New ‘Experience Cork’ Tourism Campaign Invites Visitors to Discover Cork and Connect with Local Life Through Its People, Food and Immersive Activities
Rugged Atlantic coastlines, rolling green landscapes, exhilarating adventures, vibrant city streets, and food worth travelling for – Cork is shaped by big landscapes, big flavours, and even bigger characters.
‘Experience Cork’, a new tourism campaign by Visit Cork supported by Fáilte Ireland, invites visitors from across Ireland and overseas to discover the county through immersive experiences and tours that celebrate the warmth, wit and welcoming nature of Cork people, alongside the county’s renowned food scene, culture, adventure activities and spectacular natural beauty.
Newly curated itineraries bring together activity operators, food experiences, cultural attractions and places to stay across the county, making it easy to plan a two- or three-day short break, or a longer escape. Visitors can indulge in a selection of premium experiences, from island hopping and kayaking to scenic cycling routes, gourmet food trails, heritage explorations and exhilarating wakeboarding.
Because experiencing Cork isn’t just about the postcard moments, it’s about diving right in. It’s getting out on the water and into the landscape, tasting the flavours and energy of the land and sea, and meeting the locals, natural storytellers, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, stories, and love of where they live.
Whether guiding visitors through historic streets, introducing the traders of the famous 18th-century English Market, navigating island waters known since childhood, or leading adventures through forests and coastal trails, it is the warmth and authenticity of Cork’s people that bring each experience to life – leaving visitors with that unmistakable feeling that draws them back to Cork again and again.
Cork is also home to one of Ireland’s most celebrated food scenes, shaped by rich farmland, abundant coastal waters and generations of passionate producers. For centuries, the region has been synonymous with exceptional ingredients, with Cork Harbour serving as the main gateway for Irish food exports in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, around 60% of Ireland’s artisan food producers are based in Cork, creating a vibrant food culture that champions local, seasonal and sustainable food. The county also boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland, alongside independent cafes, historic and lively pubs, and a growing number of local breweries and distilleries.
Visitors can experience this rich food culture first-hand through guided food trails, brewery and distillery tours, and hands-on culinary experiences led by passionate local guides, producers and chefs who bring Cork’s food story to life. From exploring the English Market to visiting culinary towns like Kinsale, enjoying tastings in restaurants across the county, or discovering the craft behind local produce through demonstrations and masterclasses, these experiences connect visitors with the people behind the produce and offer an authentic insight into Cork’s farm-to-fork and sea-to-plate traditions.
Beyond the table, Cork offers some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes and adventures to explore, from rugged Atlantic coastlines and pristine beaches to lush forests and hidden valleys, making the county a natural playground for adventure and relaxation alike. Visitors can explore sheltered bays by kayak, cycle greenways or scenic coastal roads, hike quiet woodland trails or journey to island communities steeped in maritime history.
Along the way, they’ll discover vibrant towns and villages alive with arts, crafts and traditional music, offering a rich blend of activity, culture and craic that is distinctively Cork.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Séamus Heaney, Head of Visit Cork, said:
“Visitors today are looking for meaningful experiences, not just places to stay. The Experience Cork campaign showcases the exceptional depth, authenticity and warmth of the region, and the people who make it so special. Cork is a land of contrasts, bound by spirit and united by welcome.”
Josephine O’Driscoll of Fáilte Ireland added,
“What makes Cork so special is the sheer breadth of experiences it offers every visitor. Home to Ireland’s highest concentration of Michelin‑recognised restaurants, and an incredible mix of cafés, food trucks and gastro pubs, our chefs champion local produce and support a vibrant calendar of festivals and markets that celebrate Cork’s rich culinary heritage and strong sense of community. Beyond the table, the county offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland with endless opportunities for adventure or relaxation. From kayaking sheltered bays to discovering hidden villages, hiking scenic trails to enjoying local arts and traditional music. Cork blends its scenery, people and food in a way that is uniquely its own.”
Ultimately, what sets Cork apart is not just its dramatic landscapes, incredible food or rich heritage, but its people. Warm, generous and proud of where they’re from, they make every experience unique.
Visitors can explore curated itineraries, videos, photography and inspiration for planning their own experience at purecork.ie/ExperienceCork, helping them build memorable short breaks centred on the people, food and adventures that define the county.
#ExperienceCork #PureCork #WildAtlanticWay #IrelandsAncientEast #IrelandsHiddenHeartlands.
ARTICLE CREDIT - EVENTS TOURISM, COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY
