Dublin vs Cork: Which city is better to visit on my next trip

Are you planning a trip to Ireland and wondering if Dublin or Cork is the better city to visit? In this guide we do a side by side comparison on everything you need to know including costs, attractions, safety, and much more. So here is a complete guide to Dublin vs Cork.

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Dublin vs Cork: Some background

Before we get into the whole Dublin vs Cork debate, here is some background on each city.

DUBLIN

Dublin is the largest city in Ireland, and also the capital of the Republic of Ireland. The city has produced a number of famous writers and entertainers, and is a key player in the European cultural scene. In fact in 2010 it was named the UNESCO city of literature.

Wondering if Dublin is worth visiting? Here is a handy guide.

CORK

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. It’s located in the southwestern part of the country in County Cork. Cork has a lot of rugged coastlines, mountains, country towns and some amazing scenery.

Are you tossing up between Dublin and Galway instead? Here is a helpful guide.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for accommodation

Choosing your accommodation is an important part of any trip. Here we look at Dublin and Cork to determine which one has the better accommodation options.

DUBLIN

Dublin is known for being ridiculously expensive when it comes to accommodation. And that’s just on normal days. When festivals or events are on it’s even worse.

We paid €260 for a night in a hotel in the city centre of Dublin. It was 4 stars, and the room was tiny, to the point we had to climb over each other in bed to use the bathroom. Accommodation gets a bit cheaper the further out you go, but the savings aren’t huge.

Because Dublin is a big city there are a lot of accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels. If you want to be close to the action you should look at staying around Temple Bar, or Stephen’s Green. Otherwise if you want to save some money no matter how small, look at staying further out of the centre.

CORK

Accommodation in Cork is slightly cheaper than Dublin. For a 4 star city centre hotel you can expect to pay about €240 per night. Cork City is a good place to base yourself. There are lots of food and drink options, and you will be close to many of the city attractions. If you are wanting to stay out further afield, there are quieter options like Bantry or Blarney. Bantry is close to the sea, which is great for a chilled out beach style holiday. Blarney on the other hand is a bit more rural and atmospheric.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Dublin and Cork are both pretty expensive when it comes to accommodation, but Dublin really takes the cake. So if you want to save a bit of money we recommend visiting Cork.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for attractions

If you are wondering if Dublin or Cork is better for attractions here are some of the top things to do in each location.

DUBLIN

Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Dublin.

The Guinness Storehouse

A lot of people associate Guinness with Dublin. And they probably aren’t wrong. The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular tourist sites in Dublin and is great if you want to try a pint for yourself.

Trinity College

Trinity College is one of the top universities in Europe and kind of conjures up this mix of Hogwarts and Dead Poets Society vibe. It’s a beautiful place to visit if you like history and architecture.

The Book of Kells

And whilst we are discussing Trinity College, another really cool thing to do here is see the Book of Kells and Old College Library. It’s honestly a book lovers dream.

Temple Bar

Sometimes known as Dublin’s cultural quarter is Temple Bar. The area has cobbled streets, and a number of atmospheric pubs and restaurants. One of the most visited places is of course the ‘Temple Bar’ pub. If you can find a seat it’s great for live music and pints. It’s also one of the best photo spots in Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

History buffs will definitely be interested in visiting Kilmainham Gaol. It’s about 3.5 km out of Dublin centre, and such an important part of Irish history. Many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed here by order of the UK government. This is a great place to brush up on Irish history.

Phoenix Park

The park is a stones throw away from Dublin centre, and is essentially a 7km green space that has a zoo, wild deer, and some beautiful gardens.

Irish Whiskey Museum

Apart from Guinness, Ireland is of course very much known for its Whiskey. The museum will teach you all about how whiskey is made, but most importantly gives you the chance to do some tasting.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle until 1922 was the centre of UK government rule in Ireland. Since then it has become a major tourist attraction and is used for state dinners as well as the inauguration of presidents in Ireland.

Ha’penny Bridge

Built in 1816 over the River Liffey, this scenic bridge is not only a symbol of the city, but also one of the first pedestrian bridges over the River Liffey.

CORK

Here are some of the best things to do in both Cork City and County Cork.

Blarney Castle

One of the top sights in County Cork has to be Blarney Castle. This is of course home to the famous Blarney Stone. One kiss of the stone and it is proclaimed that you will have the gift of the gab.

To get to the stone you need to make your way to the top of Blarney Castle. Then you kind of lie on your back and lean over to kiss the stone.

The English Market

Located in Cork City you will find the popular English Market. Here you can feast on some locally produced foods. You can find anything from artisan cheese to fresh meats and seafood. There are also some quaint places to sit town for a spot of tea and some cake.

