Experience Ireland Beyond the Expected. Experience Cork

Rugged Atlantic coastlines, rolling green landscapes, vibrant city streets and flavours worth travelling for - this is Cork, Ireland’s largest county, stretching along the country’s spectacular southern coast. It is a place shaped by vast landscapes, big flavours, and even bigger characters

Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours

A new tourism campaign, ‘Experience Cork’, developed by Visit Cork and supported by Tourism Ireland, invites visitors to discover the county through immersive experiences and tours that celebrate the warmth, wit and welcoming nature of Cork people, alongside the county’s renowned food scene, culture, adventure activities and spectacular natural beauty.

Newly curated itineraries bring together activity operators, food experiences, cultural attractions and places to stay across the county, making it easy to plan a two- or three-day short break, or a longer escape. Visitors can indulge in a selection of premium experiences, from island hopping and kayaking to scenic cycling routes, gourmet food trails, heritage explorations and exhilarating wakeboarding.

Because experiencing Cork isn’t just about the postcard moments, it’s about diving right in. It’s getting out on the water and into the landscape, tasting the flavours and energy of the land and sea, and meeting the locals, natural storytellers, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, stories, and love of where they live.

Whether guiding visitors through historic streets, introducing the traders of the famous 18th-century English Market, navigating island waters known since childhood, or leading adventures through forests and coastal trails, it is the warmth and authenticity of Cork’s people that bring each experience to life - leaving visitors with that unmistakable feeling that draws them back to Cork again and again.

Cork Food Tour

Cork is also home to one of Ireland’s most celebrated food scenes, shaped by rich farmland, abundant coastal waters and generations of passionate producers. For centuries, the region has been synonymous with exceptional ingredients, with Cork Harbour serving as the main gateway for Irish food exports in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, around 60% of Ireland’s artisan food producers are based in Cork, creating a vibrant food culture that champions local, seasonal and sustainable food. The county also boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland, alongside independent cafes, historic and lively pubs, and a growing number of local breweries and distilleries.

Visitors can experience this rich food culture first-hand through guided food trails, brewery and distillery tours, and hands-on culinary experiences led by passionate local guides, producers and chefs who bring Cork’s food story to life. From exploring the English Market to visiting culinary towns like Kinsale, enjoying tastings in restaurants across the county, or discovering the craft behind local produce through demonstrations and masterclasses, these experiences connect visitors with the people behind the produce and offer an authentic insight into Cork’s farm-to-fork and sea-to-plate traditions.

Beyond the table, Cork offers some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes and adventures to explore, from rugged Atlantic coastlines and pristine beaches to lush forests and hidden valleys, making the county a natural playground for adventure and relaxation alike. Visitors can explore sheltered bays by kayak, cycle greenways or scenic coastal roads, hike quiet woodland trails or journey to island communities steeped in maritime history.

Gormú Bike Tours

Along the way, they’ll discover vibrant towns and villages alive with arts, crafts and traditional music, offering a rich blend of activity, culture and craic that is distinctively Cork.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Séamus Heaney, Head of Visit Cork, said: “Visitors today are looking for meaningful experiences, not just places to stay. The Experience Cork campaign showcases the exceptional depth, authenticity and warmth of the region, and the people who make it so special. Cork is a land of contrasts, bound by spirit and united by welcome.”

Josephine O’Driscoll of Fáilte Ireland added, “What makes Cork so special is the sheer breadth of experiences it offers every visitor. Home to Ireland’s highest concentration of Michelin‑recognised restaurants, and an incredible mix of cafés, food trucks and gastro pubs, our chefs champion local produce and support a vibrant calendar of festivals and markets that celebrate Cork’s rich culinary heritage and strong sense of community. Beyond the table, the county offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland with endless opportunities for adventure or relaxation. From kayaking sheltered bays to discovering hidden villages, hiking scenic trails to enjoying local arts and traditional music. Cork blends its scenery, people and food in a way that is uniquely its own.”

