Dublin and Cork are the two largest cities in Ireland and there is even a rivalry between the two cities. As the two major cities in the country, they are often compared. So which city is better to visit, Dublin or Cork?
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Dublin or Cork Overview
Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and easily its largest city with over 550,000 in the city and a much larger metro area. It is the chief port city in the country. The city has been named an Alpha Global City, meaning it is one of the top 30 cities in the world. Dublin is also a major university city with many institutions of higher learning.
The city is also considered to be one of the youngest cities in Europe with roughly 50% of the population being under the age of 25. Over the years, Dublin has also become one of the most popular cities in Europe. The main reasons why people are so intrigued by Dublin is because of its many pubs, museums, its many historic buildings, and for being the birthplace of Guinness beer.
Cork
Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland with over 210,000 people in the city. Most people would agree that Cork is Ireland’s “second city.” It sits at the end of the Cork Harbor which is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Cork is a bustling city but has the feel of a smaller city because of its narrow streets.
Since Cork is easily the largest city in Southeast Ireland, you will be able to see sights in the surrounding area that many people who visit Ireland never see. Cork has a stiff rivalry with Dublin, even with many Cork residents saying that Cork should be the capital city, not Dublin. The city is also regarded as the “food capital of Ireland” so make sure you visit some authentic restaurants.
Things to See
Dublin
Dublin Castle opened in 1204 and was the seat of the British Government in Ireland.
Christ Church Cathedral was founded in 1030 and is the oldest Medieval church in Dublin.
Temple Bar (and the surrounding area) is the most famous bar in Dublin. It offers over 450 types of whiskey.
Trinity College Library is one of the most famous libraries in the world.
Guinness Storehouse shows the history of beer and the history of Guinness.
Cork
Blarney Castle is located just outside of the city but is a must-visit when in Cork.
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879 but its grounds have been a place of worship since the 600s.
Blackrock Castle is a fortification built in the 16th century.
St. Patrick’s Street is the main shopping street in Cork and one of the best in Ireland.
Holy Trinity Church was completed in 1890 and the surrounding area is beautiful.
Food
Dublin
The capital of Ireland may be a coastal city, but the Irish typically prefer beef to seafood. However, the famous dish of cockles and mussels is still an essential meal in Dublin. Part of what makes this meal so famous is the song Molly Malone, whose lyrics refer to a woman selling cockles and mussels in a cart along the street. The song was so famous, a statue was even built-in her honor!
Along with cockles and mussels, Irish Stew is also a beloved dish to the Irish people in Dublin. Don’t forget to visit one of the traditional pubs and get some Guinness in the city it originated in.
Cork
Picky eaters might be hesitant to try one of Cork’s signature dishes, but Clonakilty Black Pudding is well worth a taste. This traditional breakfast food is a kind of sausage made from pig’s blood and combined with delicious spices, oatmeal, and other ingredients. The flavor might be considered a bit too strong for some, but it’s a favorite among locals in Cork. Crubeens, a dish of boiled pigs’ feet, and Trip, edible portions of animal stomach, are also traditional foods in Cork. (but they are not for everybody!)
Getting Around
Dublin
When visiting Dublin, it would be smart of you to book your lodging near the city center because most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance there. Other options for getting around the city are buses, trains, and the hop on hop off buses. DoDublin is your best bet for Hop on Hop off buses, mainly because a day pass is only 19.80 Euros for 24hrs and 23.40 Euros for a 48hr pass. Dublin is notorious for having terrible traffic so renting a car might be a headache.
Cork
The central island of Cork is an excellent place to explore on foot because of the narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets. There are many sights to see outside of the center of the city so you will want to utilize public transportation. The network of buses is the easiest way to get around the city but if you want to travel further out of the city limits, you might want to consider taking the trains or renting a car. Biking is also a good option while in Cork.
Nightlife
Dublin
Dublin is a city with roughly 700 pubs so you won’t have any problem finding a place to get a drink. One thing to note is that most pubs quit serving drinks at 11:30 during the week and 12:30am for Friday and Saturday which means the nightlife starts a little earlier and stops sooner in the night.
The area around Camden Place has one of the highest concentrations of bars and pubs in Dublin. If you are getting sick of pubs, you should head over to Diceys is a really fun place to go. For more of a club scene, head to Opium or Copper Face Jacks. There is quite a selection of nightclubs to choose from.
Cork
The nightlife in Cork revolves around going to bars and pubs rather than nightclubs. There is an abundance of places that have many craft beers on tap like Rising Sons Brewery. As far as nightclubs go, Cork is nothing to write home about but if you want to go clubbing, your best bet would be Dali. If you want a change of scenery from the classic bars and pubs, The Queen of Rebels is a really fun place that is worth checking out.
Day Trips
Dublin
Wicklow Mountains National Park is just to the south of Dublin.
Wexford is a small city known for its medieval feel.
Skerries is a small coastal city to the north of Dublin.
Cork
Cobh is a picturesque town on one of the islands in Cork Harbor.
Kinsale is known for its two fortresses and its beautiful waterfront.
Old Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1853 and is one of Ireland’s most iconic lighthouses.
If you want to see two other incredible Irish cities you may want to consider spending a couple of nights in Galway or Limerick as well.
Overall
Dublin and Cork are the two largest cities in Ireland and there is even a rivalry between the two cities. Dublin is typically cheaper to fly into but is more expensive to be a tourist in than Cork. Dublin is also a large, bustling city so keep that in mind. Cork is the second-largest city but feels much smaller than Dublin. If day trips are important to you, Cork is the best option for you. You can rest assured that both cities will not disappoint you during your visit.