St Anne’s Church

Another favourite in the city centre is St Anne’s Church. If you want some 360° views of Cork, this is the perfect place to go. On your way up you will come across the church bells, which you can actually pull yourself.

Bantry

Bantry is a picturesque and colourful seaside town that is definitely worth a visit. It is small but it is worth walking down some of the narrow back streets to get a feel for the place. It is also a really good place to sit down with some freshly cooked fish and chips and breathe in that sea air.

Cobh

Cobh is a colourful seaside town with lots to see and do. Here you can explore the gorgeous streets, and visit the famous Deck of Cards (those colourful houses that you tend to see on Instagram).

Mizen Head

One of the most beautiful parts of County Cork has to be Mizen Head. It’s a coastal area with rugged cliffs, a Maritime museum, and a whole lot of scenery.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Considering that Dublin is the capital of Ireland, it’s obvious that there is a lot more to see and do here. So if you want a city break head to Dublin, but if you want to explore some of the natural beauty of Ireland, Cork is a great option.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for unique experiences

If you are looking for unique experiences, here we decide if Dublin or Cork has the better options.

DUBLIN

Dublin has a few unique experiences. For starters, you can sip Guinness in the factory where it all started. The Guinness Storehouse do daily tours, where you can learn all about the drink, and even have a pint poured with a picture of your face in the froth!

If you are a fan of literature, you can head to Sweny’s Pharmacy which was features James Joyce’s Ulysses. You can follow in the footsteps of the main character Leopold Bloom and buy some lemon soap. If you have ever made it through Ulysses (or at least to chapter 5 you will know what I’m talking about).

CORK

Cork is great for unique experiences. One of the best things to do is head to Blarney to kiss the Blarney Stone. And once you do you will be rewarded with the gift of the gab. Where else in the world can you do this?

Another cool thing in Cork City, is having the opportunity to ring church bells. At St Anne’s Church you very much have the chance to do this. There is even a music book next to the bells so that you can play your favourite songs. Honestly the neighbours must hate it!

DUBLIN OR CORK

Both Dublin and Cork have some cool and very unique experiences but the Blarney Stone is a must when visiting Ireland so Cork is our winner.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is prettier

You might be wondering if Dublin or Cork is the more picturesque place to visit. Here are our thoughts.

DUBLIN

Dublin is pretty standard when it comes to being picturesque. You do get some lovely spaces like St Stephen’s Green, but the prettiest part of the city is around temple Bar. There are tons of bars and cobbled streets to explore, and the atmosphere is great too. The county itself does have some nice spots, particularly around Howth, but not as beautiful as other parts of the country.

CORK

Cork is also really beautiful. You’ve got these rugged and scenic coastlines, stunning beaches, and quaint country towns. Places like Mizen Head and even Cobh give you a real taste of the beauty that makes County Cork so famous.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Cork is definitely the prettier County, whereas when it comes to cities we think Dublin is much more picturesque.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is easier to get to

In this section we go through how you can get to both Dublin and Cork and which one is easier.

DUBLIN

Dublin easy to get to. From UK airports there are several flights a day on the likes of Ryanair. Most large cities in Europe have direct flights to Dublin, and Ryanair is headquartered in Dublin which means lots of cheap flights, and travel routes.

You also get a lot of international flights from the US, Middle East, and Asia that fly directly to Dublin as well.

You have a few options for getting into the centre from the airport. You can get a taxi, which will cost you around €30 on average. You also have the option of getting the Aircoach. It departs every 15 minutes and takes you straight to the centre of Dublin for half the price of a taxi.

CORK

Cork has a small airport where a number of European flights do land here. That being said flights are limited. Depending on where you are coming from you might actually be better flying to Dublin and then getting a train or bus to Cork.

From the airport itself Bus Éireann do a route to the city centre. This is usually every 30 minutes during the week, but every 60 minutes on weekends.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Dublin is way more connected and a lot easier to get to compared to Cork.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is easier to get around

Ease of getting around in a city is a big thing especially when it comes to choosing your next vacation spot. Here is a breakdown of Dublin and Cork in terms of getting around.

DUBLIN

Public transport in Dublin is easy to use although you may not necessarily need to use it. A lot of the main tourist attractions are close to each other, but there are some a little out of the way.

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is ideal for getting out of the centre, and it is also one of the most beautiful public transport systems as it travels along the Irish Sea Coast for a lot of its journey.

For getting around in the city you also have the Luas, which is the tram service.

If you think you will be using a lot of public transport you can purchase a Leap Card, for about €10 for 1 day, and this will cover you for Luas services, and buses.

CORK

You won’t really need to worry about public transport in Cork City. It is quite walkable, with a lot of attractions close together. You will however need to look at hiring a car if you are wanting to explore places like Cobh or Blarney or the rest of County Cork.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Dublin has excellent transport links in both the city and the county. Cork is better seen with a car, but in Dublin you can use the public transport.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for beaches

Planning a beach holiday? You might then be wondering if Dublin or Cork is the better choice.

