9 Best Things To Do In Cork, Ireland At Night

1. Check out the traditional and contemporary art at the Crawford Art Gallery

The Crawford Art Gallery is devoted to display visual arts. The permanent art collection displays a wide spectrum of art, extending their collection from the eighteenth century paintings and sculptures derived from Ireland and neighboring countries. The main attraction however, is the assembly of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, fetched in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome to Cork.

The temporary exhibitions in the Crawford Art Gallery are dedicated to nurturing the acknowledgment of new artists. The gallery situated in the center of Cork city plays an important role in promoting cultural and tourism programs and welcomes 200,000 visitors a year.

Crawford Art Gallery

Address: Emmett Pl, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday - Saturday); 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Thursday)

Phone: +353 214805042

Website: Crawford Art Gallery

2. Go night kayaking in Lough Hyne

Experience one of the most magical and prevalent kayaking experiences. The shimmering lights of the stars above accompany you as the soft glow of the moonlight illuminates your way, as you paddle for an hour in the darkness. This is a very impressive excursion designed to occur in safe environments.

Moonlight Kayaking in Lough Hyne

Address: Atlantic Sea Kayaking, Reen Pier, West Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353 02821058

Email: [email protected]

Website: Atlantic Sea Kayaking

3. Go shopping in the 19th-century Oliver Plunkett Street

Oliver Plunkett Street is one of the key commercial places in Cork city. Its friendly environs generate a comforting atmosphere for shoppers whilst shopping along the longest street in the city. The 19th-century street is home to a gamut of eateries and clothing stores catering to a wide array of shoppers, with electronics to books. While on your shopping trip, stop by to view the old buildings still standing strong and offering their space for retailers, even after a couple of century.

Oliver Plunkett Street

Address: Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

4. Go shopping at Washington Street

Washington Street caters mainly to shoppers with its established clothing shops. You can find a wide variety of clothing stores that sell funky clothing brands, notably Vans and Bench offering footwear and accessories. The items are predominantly aimed at youngsters, more specifically skaters, ravers and alternative style folks. However, mainstream fashion also exists on this street where you can get a myriad of options to fit your casual style.

Shopping at Washington Street

Address: Washington St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

5. Get something nice from Merchants Quay Shopping Centre

The Merchants Quay Shopping Centre, situated in charming Cork city, comprises three large department stores along its perimeter alongside forty-five other specialty stores. Merchants Quay Shopping Centre is one of the foremost shopping destinations in Cork city. You can shop in well-known shopping stores like Marks & Spencer, Dunnes Stores and Debenhams. Strategically placed, the shopping centre is easy to access and offers car parking. Also, the nearby bus stop at the Kinsale Road roundabout is there for outsiders to get access to this shopping haven.

Merchants Quay Shopping Centre

Address: 1-5 St Patrick’s St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Phone: +353 214275466

Website: Merchants Quay Shopping Centre

6. Don't shake while walking through the Daly's Bridge

The Daly’s Bridge is also known as the “Shakey Bridge,” and was designed to offer a service to the pedestrians to get to Fitzgerald’s Park safely. However, as the pseudonym suggest, the bridge shakes if you pass through it energetically. The Daley’s Bridge is a delightful suspension bridge offering wonderful views of the river running towards the city. The bridge is open throughout the day and at night. For those who want more thrill in their lives, you can opt for passing through the bridge in the dark to heighten the thrills. Although a hint of advice: passing through the bridge at night would be better if you are in a group. Recent reports of anti-social conducts have made the bridge a little daunting to pass by in the evening.

Pass through the Daly's Bridge

Address: Sunday’s Well Road, Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353 214273251

Website: Daly’s Bridge

7. Gallagher's Gastro Pub

Christened after the fabulous musician Rory Gallagher, Gallagher’s Pub dwells in a key location near the foot of the iconic Patrick’s Hill, near the river from Patrick’s Street and bordering Cork’s Victorian Quarter on McCurtain Street. The gastro pub is open till midnight and has undergone a facelift along with a new menu. Order a couple of Guinness’s while your food arrives. A great place to hang out with friends and family or even alone. The vibe of the pub is infectious and will rub off on you.

Gallagher's Gastro Pub

Address: 32 MacCurtain Street, Montenotte, Cork, Ireland

Hours: 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Phone: +353 212415635

Website: Gallagher’s Gastro Pub

8. Enjoy live music with your pint at The Crane Lane Theatre

The Crane Lane Theatre has been an integral part of Cork’s heritage for over a century, and is situated in the remnants of an Gentleman’s Club in Cork city. Highlighting one of the most preferred Beer Gardens in Cork city, the décor is mainly circa 1920 to 1940. You get an option of 4 bars to choose from depending upon your mood and can enjoy live performances while you gulp down your favorite ale until 2 in the morning!

The Crane Lane Theatre

Address: Phoenix St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Hours: 2:00 PM to 2:30 AM

Phone: +353 214278487

Website: The Crane Lane Theatre

9. Catch the best of live entertainment at Cork Opera House

The Cork Opera House dates back to 1852 and has had a magnificent history comprising of culture and architecture that is worth admiring even to this day. Located near the Emmet Place, the Cork Opera House was built on Anglesea Street to host the National Exhibition and was branded as the Athenaeum. After a series of christenings the current name was finalized in 1877. Cork Opera House comprises of a main auditorium, two bars, commercial boxes, a lobby, cafés and shops and is southern Ireland’s premiere destination for the best concerts and operas.

Cork Opera House

Address: Emmett Pl, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353 214270022

Website: Cork Opera House

Read more about our detailed guide to Cork Opera House here >>

The "real capital" of Ireland has something for everyone

The residents of Cork consider their city the real capital as it offers a lot in terms of fine and varied shopping experiences, along with cultural places for one to indulge in. This place offers fun and entertainment to almost everyone in terms of the food and culture, which rivals that of Dublin. A prettier city offering large doses of entertainment, Cork will quickly grow on you once you visit.