Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots
© Your Little Black Book - Cork

Cork & Kinsale Travel Guide: Day-by-Day Itinerary for 4 Days of Culinary Ireland

March 17 2024

After three trips to Ireland in just two years, I can safely say this country has stolen my heart. First, a city break to Dublin, then an adventure in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and for this new travel guide, I visited Cork and its surroundings. Highly recommended! A city break to Cork combines perfectly with exploring the surrounding coastal towns. After four days, you'll feel like you've spent a week there, such is the diversity of the culinary city break I've created for you in this new travel guide.

And perhaps the best part? You don't need a car for this trip to Cork and Kinsale. You can easily get around by public transport, such as the bus and train. I've created a day-by-day itinerary for you, and here and there I'll also include bonus tips I picked up from the friendly locals I met.

Have fun planning a long weekend in Ireland! 

Cork Travel Guide Kinsale

coffee hotspot & concept store The Collector – Kinsale

4-day culinary city trip to Cork & Kinsale in Ireland

In just under two hours, you can fly directly from Amsterdam to Cork. Where you'd normally fly straight from the airport to the city, you can now take a bus or taxi to Kinsale, an idyllic fishing town just 27 kilometers from Cork. During this trip, you'll spend one night in Kinsale and two in Cork. What a great combination!

Especially for you, I've compiled all the hotspots and must-see highlights in this custom Google Maps for Cork and Kinsale:

Day 1: Discover culinary Kinsale

This food tour begins in the historic fishing town of Kinsale in County Cork. Wander through the narrow and colorful streets, visit the Farmers Market, or enjoy delicious fish and chips by the water. Kinsale is picturesquely nestled against the hills, and as you drive into the bay, its charm envelops you like a warm blanket. We stayed at the Trident Hotel Kinsale, where our room offers a lovely view of the harbor and the fishing boats. Depending on the season, Kinsale offers a variety of water activities. In summer, you can go kayaking, and from September to December, whale-watching tours are also available. Do you enjoy hiking? Then you can take beautiful walks through the hills from your hotel to the historic forts around Kinsale, such as James Fort and Charles Fort.

© Your Little Black Book – colorful Kinsale

Get out and about with Kinsale Food Tours

Our focus in Kinsale was on exploring the food scene. Kinsale is known in the region as the culinary capital of the region. This is reflected throughout the city through the Kinsale Good Food Circle of entrepreneurs who refer to each other. They also organize the annual Mad Hatters food festival which is famous far beyond the city. A fun way to get to know the city's gourmet addresses is to take a food tour with Kinsale Food ToursIn just a few hours, you'll learn all about the history, visit small-scale food businesses, and taste the authentic flavors of the region.

© Your Little Black Book – snack during Kinsale Food Tours

Taste Mead at a local maker

Kinsale is only a small town, so after the food tour you'll have plenty of time to explore on your own. Have you ever heard of mead? This spirit is also called "honey wine" and is made locally in Kinsale. It's an ancient drink that you can learn all about during a guided tour. tasting and distillery tour at Kinsale Mead Co. on the edge of town.

© Your Little Black Book – U Food

The best restaurants in Kinsale

Kinsale offers a wide selection of restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy a delicious meal or drinks after your culinary tours and tastings. I've listed them below. Reservations are recommended.

  • The Black Pig Winebar: I would recommend reserving a table at this unmissable restaurant in Kinsale immediately after booking your ticket and hotel. This gastropub, featuring tapas-style dishes and a Michelin-starred listing, is incredibly popular.
  • Saint Francis Provisions: This wine bar is perfect for an aperitif or a leisurely dinner. They've only been open for a short time and have already been awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin.
  • Seeds Bakery: a French bakery in the heart of Kinsale with delicious sausage rolls.
  • The Collector: a concept store and coffee shop in one with special coffees from all over the world.
  • Food U: Low-key eatery by the water with the best lobster rolls in town. Also great for breakfast!
  • Fishy Fishy: the place in Kinsale to eat fish & chips.
  • Max's: fine dining seafood restaurant with a Michelin guide listing.
  • Finn's Farmcut: More of a carnivore? Then head to Finn's in Kinsale!
  • Lemon Leaf Cafe Bar & Townhouse: nice to have a drink in the courtyard.
  • JESK of Kinsale: the place to go for delicious ice cream made from milk from our own farm.
  • Wild and Tame: nice coffee bar around the corner from one of Kinsale's most colourful streets.
  • OHK Café: Brunch in Kinsale? Locals agree… it's at OHK Café!
  • Jim Edwards: a cozy pub that is perfect for a drink.
  • The Bulman: If you're going on the hike to Charles Fort, this is your culinary stop.

© Your Little Black Book – The Black Pig Winebar

 | TIP: You can find more photos of Kinsale at the bottom of this article.

