with any unanticipated weather fluctuations by following this Cork City Weather Forecast to plan the perfect trip.

• Standard Time (GMT): No time difference – both Ireland and the UK are on GMT (IST).

• Daylight Saving Time (BST): Cork is one hour behind the rest of the UK since it is on Irish Standard Time (IST).

Currency:

• Cork uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. While Ireland has advanced to cashless transactions to a large extent, tourists will still find most businesses in Cork accept both cash and credit/debit cards.
  
  

Language:

• The language prevalently spoken in Cork is English. Although Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) is also the national language of Ireland, English is still the dominant language.

Local Customs:

Corkonians, as the locals are known, are renowned for their considerate and welcoming hospitality. A kind greeting and a little craic (good conversation) are always appreciated in Cork. Pub culture is firmly thriving, so expect lively evenings with traditional music jams and friendly banter. Prepare for unpredictable weather – pack layers to keep warm! Tipping isn’t obligatory, but a small token of appreciation for good service is always treasured by local sellers and workers.

Laws:

For information about important national laws of Cork for tourists, travel advice and more details, visit the websites mentioned below:

• UK Government’s Travel Advice for Ireland
• Cork City Council
• Official Tourism Website of Cork

When in Cork, prepare to cross a lot of bridges. Originating as an island, the third-largest city in Ireland today stretches over both sides of the River Lee, with aqueous passages beneath several of its main thoroughfares. Walking the designated walking tour past St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral and University College’s riverfront quadrangle, and up the hill to the red and white Shandon Church is the finest way to explore this mountainous southern seaport. You will encounter many of the chatty citizens of the city along the route.

Book your flight to Cork with Woking Travel and experience the true magic of Ireland!