Cheap Flights to Cork

When to fly

Peak season: 

The summer months of July and August are Cork’s busiest in terms of tourism. This is mostly due to this period coinciding with UK school summer holidays. Flights to Cork will be at their most expensive during these months so it is advised to book your flights well in advance.

Off season: 

The winter months (December through February) usually comprise Cork’s quietest period, as this is when the weather is coldest and wettest which results in cheaper accommodation and cheap flight prices. However, the months of May, June and September, which immediately surround the peak months often enjoy favourable weather but are outside the high season’s crowds and price increases.

An exciting time to book your flights to Cork is on St. Patrick’s Day. St Patrick’s Festival is one of the biggest events held in Ireland which provides free family-fun madness throughout the city’s streets. The centre is transformed into an extravaganza of colour, sound, parades and activity.  There is something for everyone to enjoy at this three day festival from puppet shows and storytelling, to live music and circus walkabouts. The parade is at the forefront of the festival and features an array of wacky and brilliant displays from street theatre companies, inflatable floats, tractors, puppets and live bands.

Why visit

The Republic of Ireland’s second-largest and third most populous city, Cork is nevertheless second to none in the eyes of Corkonians, who refer to the city on the River Lee as the “real capital of Ireland”. County Cork, which takes its name from the city, is sometimes known colloquially as “The Rebel County” in reference to its role in the Irish War of Independence and even today its inhabitants are known among their countrymen for their pride and sense of identity.

In recent decades, Corkonians have gained another reason to sing the city’s praises as the county has become renowned as a foodie mecca, with excellent local produce and top eating establishments such as the restaurant of Shanagarry’s famed Ballymaloe House gaining international acclaim for their mastery of traditional Irish cuisine.

When your flight touches down, you will have the opportunity to visit sights like the historic Cork City Gaol, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery, St Anne’s Church in Shandon, the medieval Red Abbey Tower and St Finbarre’s Cathedral. For a charming glimpse of bygone Cork visit Princes Street Market, also known as the Cork English Market. The market has been rebuilt since its construction in the 19th century and retains its original Victorian design and character. Other attractive County Cork holiday destinations like Cobh, Oysterhaven, Kinsale, Mallow, and Midleton. Nearby Blarney Castle, home of the famed Blarney Stone, can also be easily visited.

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Cork climate

Cork’s climate is mild, with rain throughout the year and low likelihood of either extremely warm or extremely cold conditions. The city is, however, one of Ireland’s sunniest, with an average of 3.8 hours of sunshine every day. The summer months of June, July and August are generally the warmest and driest and the winter months of December, January and February usually the coldest and wettest.

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Getting around Cork

The city of Cork has a relatively small town centre, with major tourist attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other.

For those wishing to travel to the outer and largely residential suburbs however, there are bus services departing from the Parnell Place bus station or main shopping thoroughfare Patrick’s Street.

How to get to the city from the airport

Buses, coaches, shuttles and taxis operate from Cork Airport (ORK) and provide convenient transport options to the city centre.

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