DUBLIN

For a lot of people Dublin isn’t really synonymous with beaches and sunbathing. So you might be surprised that it does have a bit of choice when it comes to seaside location. Sunbathing might not be ideal, it is Ireland after all, but the beaches are definitely an option. Howth is one of the best options, with fish and chips, and a beautiful cliff walk, you will quickly forget that you were even in the busy Dublin city centre.

CORK

Cork has some excellent choices when it comes to beaches. And the good news is there is a little something for everyone. If you want to sunbathe, build sandcastles, or even go surfing you are sure to find a beach for you in Cork. Mizen Head, and Bantry and some great choices for beaches in Cork.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Despite the fact that Dublin does have some beaches, Cork is the better choice. There are a lot more to choose from, and many of them are quite secluded compared to Dublin.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for food

If you love visiting a city for its food you might be wondering if you should choose Dublin or Cork.

DUBLIN

Dublin has changed a lot in the past few years especially when it comes to food. It used to be a very pub grub kind of city, but these days it is making a name for itself on the foodie scene.

There are tons of really great traditional Irish food places you can try one of our favourites being The Boxty House in Temple Bar. Apart from this you have so many great places serving modern Irish and international food. And you have to try some Dublin Bay Prawns at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city.

CORK

Cork has a lot of gastronomic treats. In fact it is often referred to as the foodie capital of Ireland. So much incredible produce is available in Cork such as artisan cheeses which are popular on menus around the city.

One of our favourite spots for a lunch is to stroll through the English Market. They do lots of treats like tea and cake, and also good quality cheeses and meats that you can buy to take home for later.

DUBLIN OR CORK

You don’t earn the nickname the foodie capital of Ireland for no reason, therefore Cork is our winner when it comes to gastronomic treats.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for nightlife

If you want to party until the sun comes up, you might be questioning if Dublin or Cork is better.

DUBLIN

Dublin is a fantastic place to go for a night out. Temple Bar is the main part of the city that tourists flock to for a night out. The atmosphere is incredible, especially in the evenings. But there is so much more to nightlife in Dublin than just Temple Bar.

Dublin also has some really great cocktail bars and speakeasies, so if you aren’t into pubs there are a number of really cool bars you can explore. Some of our favourites are Vintage Cocktail Club and Bar 1661.

CORK

Cork City as a whole is a fantastic place for a night out. It’s a university city so there are lots of cool bars from traditional pubs to quirky cocktail spots. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than a night out in Dublin.

An Bróg Bar + Kitchen is one of our favourites for a wild night out. Another good spot is The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega which is one of the most extensive whiskey bars in the country.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Dublin definitely has more choice when it comes to nights out, but if you want to mix with locals Cork is the better place to go.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for culture

If you are a lover of culture, you might be wondering if Dublin or Cork is the better destination for you.

DUBLIN

Dublin is pretty much the centre for Irish culture. You’ve got the world famous Guinness Factory here, as well as museums dedicated to writers, immigration, and so much more. Dublin really is a great place to go to experience the Irish culture, and a way of life you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

CORK

Cork prides itself on having a vibrant and diverse cultural scene. It’s a very creative place and has inspired many artists, poets, writers and musicians.

There are many festivals in Cork, and live music and comedy events throughout the year. There are also many galleries and museums to visit in the city.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Cork is great but we are going to have to go with Dublin on this one. It’s obviously a bigger city but it’s links to a lot of famous writers and poets makes it a cultural winner in our eyes.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for safety

Safety is a big thing when it comes to travelling and so you might be wondering is Dublin or Cork safer.

DUBLIN

Dublin is a big city, so you have to remember that all big cities have some safety risks. There seem to be a lot of news stories in Ireland about gangs in the city centre, but generally attacks on tourists are incredibly rare.

There are certain parts of Dublin you should avoid especially at night for example, around Connolly Station can be dicey. But overall the city centre and tourist areas are ok, especially if you stick to well populated and lit areas.

Crimes like petty theft and pickpocketing are common. I had my phone stolen out of my handbag while enjoying a drink at Temple Bar, so I know firsthand how easy it can be to fall victim to this. Just keep an eye on your belongings, and take precautions.

CORK

Cork is a relatively safe place to visit. As a tourist you really shouldn’t have any issues around safety here. As always you should exercise common sense, but you can walk around knowing that incidents are incredibly rare here.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Cork is definitely the safer place to visit, but keep in mind Dublin is a big city so you do get incidents from time to time.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better for couples

If you are planning on travelling as a couple you might be wondering if Dublin or Cork is the better choice.