Day 2: By bus from Kinsale to Cork

A direct bus to Cork departs from Kinsale every hour. In just over 45 minutes, you'll be in the heart of Cork, where you can check in at The Dean HotelA modern and urban hotel that you'll find in more and more places throughout Ireland. Don't forget your swimsuit, because after a day in the city, you can relax in the pool and wellness area of ​​this boutique hotel.

© Your Little Black Book – The Dean Hotel

Take a city walk along the highlights

Cork is a former industrial city that's undergoing rapid development. It's a typical city where you need to know where to go to hop from one great place to the next. Shopping isn't great there (in my opinion), but that's precisely why a city break to Cork gives you plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.

One thing you can really enjoy in Cork is delicious food! On our first afternoon in the city, we walked through the entire city, following a self-designed walking route, while enjoying our food. The River Lee divides the city into three parts. The easiest way to describe them is as the city center, the university side, and the side where The Dean Hotel is located.

For lunch we went from The Dean to Miyazaki Japanese Take Away Walked across the river. It's actually a takeaway place, but they have a few places to eat there. Then walk on to Good Day Deli Enjoy a delicious cake for dessert. In good weather, the garden of the Nano Nagle Heritage Centre is a lovely spot. Afterwards, visit Elizabeth Fort for a great view of Cork from the castle walls. This ancient fort is free to visit, so it's a great place to take a break. Grab a coffee to go around the corner at Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore and via Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral towards University College Cork. It's an impressive building and close to Fitzgerald Park, which also has a nice playground for kids. From here, you can do two things: walk back in about 30 minutes or take the bus to Cork city center.

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – view from Elizabeth Fort

The tastiest drink hotspots and restaurants in Cork

Fancy a relaxing break and a drink after this walk? Then why not try Mutton Lane Inn (a typical Irish pub)? Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub (a local brewery with tasting room) or Bierhaus (a pub specializing in specialty beer).

Reserve a table for your first evening at XNUMX. Paradiso for the best vegetarian fine dining menu in town or at Goldie where you can eat the very best fish from the region. A nice wine bar for an after-dinner drink is Meades Bar. Or walk back to The Dean Hotel, because rooftop and sky restaurant Sophie is also the place to be for cocktails at the weekend!

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – vegetarian hotspot Paradiso

 | TIP: You can find more photos of the addresses in Cork at the bottom of this article!

Day 3: From Cork to Cobh by train

After breakfast today, take the train to the coastal town of Cobh. You'll be there in just half an hour, and on the way, you can enjoy the view from the window. Cobh is best known for its colorful houses and because it was the last stop before the Titanic started at the ferry crossing. If you're interested, it's worth visiting the small museum to learn more. A pleasant walk that gives you a good impression of Cobh is to walk along the promenade towards the Old Town Hall and follow the road uphill. You'll then arrive at St. Colman's Cathedral, a landmark in the town. Walk down Lower Midleton Street and pass the Deck of Cards Houses. For something tasty to eat and drink in Cobh, visit Seasalt Cafe and DeliIt's precisely these kinds of excursions, combining the city with rural locations, that make Cork a great destination for a long weekend.

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Deck of Cards Houses in Cobh

 | TIP: You'll find more atmospheric photos of Cobh at the bottom of this article!

Lunch, Culture and indoor food markets

We had enough time in Cobh for a few hours and took the train back to Cork around lunchtime. We had a delicious lunch there. Farmgate Café at The English Market. A beautiful indoor fresh food market where you'll find a nice mix of restaurants and delicatessen. After lunch we went to Crawford Art Gallery A free art gallery that's definitely worth checking out during your city break in Cork.

Anyone who loves indoor food markets will definitely want to visit the Marina Market Just outside the city center. Because it was pouring rain, we took a taxi. I'm glad we went anyway, because this is a food market full of small restaurants and it really feels up and coming. Besides food stalls, there are also a few (vintage) shops, and there are regular events on the weekends. Good to know: they don't serve alcohol here. Still in the mood for a culinary evening after your visit to the Marina Market? Then make a reservation at the Michelin-starred ichigo ichie For an evening of fine Japanese dining. I got this tip from a follower, and I would definitely go there next time!

Day 4: Food tour in Cork

Another food tour in the morning and then off to the airport. Together with Fab Food Trails We're off on a three-hour food tour of Cork. I previously did a food tour with this organization in Belfast, and I think they do a great job of visiting surprising local businesses. We'll also visit The English Market, of course, but there we'll visit other businesses and sample local oysters and locally made kombucha. We'll also visit a brewery, enjoy the juiciest pulled pork, and much more. I couldn't have imagined a better way to end these wonderful four days!

After the food tour, it's time to collect my luggage and take a taxi to the airport. On the plane back home, I'm already thinking about which destination in Ireland would be a good fit for the next guide. I'm already adding Galway to my bucket list!

At the bottom of the article you'll find an extensive photo diary to get even more inspiration for Cork, Cobh and Kinsale.

Have fun planning your city trip to Cork and the surrounding area! 

