Looking for fun things to do in Cork city? Look no further!
Cork is a young, vibrant city with adventures around every corner. Everything from learning conversational Gaelic in a local pub. To dancing up a storm with Irish dancing lessons from a local pro. For other experiences in the city, including the Shakey Bridge, beautiful Fitzgerald’s Park and St. Anne’s Church. Check out our article with videos Things to Do in Cork City.
We’re going to show you some of the most fun things to do in Cork city. So you never have to worry about getting bored again. After all if you’re bored of Cork, you’re bored of life!
Check out these experiences in the city, suitable for tourists and locals alike.
- Take the Rebel City Walking Tour
- Dance up a jig with Irish dancing lessons in the city
- Take a conversational Gaelic class
- Private foodie tour of a smoked-salmon producer
- Story telling session with an Irish storyteller in the Celtic tradition
- Catch a show at the famous Everyman Theater
1. Take the Rebel City Walking Tour
Female spies, ambushes on army generals and Cork’s most tragic love story. Tales from the War of Independence over 100-years ago in the city of Cork.
Walk in the footsteps of history with the Rebel City Tour of Cork. See where Michael Collins departed from before taking his fateful journey to West Cork on the day he died.
Experience the story of Colonel Smyth, or “Shoot On Sight” Smyth as he was known to locals. Find out how Colonel Smyth met his end in the city.
Hear about Michael Fitzgerald and Cork’s most tragic love story. This 90 min tour starts and ends in the city center and takes place most days of the week.
Book your Rebel City Walking Tour of Cork today.
2. Dance up a jig with Irish dancing lessons in the city
Another fun thing to do in Cork city is to experience Irish dancing lessons.
These city center classes, run by an Irish dancing champion, are the perfect way to meet fellow travelers and locals while getting some light exercise at the same time. No partner required.
Damien, your teacher, loves passing on the knowledge of this ancient Irish dancing style to others. Practice the Irish stepdance, the sean-nós dance and the festival Irish dance among other styles.
For more info on the Irish dancing lessons, follow this link to the Ceilidh On The Lee. Remember to confirm beforehand by contacting Damien.
3. Take a conversational Gaelic class
“An bhfuil Gaeilge agat?'” Do you speak any Irish?
Gaelic (or Irish) was Ireland’s primary language up until the 19th century when it was replaced by English. Still spoken by some Irish people and still the native language in parts of Ireland known as the Gaeltacht.
Gaelic is an ancient language and part of the Celtic language family. It pre-dates English by many centuries. Many public officials in Ireland still need have good Irish for their governmental positions eg. teachers.
It’s a little-known fact, that even today if you address an Irish Garda (police officer) in Irish. They have to respond in Irish – by law!
Our friendly, easy, conversational Gaelic lesson takes place in an authentic Irish pub. Our teacher is a native Irish speaker who grew up speaking Irish and loves to pass their passion for the language on to locals and travelers.
Book your conversational Gaelic lesson with Rebel City Tours Gaelic lessons.
4. Private foodie tour of a smoked-salmon producer
Feeling hungry after your dancing or Gaelic lessons? Great. Next stop; this award-winning smoked salmon tasting, private smokehouse tour.
This family-owned smokehouse, run by an adopted Irish man who has been in the food & drink industry for many years, is located in Timoleague in county Cork.
After winning several awards for his smoked salmon and meats. Anthony, the proprietor, wanted to share his love of great food with as many guests as possible.
The entire tour is 90 mins in length with food samples included in the price. Alcohol is also available.
The smokehouse is located around 35 mins drive from Cork city. Contact Anthony to make a booking beforehand.
5. Story telling session with an Irish storyteller in the Celtic tradition
This is a truly memorable experience, for the traveler who wishes to soak up every bit of Irish culture and history.
A Seanchaí (shan-a-kee) is an Irish storyteller with a style dating back to Celtic times in the country. Initially, seanachi would have been kept by Kings to pass down the oral history, literature and laws of a kingdom.
After the destruction of Celtic civilization in the 1600’s Seanchaí became storytellers to the Irish poor. Often plying their trade, going from village to village, recounting their stories of famine, loss, love and better times.
Now you get the chance to support this dying art by hiring an independent Seanchaí for an hour-long session in a private setting.
Book your private Seanchaí session today and really make your friends at home jealous. Not to be missed!
6. Catch a show at the famous Everyman Theater
Famous throughout Cork, this old-style theater was once home to the acts of Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. Today the theater front-of-house crew is staffed entirely by volunteers who are eager to help you enjoy your experience there.
This protected theater building has elaborately decorated boxes, a studio space and even a bar. The Everyman holds a mixture of plays, operas, musicals and concerts.
Definitely a great fun thing to do in Cork city, whether you are a couple or you’re on your own in the city.
Book your tickets to the Everyman Theater today.
More fun things to do in Cork city?
These are some of the best fun things to do in Cork city.
If you’re looking for other fun things to do in the city, contact Rebel City Tours and we’ll be able to help entertain you for your time here.
If you’re a local, then you might even have other suggestions for things you’d like to do in the city? Leave a comment below and we’ll get right back to you.
Have a great time in Cork city!