Private full day tour of Cork from Dublin with pick up and drop off

About This Tour

Cork is a city that rewards a proper visit - its food scene, its character, and its streets are worth more than a quick look. This private full-day tour gives you 12 hours with a driver and an official guide, picking you up from your Dublin hotel and handling everything in between.

The English Market has been trading since 1788 and is one of the best covered food markets in Ireland. Patrick Street is Cork’s main street and the heart of the city. You’ll also visit the city’s most celebrated cathedral, St Fin Barre’s, from the outside - your guide will walk you through its history and architecture.

What’s Included

• Private vehicle with driver for 12 hours
• Private official guide for 12 hours
• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or personal pick-up point in Dublin
• 24/7 Angel Guardian Service

What’s Not Included

• Food and drink
• Entry to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

Itinerary

1. Travel and free time - Travel between Dublin and Cork, plus time set aside for lunch at your own discretion. (approx. 420 min total)
2. The English Market - Cork’s famous covered food market, running continuously since 1788. One of the most important and well-loved spots in the city. (60 min)
3. Patrick Street and surrounds - The main street of Cork city, along with a visit to the most important neighbourhood nearby. (120 min)
4. City park - A quieter green space in the city, a good spot to take a breath and step back from the busier areas. (60 min)
5. St Fin Barre’s Cathedral (exterior) - Cork’s most significant cathedral, viewed from outside. Your guide will give you the history and context. (60 min)

Good to Know

• This is a private tour - just your group
• Specialised infant seats are available
• Public transport is available nearby
• Suitable for all fitness levels
• Available in English and Spanish

Local Tips

The English Market is best visited before noon. The stalls are at their fullest and the producers are most present in the morning. It’s also a good place to pick up lunch from the traders rather than booking a restaurant - in Cork the market is the soul of the food scene, and stalls like Kay O’Connell for seafood and On the Pig’s Back for charcuterie and cheese are worth seeking out. Come at ten in the morning or three in the afternoon rather than lunchtime, when the tourist-heavy parts of the market are at their busiest. This saves time and gives you a more local experience than a tourist-area restaurant.

Dublin to Cork is about 2.5 hours by road. Factor that into your energy levels for the day - you’ll have roughly 2.5 hours each way plus a full day of walking. The driver handles the navigation and the guide manages the pace on the ground, so your job is just to show up rested.

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral is viewed from outside on this tour. If you’d like to go inside, it’s generally open to visitors for a small entry fee - check with your guide on the day whether the schedule allows it.

Cork runs on the River Lee. The city centre sits on an island between two channels of the Lee, which is why the streets feel so contained and walkable. Your guide will orient you early in the day and the layout makes more sense once you understand the water.

Nearby on IrelandMe

• Cork - the real capital, they say without complete irony, built on islands in a river that couldn’t decide where to go.