A Guide to Getting Around Cork: Tips and Information

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Visitors to Cork will find that the city has a lot to offer. There are many things to see and do, and getting around can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the area. This guide will give you some tips on how to best get around Cork, as well as information on what to see and do while you’re there. Enjoy your time in Cork!

Getting Around Cork Without a Car

Do You Need a Car in Cork Ireland?

If you’re planning a trip to Cork, Ireland, you might be wondering if you need a car. The answer is that it depends on what you want to do and see. If renting a car is not in your budget, it IS possible to enjoy Cork (and other parts of Ireland) without a car, you will just be a bit more limited in what you can do.

If you’re staying in the city, you can easily walk or take public transportation to get just about anywhere. However, if you want to explore beyond the city limits, you will likely want a car.

There are buses and trains that can get you to other big cities and nearby towns, but they won’t allow you to really explore all that Ireland has to offer in its countryside and smaller towns. If you’re ok sticking with the big cities, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem for you.

There are also many day tours you can take, but you might be limited in what you can see and do. A car will give you the freedom to explore Cork and the rest of Ireland at your own pace and see all the sights that interest you.

How to Get From Cork Airport to the City Center – Without a Car

Cork Airport (ORK) is the second-largest international airport in the Republic of Ireland and is located about 5mi (8km) from the city center. 

The main ways to get out of the airport without a car are by bus or car hire. There are taxis located in front of the terminal building and the approximate fare from the airport to the city center is €20. 

There is also a bus station located in front of the terminal building. A bus from the airport to the city center takes around 20 minutes and the price of a single ticket is about €3. You can buy tickets at the ticket machines in the station or directly from the bus driver.

The most reliable mode of transportation from the airport is to set up a private car transfer ahead of time. It costs about $66, but it saves you the worry of finding a taxi or getting on a bus while you’re tired from traveling.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the arrival lounge, holding a sign with your name, to take you to your accommodation in central Cork fast and hassle-free.

❗CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER❗

Is Cork, Ireland Walkable?

Yes! I didn’t have a car myself when visiting Cork (while living in Dublin), and I found that it was very easy to get around by foot while there.

Most places were on average only 10-20 minutes away on foot, and since the city is compact, it was never too difficult to find my way. However, I would recommend staying in the city center to make things easier, as that way you’ll be within walking distance of all the major attractions.

Best Places to Stay in Cork to Get Around on Foot

⭐ Best All Around: Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

This upscale hotel features a bar/lounge, coffee shop/cafe, and snack bar/deli – perfect for grabbing a bite to eat. Other travelers also appreciate the comfortable beds and great location. When you’re ready to relax, head to the terrace and enjoy a drink.

💸 Budget Option: Bru Bar & Hostel

This is where I stayed when I visited Cork and recommend it as a great option for those looking to save some money. It’s clean and comfortable in a central location. It also has a pool table downstairs and a fun social atmosphere for solo travelers.

Can You Use a Bicycle to Get Around Cork?

Yes, one of the best ways to get around Cork is by bicycle. There are over 30 bike-share dock locations (over 300 bikes) throughout the city, making it easy to pick up a bike when you need one. Bike rides of 30 minutes or less are free, and visitors can sign up for a 3-day pass using a credit card.

When bicycle touring around Cork, remember to be safe and always wear a helmet. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland, so be sure to look both ways before crossing any streets.

The rules of the road apply to all road users, including cyclists. With a little planning, travelers can easily get around Cork by bicycle – and have a great time doing it!

>>> More about Cork’s bike sharing

Are There Taxis and Ubers in Cork?

You can find taxis to hail on the streets around Cork, especially in the busy tourist areas and out in front of hotels. They are typically safe to take in Ireland, just be aware to look for properly marked cars and identification.

Uber and Lyft do not really operate the same way in Ireland as they do in the U.S. and other parts of the world. If you have the Uber app already, you can use it to call a car. However, you will simply be calling a regular taxi, as hiring out private cars is heavily regulated in Ireland.

>>> RELATED POST: Are There Ubers in Ireland?

Is There Public Transportation in Cork, Ireland?

There are buses and trains both in the city of Cork and to take you from Cork to the other big cities with stops in between. (Read on for more info)

 

Best Way to See Attractions Outside of Cork’s City Center

Without a car, it’s possible to take a bus, depending on where you are trying to get to. However, most people find it’s easier to join either a group tour or take a private tour (more customizable) to see some of the best nearby attractions and sites.

I always use Viator when booking my tours for both myself and my clients because they are reliable, provide accurate information, and you can read through reviews before booking. Plus, the price point is usually pretty reasonable, even for many private tours.

