English Market & Cork City Shore Excursion

This Cork shore excursion is a good choice for first time visitors with a limited amount of time in port. You enjoy a driving tour of Cork city and visits to the Cork City Gaol and the English Market, all within a compact 4 hour private tour from Cobh cruise port.

After meeting your driver guide at the pier in Cobh, you begin with a driving tour of Cork city. You see historic landmarks including City Hall, St. Finbarr's Cathedral, St. Patrick's Street, and St. Anne's Cathedral.

Next you visit one of the city's top sights, the Cork City Gaol. This imposing building opened in 1824 and housed prisoners until it closed in 1923. A tour takes you around the restored jail and its refurnished cells, telling the story of the social history and contrasting lifestyles of 19th century Cork and why many of its people ended up occupying cells in this well known prison.

You then walk to the English Market, a covered market for fish, fruit, meat, and vegetable sellers with entrances on Prince's Street, St. Patrick's Street, and the Grand Parade. The market traces its origins to a charter granted under King James I in 1610, and the current building opened in 1788. Traditionally a meat and fish market, in recent years the range of food on offer has broadened to include fruit and vegetables, an organic stall, a traditional French deli stall, an olive stall, a cheese and pasta stall, and a bread stall. If you enjoy your local farmer's market, you are likely to enjoy this one too.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Cork shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Cork tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.