Landscapes here are dramatic. The history runs deep. The food is exceptional. But what visitors remember most are the people. That is what makes Cork different. You don’t simply pass through it. You connect with it.

Dursey Boat Trips

And long after you’ve returned home, you’ll find yourself remembering the spray of the Atlantic sea, the taste of local brown bread and butter, and the warmth of a place that welcomed you like an old friend.

Visitors can explore curated itineraries, videos, photography and inspiration for planning their own experience at purecork.ie/ExperienceCork, helping them build memorable short breaks centred on the people, food and adventures that define the county.

#ExperienceCork #PureCork #WildAtlanticWay #IrelandsAncientEast #IrelandsHiddenHeartlands. 

Editor’s Notes

About the Experience Cork Campaign
The Experience Cork campaign is brought to life through new photography, cinematic video and curated itineraries supported by Fáilte Ireland funding.

For many participating businesses, this marks the first time their visitor experiences have been professionally captured and promoted for both domestic and international audiences.

The campaign also highlights the strength of collaboration across tourism providers in Cork, bringing together activity operators, food experiences, cultural attractions and accommodation providers to create compelling visitor journeys.

A selection of Cork’s Top Experiences include:

• Atlantic Whale & Wildlife Tours – Award-winning Whale & Dolphin watching tours from Courtmacsherry and Kinsale searching for humpbacks, fin whales, dolphins and sharks with experienced skippers.
• Atlantic Sea Kayaking – Guided sea kayaking tours that reveal the hidden beauty of Castlehaven Bay and the stunning surrounds of Lough Hyne. 
• Ballyhass Adventure Centre –A unique outdoor playground with activities such as wakeboarding, kayaking, inflatable water parks and open-water swimming set against a scenic lakeside backdrop..
• Cape Clear Ferries & Fastnet Rock Lighthouse Tours  – Daily trips to Cape Clear Island (Oileán Chléire), a Gaeltacht gem off West Cork and trips to the iconic Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.
• Cork Bike Hire – Self-guided and Guided cycling experiences exploring the city’s vibrant streets, waterfront, and its surrounding neighbourhoods.
• Cork City Gaol – A fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, bringing 19th-century prison life to life through immersive exhibits and powerful stories of former inmates.
• Cork City Tours – An open-top hop-on-hop-off bus tour that provides a lively introduction to Cork, guiding visitors through the city’s historic streets while sharing stories of its landmarks and colourful past.
• Cork Culinary Tour – Guided food tours exploring Cork’s famous English Market and the city’s vibrant food scene, with tastings of local produce and the opportunity to meet the people behind Cork’s renowned culinary culture.
• Cork Harbour Boat Hire offers safety-boat-led, Self-drive boat trips giving families a secure way to explore one of the world’s largest natural harbours, its islands, wildlife and coastal views.
• Dursey Boat Trips – Boat adventures around Dursey Island and out to the iconic Bull Rock embracing the wild beauty of the Beara Peninsula
•  Gormú Eco Adventures – Eco-Adventures including Sea Swimming, Hiking & E-Biking with Enthralling Storytelling Along the Rugged West Cork Coastline
• Kinsale Food Tours – A wonderful culinary walking tour of Kinsale,  the gourmet capital of Ireland. They also run a Foraging & Coastal Tour.
• O Tuama Tours –An  enriching field-to-table experience in the Gaeltacht Mhuscraí region - Meet the herd of Italian Water Buffalos on the farm then enjoy tasting plates of their signature cheeses by tour guide and chef, Dorothy.
• Ocean Escapes – Experience the beauty of Cork harbour on board a high-speed exhilarating RIB tour, taking in or stopping off at historic forts, picturesque seaside towns, and hidden coves.
• Praline – A  sweet insight into artisan chocolate making, with tastings and demonstrations that reveal the skill behind its handcrafted creations.
• Wild Atlantic Glamping – Wild Atlantic Glamping is a luxurious glamping site on Bere Island overlooking Bantry Bay.  It is made up of 10 luxury bell tents each with its own private terrace and sea views.