DUBLIN

Dublin has some really great places to explore as a couple. For instance you can walk around the romantic setting of Trinity College, enjoy the parks, or stroll around Temple Bar. There are also some very cool cocktail lounges like the Vintage Cocktail Club and the Blind Pig where you can enjoy a romantic evening.

CORK

Cork also has some lovely spots to explore for couples. Fitzgerald Park is one of our favourites for a picnic or stroll. You also have spots like Blarney Castle, with it’s romantic setting and picturesque gardens. Or Bantry with it’s coastal surroundings where you can grab some fish and chips and enjoy the views.

DUBLIN OR CORK

If you are travelling as a couple both cities have their charms. Dublin is our favourite though, just because there are more bars and restaurants that cater to a romantic evening.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is cheaper

Costs are a big deal when travelling, and so you might be wondering if Dublin or Cork is cheaper.

DUBLIN

There is no sugarcoating it Dublin can be expensive. Things are especially costly in the city centre, or in the touristy areas. If you want to save a bit of money, our advice is to avoid the tourist traps like Temple Bar and try and go where the locals do. And just for the record we ended up paying something like €8 for a pint of Guinness in Temple Bar.

Accommodation in Dublin can also be incredibly pricey. Expect to pay €230 (as an absolute minimum) per night for a 4 star hotel in the city centre. You can get it a bit cheaper if you stay further out, but it’s often not by all that much.

CORK

Cork is a lot cheaper than Dublin. That pint of Guinness that costs €8 in Dublin will probably cost around €6 or €7 in Cork. The city centre, can still be costly but the smaller towns are certainly a lot cheaper.

Accommodation is also slightly cheaper in Cork compared to Dublin. You can expect to save a good €20-€30 per night for the same standard of accommodation in Dublin.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Cork is the cheaper option particularly when it comes to things like food, drink, and accommodation.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better in summer

If you are planning to visit Dublin or Cork in the summer months you might be wondering which one is better.

DUBLIN

Summer is peak travel time in Dublin. The weather is the best it can be with some sunshine and way less rain than winter. Temperatures are pretty mild though and range between 9 – 20 degrees Celsius.

It does get busy with tourists, and hotels are more expensive in the summer months than other times of the year. That being said there is a reason why people visit at this time of year. It’s really beautiful and you get a chance to explore the parks and gardens, especially if you are lucky enough to get a clear day.

CORK

Summer is also peak time for visiting Cork. Temperatures average between 11°C and 25°C. Days are bright for longer, and it is the perfect time of year to visit some of the beaches and other areas of natural beauty.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Summer is the best time to visit Dublin and Cork. The temperatures are mild, and the days are long which is perfect for exploring or doing a road trip.

Are you planning on visiting Ireland in March? Here is a helpful guide.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is better in winter

If winter is more your thing you might be wondering if Dublin or Cork is the better option.

DUBLIN

Honestly Dublin can be pretty miserable in the winter months. For starters daylight hours are limited, and temperatures range between 2°C and 10°C. Rain is common which again is a great excuse to tuck yourself into a pub and enjoy some comfort food and a drink. If you don’t mind the cold or if you plan to visit a lot of museums then winter in Dublin is manageable.

CORK

Cork is slightly warmer than Dublin with temperatures averaging between 4°C and 10°C. Like Dublin though daylight hours are reduced in the winter months. Again you are best off visiting and enjoying things like the pubs, indoor markets, and museums.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Dublin in our experience is the better choice for winter travel because there is a little more to do compared to Cork.

Dublin vs Cork: which one is for me

So you have made it to the end of this article and hopefully by now you have your own winner in the battle of Dublin vs Cork. But here is a final recap if not.

DUBLIN

Dublin is exciting and vibrant. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Dublin. From the Guinness factory, to the book of Kells there is something for everyone here. It’s a really fun city, the people are welcoming, and you get a fantastic taste of what the country of Ireland has to offer.

CORK

Cork is a beautiful part of Ireland, and somewhere you should visit at least once. The city itself, is lively, and popular with students, tourists, and locals. You get a very authentic Irish experience with less tourists. But it’s not just the city that you should visit in Cork. It’s the seaside and country towns steeped in history that really make this county a true gem of Ireland.

DUBLIN OR CORK

Dublin and Cork are both fantastic cities to visit. And honestly if you can visit both we highly recommend you do.

Dublin is great because there is so much to see and do. It’s a tourist favourite, and it is definitely one of the most vibrant cities in Ireland.

Cork on the other hand is less touristy, so you get a more authentic Irish experience. Cork is also great for nature, and there are so many beautiful places to visit in the County where you can experience this.

We hope that this guide to Dublin vs Cork has been useful for you. Don’t forget you can pin it for later below.

And if you are wondering if Ireland is worth visiting here is a useful guide.

Happy Travels!