English Market
Browse one of Ireland’s best-known covered food markets for local produce, prepared food and Cork character.
County Cork · Ireland
Cork Ferry &
Cork Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Cork’s food, history and riverside character, then plan the seasonal passenger and vehicle ferry from Ringaskiddy to Roscoff in Brittany.
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Discover Cork
A lively southern Irish city of markets, waterways and maritime history with France just one overnight ferry away
Cork is Ireland’s second city, but its scale remains easy to enjoy. The River Lee divides and reconnects around the centre, giving the city a distinctive pattern of quays, bridges and sloping streets filled with independent shops, pubs and restaurants.
The English Market is one of Cork’s best-known landmarks and an excellent introduction to the region’s food culture. Nearby, St Anne’s Church in Shandon and the city’s historic lanes provide a compact walking route through different layers of Cork history.
A short journey down Cork Harbour opens up another side of the destination. Cobh is closely associated with Irish emigration and the Titanic story, while harbour towns, coastal walks and Fota Island add easy day-trip options.
Cork is also a practical gateway for road trips around the south-west. Blarney Castle lies close to the city, and West Cork, Kinsale and the wider Atlantic coastline are straightforward to reach by car or organised tour.
For ferry travellers, the important distinction is that the passenger ferry does not leave from the city quays. Brittany Ferries uses Ringaskiddy, south-east of central Cork, for the seasonal overnight route to Roscoff.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Cork
Cork rewards slow exploration in the centre and also makes an excellent base for harbour villages, castles and the wider south-west.
Shandon & St Anne’s
Climb through the historic north side and look across the city from one of Cork’s most recognisable landmarks.
Cork City Gaol
Explore a striking former prison whose exhibitions add social history to a city break.
Blarney Castle
Make the short trip outside the city for the castle, gardens and the famous Blarney Stone.
Cobh waterfront
Follow Cork Harbour to a colourful town shaped by emigration, liners and the Titanic story.
Kinsale
Combine harbour views, food and colourful streets in one of County Cork’s most popular coastal towns.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Cork
Browse walking tours, food experiences, Blarney excursions and day trips around Cork and the surrounding coast.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal
Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and other correctly booked vehicles can travel on the route. Foot passengers should plan the city-to-terminal transfer before travel and follow the check-in instructions shown on the booking confirmation.
Ringaskiddy is outside Cork city centre, so allow transfer time before check-in. Travellers arriving by rail into Cork Kent station will normally need onward road transport to the ferry terminal.
The passenger ferry connection between Cork and Roscoff is operated by Brittany Ferries and uses Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour. The service is seasonal and is designed for both passengers and vehicles, with overnight accommodation available on suitable sailings.
Passenger terminal Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal in Cork Harbour
Directions to the port Open Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Main route Seasonal passenger and vehicle ferries connect Cork with Roscoff in Brittany
Vehicle travel The route is well suited to cars, motorcycles and touring vehicles heading between Ireland and France
Foot passengers Plan transport between central Cork and Ringaskiddy before your sailing
Overnight travel Cabins and other accommodation options are available on relevant overnight sailings
Plan your stay
Getting around Cork
Central Cork is compact, while buses, trains and road connections open up Cork Harbour and the wider south-west.
Walk the city centre
The English Market, Grand Parade, river quays and central shopping streets work well together on foot.
Use Cork rail connections
Cork Kent station links the city with Dublin and regional destinations; continue by road for Ringaskiddy.
Find Cork rail tickets here...Explore by road
A car is especially useful for Kinsale, West Cork, Blarney and longer Atlantic-coast itineraries.
Stay in Cork
Find Cork Accommodation
Stay near the centre or make Cork Harbour part of the trip
Central Cork is best for restaurants and nightlife; harbour-side stays work well when Cobh, Ringaskiddy or an early ferry form part of the itinerary.
Common planning questions
Cork ferry & destination FAQs
Where does the Cork ferry leave from?
Brittany Ferries passenger sailings use Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal in Cork Harbour rather than Cork city-centre quays.
Which ferry sails from Cork to France?
Brittany Ferries operates the seasonal Cork–Roscoff passenger and vehicle route. Always check the live calendar for your travel date.
Can I take a car from Cork to Roscoff?
Yes. The route is designed for passenger vehicles as well as foot passengers, subject to availability and correct vehicle details in the booking.
Can I travel as a foot passenger from Cork?
Yes on eligible Brittany Ferries sailings, but Ringaskiddy is outside central Cork so plan the transfer to the terminal in advance.
What are the best things to do in Cork?
Popular choices include the English Market, Shandon, Blarney Castle, Cobh, Kinsale and Cork’s food and pub scene.
Is Ringaskiddy close to Cork city centre?
It is in the harbour south-east of the city rather than in the centre, so allow road-transfer time before check-in.
Can I reach Cork by train?
Yes. Cork Kent station has intercity and regional services, with onward road transport required for Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal.
How long should I spend in Cork?
Two days gives a good city break; three or more days allows time for Cobh, Kinsale, Blarney or West Cork.
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