Cork Tours from Dublin

Written by Viator, November 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Tip - What to See & Do, Town / City

Historic Cork is one of Ireland’s loveliest cities. Only Dublin beats it in size, and Cork has a strong character and sense of identity, celebrating Irish poetry, theater, song and dance.

The city is on Ireland’s south coast in the province of Munster, 252 km (156 miles) south-west of Dublin. Limerick lies to the north, with Waterford further along the coast to the east.

Cork’s Georgian-era city center is on an island formed by the River Lee, with the harbor and port on the eastern stretch of the Lee. Shopping and food are celebrated here, and there’s stand-out sightseeing at St Finbarre’s Cathedral, pedestrianized St. Patrick’s Street, the English Market and the medieval Red Abbey.

Cork is only 8km (5 miles) from medieval Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone – few visitors miss the opportunity to hover upside-down to kiss the legendary stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to those who pucker up. The castle is surrounded by lush gardens and hidden rock formations like the Druid’s Circle and Witch’s Cave.

You can easily visit both Cork and Blarney Castle on a day trip from Dublin, including intercity travel by train. Further west from Cork is the fabled Ring of Kerry, a famously scenic circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula and taking in Killarney, Kenmare and Sneem. Walkers can follow the parallel Kenny Way, or you can combine Cork, Blarney and Kerry on a two-day tour from Dublin .

For a longer excursion from Dublin, spread your sightseeing over four days. Along with time in Cork, you’ll take in the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, the Burren and the stunning Cliffs of Moher – on a clear day you can glimpse the Aran Islands in Galway Bay from atop the cliffs.

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All Cork Tours from Dublin Reviews

Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: 3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher Rail Trip

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour! Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Our transportation and accommodations were great. It was an excellent way to see a lot in a limited amount of time. A great value. We would highly recommend it.

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Cork and Blarney Castle Rail Trip from Dublin

We took 2 day tours by train and this one was the best. Traveling by train is the only way to go to see the beautiful Irish countryside. The day was beautiful and the grounds at Blarney Castle were to die for. We loved exploring the castle and especially kissing the Blarney stone. Touring the cathedral and museum at Cobh was fantastic. We really liked our bus driver and tour guide as they really enhanced our experience and made the day fun.

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Cork and Blarney Castle Rail Trip from Dublin

This was a fantastic tour. The guides were wonderful. So very kind and full of information. The tour itself was well timed.... a little time with the group and time to be on your own to explore. I really enjoyed being able to take the train and bus. Plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

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