Flights to Cork (ORK), Book economy, business, first class

Fall in love with Cork

Book flights to Cork and meet a charming city that sits quaintly and serenely amid the natural beauty of Ireland’s gorgeous west coast.

Wander among pastel-coloured houses, take to the city’s waterways by kayak or soak up the traditional Irish hospitality among Cork’s fantastic selection of restaurants. The friendliness is famous.

Head to the Blarney Stone on the city outskirts, set atop the parapets of Blarney Castle. According to legend, if you kiss the 600-year old stone, you’ll be bestowed with wonderful eloquence.

After, hop aboard a kayak and wind your way along the River Lee, admiring the picturesque houses that line this stretch of the river.

Gastronomy lovers should swing by the city’s fabled Farmers’ Market for fresh produce. Sample cheeses, cakes, spice mixes and more at Cork’s English Market, which has been held for over 200 years.

Find out more about our Cork plane tickets and prepare to fall in love with a truly magical place that will have you planning your next visit before you even finish the first.

What's the weather like in Cork?

Average temperature Average rainfall

6°C

12cm

6°C

9cm

7°C

9cm

9°C

6cm

11°C

7cm

14°C

6cm

15°C

6cm

15°C

7cm

13°C

9cm

11°C

11cm

8°C

11cm

7°C

12cm

The weather in Cork varies a fair amount through the year although, happily, its natural beauty means that it’s always a great place to visit, with the city surrounded by a lush green landscape.

Fly to Cork between June and September for the warmest conditions, with temperatures reaching highs of around 20°C. The weather gets colder during the winter, but it’s one of the best times to visit.

Reasons to visit Cork

Eloquent Blarney

Situated five miles north-west of the city, Blarney Castle and Gardens is a popular attraction for Irish residents and visitors from further afield. It might look like an ordinary medieval castle, but it’s actually home to a famous tradition – don’t be surprised if you see people lying down to kiss a piece of rock while you’re here.

Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to bestow great eloquence upon anyone who does this. Plenty of well-known figures, including literary giants, statesmen and actors, have made the pilgrimage here to smooch with stone.

Step back in time

With a flight to Cork, you can experience a city full of historical interest, from former prisons to bustling markets. Get a taste of what life was like for 19th-century inmates at the infamous Cork City Gaol or the forbidding Fort Mitchel located on Spike Island. The Shandon district is home to ‘The Four-Faced Liar’ – a 19th century church clock with sides that each display slightly different times.

The city is acclaimed for its food, so take a trip to the English Market, which has been trading since 1788. Alternatively, head to Cork Butter Museum, which tells the story of one of Ireland’s most important food exports.

Take to the water

One of the best ways to explore Cork is by boarding a kayak and taking to the River Lee. Choose to explore this much-loved river by day or wait until dusk hits for an even more memorable experience. Sit back and relax as your guide shares tales of the city’s fascinating past.

You also have the option of travelling further with them and heading out along the Wild Atlantic Way to discover hidden caves and enchanting islands.

Things to know before you fly to Cork

Public holidays

Ireland celebrates many festivals and public holidays. St Patrick’s Day on 17 March is hugely popular, with the city transformed into a green-hued centre of celebration with plenty of music and food.

Getting around

The city is compact enough to explore on foot or bicycle, with plenty of buses to catch if you want to get around. Taxis are also widely available. If you’re hiring a car, then parking discs are available to purchase from shops in the city centre.

Cultural considerations

Cork is a relaxed and friendly city, but it’s worth knowing some basic etiquette before your trip. Tips of 10 per cent are customary when receiving table service or catching a taxi. Shaking hands is the best way of greeting people here when meeting them for the first time.

Currency

Ireland uses the euro (EUR), with one euro made up of 100 cents. You’ll find that banks and ATMs are widely available for withdrawing currency and most places will accept credit and debit cards.

Flying to Cork: FAQs

Where should I stay in Cork?

The city of Cork is relatively small and so most places offer convenient access to the main sights. There are a great mixture of stylish boutique hotels, affordable chains and luxury options.

How do I get from the airport to Cork centre?

The airport is around 15 minutes from central Cork, depending on traffic. Regular bus services run from outside the airport and stop throughout the city.

Taxis are also readily available, or you could book an airport transfer with Etihad. Choose the latter and your driver will be waiting for you when you arrive.

How long should I spend in Cork?

A long weekend is an ideal amount of time to spend in Cork. When booking your Cork flight tickets, why not extend your stay and explore the city’s beautiful surroundings? It’s perfectly located for the Wild Atlantic Way, a tourism trail that winds down the romantic west coast of Ireland.

What is Cork known for?

Cork is sometimes called ‘the real capital of Ireland’, on account of its part in the country’s long and complicated history. The city’s origins can be traced all the way back to the founding of a monastery by St. Finbarr on the site of a present-day cathedral.

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