Some of the best tour options for Cork are:

👉 Blarney Castle + Stone Tour Including Cobh
👉 Ring of Kerry Day Tour From Cork
👉 Cliffs of Moher Day Tour From Cork

>>> RELATED POST: 27 Incredible Day Trips From Cork

Public Transportation IN the City of Cork

Travelers to Cork will find that the city has an extensive bus network operated by Bus Éireann. Most city bus services operate across the city and radially from the city center, making it easy to get around. The buses can even help you get to some of the popular locations such as Blarney Castle.

In the central areas, the cost of a ticket starts at about €2.30. If you travel further from the city center, higher rates apply. Tickets for public transport can usually be purchased in cash.

If you plan to use public transportation often and are in Cork for more than a few days, you might want to look into purchasing a Leap Card. The card allows you to load money for travel and can save you up to 30% on bus fares.

Public Transportation to Get Around FROM Cork

For travelers looking to explore other cities in Ireland, Irish Rail operates out of Kent Station, located in Cork’s city center. You can find hourly InterCity services to Dublin, with journey times as quick as 2.5 hours.

In addition, commuter rail services connect Kent Station with a handful of other stations, and connections can be made to easily travel to just about any of the bigger cities across Ireland. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time.

With so many options available, travelers can easily find a train that fits their schedule and budget. Best of all, the stunning scenery of the Irish countryside can be enjoyed from the comfort of your seat.

Driving in Cork

If you plan to only stay in the city of Cork, I don’t recommend driving. The city is easy to get around in other ways (walking, taxis, etc.) so a car would be more of a hassle than it’s worth between finding parking and paying parking fees.

However, if you plan to take a road trip across Ireland or want to take day trips from Cork to explore the countryside, that’s when you might want to have a car. Either rent your car from Cork and start your road trip after exploring the city, or you could find accommodation with parking included where you can park your car and forget about it for a few days.

Travelers who do decide to drive in Cork should be aware that Ireland drives on the left side of the road, and be cautious of the one-way streets and limited parking options.

⬇️ RELATED POST: Driving in Ireland ⬇️

What to Know About Renting a Car in Ireland

The most important things to know about renting a car in Ireland (especially for visitors from the U.S.) are that you will have to drive a manual transmission (stick shift) car and that the driving happens on the left-hand side of the road.

In order to rent a car in Ireland, you must present a valid driver’s license and a credit card. You will also be required to purchase insurance coverage to be allowed to drive in Ireland.

Be aware that the distance and speed limits in Ireland are marked in kilometers.

Is It Worth Renting a Car in Ireland?

If you want to see anything out in nature, smaller and more rural towns, or anything off the beaten path – you will want to rent a car in Ireland!

The reason I always tell my friends and family to rent a car is so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in the smaller towns and between the big cities of Ireland.

I recommend using Discover Cars to rent a car in Ireland. They compare prices across the leading Irish car rental companies to find you the BEST deals and LOWEST prices.

Discover Cars saves you money on renting a car, is easy to use, and most importantly – allows you to explore ALL that Ireland has to offer so you have the most memorable trip!

They also include insurance coverage, which is a requirement for driving in Ireland. The ease of purchasing insurance as you rent a car is something I love about Discover Cars. Once you book your car, you can pick it up from the Cork Airport or wherever is most convenient for you.

🔻 CHECK AVAILABILITY + PRICING BELOW 🔻

 

Is Cork Safe for Tourists?

Cork is a beautiful city that has something to offer travelers of all ages and interests. The historic streets are lined with shops and restaurants, and the River Lee flows through the center of town. Best of all, Cork is known for being a safe destination, with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere.

Consequently, travelers can feel confident exploring Cork without worrying about their safety. Of course, it is always important to take precautions when traveling to any new place, but travelers can rest assured that Cork is a safe city to visit.

As a solo female traveler in Cork, I felt pretty safe even while walking around the city at night.

> RELATED POSTS:
Best Things to Do in Cork at Night
A Full Guide to Spending One Day in Cork

How Many Days Should I Spend in Cork?

Most visitors to the seafaring city of Cork spend at least a few days exploring the city and its surroundings. Cork is the largest city in Ireland’s south, and it has plenty to offer in terms of history, culture, and food.

At the very least, take a weekend in Cork. If you plan to do some of the many incredible day trips and use Cork as a home base, you will probably want to spend at least a week in Cork.

 

Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad?
CLICK HERE for my favorite travel and expat tools!

Cork is a beautiful city to explore on foot, by bike, or even by taking public transportation. If you want to see more of the surrounding areas, renting a car can be a great option. There are plenty of places to visit in and around Cork, so get out there and start exploring!

☘️ Ireland FAQs ☘️

✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to Ireland?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal

❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.
>>>CLICK HERE FOR INFO

☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).

🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)

☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.

🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland

🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.