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – The English Market

More tips for a holiday to Ireland:

more Ireland tips

Cork Travel Guide // photo diary

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – room at The Dean

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – pool at The Dean

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – rooftop Sophie at The Dean

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Miyazaki Japanese Take Away

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Good Day Deli

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – University of Cork

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – dinner at Paradiso

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – seafood restaurant Goldie

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Wine bar Meades bar

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – street art in Cork

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Marina Market

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – The English Market

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Street scene Cork

Cobh Travel Guide // photo diary

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – by train to Cobh

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Titanic EXPERIENCE in Cobh

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – coffee stop Seasalt

Cork travel guide, cork city guide, cork hotspots

© Your Little Black Book – Cobh

Kinsale Travel Guide // photo diary

kinsale travel guide, kinsale travel tips

© Your Little Black Book – Colorful facades in Kinsale

kinsale travel guide, kinsale travel tips

© Your Little Black Book – Street art in Kinsale

kinsale travel guide, kinsale travel tips

© Your Little Black Book – Kinsale Harbour

kinsale travel guide, kinsale travel tips

© Your Little Black Book – view from Trident Hotel Kinsale

© Your Little Black Book – Saint Francis Provisions

© Your Little Black Book – Kinsale Mead Co.

Cork Travel Guide // more photos

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𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 🫕 Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue! I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️). 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: 📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East) Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included! 📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Centre) Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match. 📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre) Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻: 📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East) Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged. 📍 @fromagerielamuse (South) Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first? 📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre) Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in. On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam. Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends. #cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
Do you still have a permanent job? This TRAVEL TIP is for everyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job. Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie! And then ask for time off as soon as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-). Happy travels 😘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗿𝗶𝗷𝗱𝗮𝗴 & 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: March 30 - April 2 & April 7 - 10 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free period: March 28 - April 12 (16 days) Holidays & Vacation ⟶ Take vacation days: April 28 - May 1, May 4 & May 6 - 8 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days ツ Total free: April 25 - May 10 (16 days) Holidays ⟶ Take vacation days: December 21 - 24 & December 28 - 31 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free: December 21 - January 3, 2027 (16 days) **Vacation Schedule & Holidays** ⟶ Take vacation days: Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2 ⟶ Vacation days needed: 4 - Total free: March 28 - April 6 (10 days) **Vacation Schedule** ⟶ Take vacation days: May 15 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 14-17 (4 days) 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 22-25 or May 23-26 (4 days) Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips. And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #vakantiedagen2026 #traveltips
Market agenda and prices are rising steadily 👀 The market agenda may now be a little different Quieter, but luckily there’s still plenty planned for January & February, including a new gem (I predict)! Don’t miss these weekend markets: • 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee. • @sundaymarket • Museum Market • @rotterdamseoogst • @themakermarket The complete guide on Your Little Black Book lists 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates & locations for January & February. Send these tips to your market-wandering bestie! Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #weekendmarkets #netherlandstips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
**Rotterdam is a vibrant city: Rotterdam is a vibrant city** As a child I came there with my parents to shop, as a teenager and in my twenties to club. Now I love coming there for a weekend escape characterized by good food, nice wine bars and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude. Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots that you'll really want to know. 📌𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 for your next trip to Rotterdam. 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 ⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe ⦁ @dunerotterdam ⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant ⦁ @nice.neighbourhood 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 ⦁ @morganandmees ⦁ @hotelame ⦁ @roommate_bruno ⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam 𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 ⦁ Noord ⦁ Katendrecht ⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park) ⦁ Scheepvaartkwartier 𝗗𝗢 ⦁ Take the Watertaxi ⦁ @boijmans ⦁ Walk & unwind at de Kralingse Plas ⦁ @nlfotomuseum ⦁ Visit @stationbergweg 𝗘𝗔𝗧 ⦁ @tresrotterdam ⦁ @barbertarotterdam ⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam ⦁ @barbistroloevetdie ⦁ @oxrotterdam ⦁ @restaurant_rotonde ⦁ On my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 ⦁ @walsjerot_nl ⦁ @cafeverward ⦁ @spikizibar ⦁ @lenselinq 💌What's your favourite spot in Rotterdam? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Maybe the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️ Are you cocooning indoors or preferring to go outside? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city. Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰 Do you have a nice winter tip for Amsterdam? I'm reading along 👀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. NEW DATE AND EVENTS IN AMSTERDAM 🗝️👀 Mark your calendars! Because on January 17 & 18 Hotelnacht is back in Amsterdam with an edition full of health & wellness events and of course legendary parties that you will be talking about all year long. I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower. AND YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: • overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026 • access to the spa & wellness (based on availability via the wellness desk) • pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor • fully catered chef's dinner • passe-partouts for the Hotelnacht parties • extensive breakfast in the Wintergarden • participation in the unique Ice Experience in the Summergarden of Krasnapolsky 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦: • let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotelnacht • download the Mastercard Hotelnacht app where you can find the See the full program • and check out @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started! The winner will be notified on January 5th via a comment from @hotelnacht that I'll share in my stories. Fingers crossed for you! Love, Anne #hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

With love,

Anne

| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.

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