A Digital Nomad Guide to Cork

Cork Visa

An upside of considering Ireland as your next destination is that the visa requirements aren’t as stringent as many other countries around the world. Of course, this depends on where you’re from and the passport you hold, but even if you’re from a country that requires a visa, there are still great options for digital nomads.

The Irish grant visa-free access to citizens from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and a list of additional countries around the world. This is valid for 90 days, but remember that you still need to have supporting documentation providing a reason for your visit. 

Work visas

The Irish provide quite a few options for working in the country, but if you’re a digital nomad, even if you’re from a country that requires a visa upon entry, it’s actually quite simple. 

Essentially, if you’re going to be working only as a digital nomad while in Ireland – that is, you don’t plan on gaining employment in an Irish business and earning locally – you don’t need to bother with any kind of employment visa. Since you won’t technically be earning money in the country or paying Irish tax, you don’t count as being employed in the country. 

Therefore, whether you’re on a short-term tourist visa or are travelling visa free from one of the aforementioned countries, you don’t actually need a work visa at all to be able to work remotely. I know this may sound a little weird, but I promise, it’s all above board! 

Length of stay

What it really comes down to is how long you’d like to stay in Cork. If you’re travelling on a short-stay visa, you can live and work as a digital nomad in Ireland for up to 90 days. Indeed, the same applies to those travelling visa free. In the case of the latter, there are some exceptions when it comes to looking for work which may allow you to stay longer, but this depends on the kind of work you’re looking for and will most likely not apply to digital nomads. 

If you’d like to stay longer than 90 days, things become a little more complicated. The easiest, of course, is if you’re from a country that doesn’t require a visa (as mentioned above). Being able to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days requires that you prove that you can financially support yourself and your family.

For those who require a visa to enter Ireland, staying for longer than 90 days becomes a little more complicated. It means you now need to apply for a long stay visa and an Irish Residence Permit. There are several types of long stay visas, so make sure you pick wisely.

Culture and Food in Cork

One of my favourite parts of Ireland is the culture that simply oozes from every nook and cranny. It’s well known as a festive country with friendly locals always looking for an opportunity to crack a joke, and this was exactly my experience. 

Cork, however, is a notch above anywhere else I’ve been in Ireland, and in addition, it’s also a foodie’s dream! Not only does it have some incredible, world-renowned restaurants, but it also has awesome local markets, fresh produce, and exquisite artisanal goods. 

In fact, Cork is known by many as the food capital of Ireland and hosts many different food festivals throughout the year. In addition, you’ll be able to enjoy awesome live local music at many of the local pubs or a top-class production at the Everyman Theatre or the Cork Opera House. One of the best parts of travelling Ireland, and Cork specifically, was enjoying Irish folk music while out and about. Boasting beautiful melodies, fascinating stories, and fun humour, the music is as Irish as it comes, and I’d give my left arm to be back in one of those pubs, sipping on a beer and listening to the music. 

One of the best parts of travelling is trying all the local food. The cool thing about Ireland is that not only can you find a tasty, hearty meal pretty much wherever you go, but these days there’s loads of variation. You can tuck into a warm, flavourful meal at a local pub, try out one of Cork’s world-renowned fine dining restaurants, pick up a bite on the go at a market, or buy your own produce and whip up something yourself. 

Must-try local dishes in Cork

If you’re going to spend time in Cork, it would be a crime not to try some of the local dishes at least once. Some of them may sound a little sketchy, but I can assure you that if you can just get your head around the name or exactly what it is that you’re eating, you’re bound to enjoy the hearty cuisine. 

Skirts and kidneys

A Cork speciality, skirts and kidneys is a hearty stew that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Made using pork trimmings, kidneys, potatoes, onions, and water, this dish stems from the days when the city was the main supplier of preserved beef and pork to the British Armed Forces. Skirts and kidneys is such an abundantly flavourful meal that you’d be seriously missing out if you don’t try it at least once. 

Timoleague brown pudding

A real Irish delicacy, Timoleague brown pudding made in Cork boasts delicious flavours unique to the area. The ingredients include pig trimming, lots of herbs and spices, onion, cereals, and natural casings. Traditionally, the West Cork method of making it includes soaking the pig’s blood in cereal the night before making it which provides the unique flavour profile. 

Bacon and cabbage

An Irish classic, bacon and cabbage is a side you’ll find often when enjoying local meals in Irish restaurants and pubs. Best enjoyed with a traditional parsley sauce, it’s tasty and is sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. 

Fish and chips

Fish and chips may not necessarily be unique to Cork or Ireland at all, but it’s pretty much become an informal national dish. Whether you enjoy a sophisticated version at a fancy restaurant or dig into your meal at your local chipper, it’s bound to be absolutely delicious. 

A full Irish breakfast

Available at most breakfast spots in Cork, a full, traditional Irish breakfast usually involves fried egg, tomato, baked beans, bacon, pork sausage, and either black or white pudding. Black pudding is basically a type of blood sausage made with blood, oats, and lots of herbs and spices, while white pudding is made without blood – the latter being better for the squeamish among us!

Cork Nightlife

If you’re keen on hitting the town and letting loose, Cork has great nightlife to offer you. My preference, when living in Cork, was skewed more towards the lively and boisterous late-night pubs with live music and pints all around. Whether you’re keen on traditional night clubs or typical Irish pubs, you’re sure to find a place to have a good time. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do if you’re keen on experiencing authentic Cork nightlife and some good, Irish fun!

Long Valley Bar

If you’re on the hunt for a real Irish pub, Long Valley is the place to be – it was one of my favourite places to grab a pint and have a good time. This family-run bar is quaint, cosy, and boasts tons of history if you’re interested. It’s a great place to sink a few pints, enjoy a hearty meal, and listen to live music all night long. 

Rearden’s

Revered as the largest nightlife venue in Cork, Rearden’s offers several different sections depending on your preference. In addition to their so-called ordinary bar and nightclub sections, they also have an area called the Secret Garden. While it’s not necessarily that much of a secret, I’d advise getting there early because it fills pretty quickly – especially on the weekends! 

Chambers Bar

Located on Washington Street in the heart of the city of Cork, Chambers Bar has been an LGBTQ-friendly bar and nightclub for more than 15 years. Often referred to as the “rebel county”, Cork gained this title due to its significant LGBTQ history. Today, Chambers prides itself on inclusivity and boasts incredible drag performances and so much more – if you’re living in Cork, you absolutely cannot miss out on a good evening at Chambers Bar!

Cork Arts Theatre

If it’s a little bit of Irish culture you’re after, then the Cork Arts Theatre is the place for you. Opened in 1976 and affectionately known as the CAT Club, this theatre has become a hub and a home for both amateur and professionals within the performing arts industry. 

Explore a different side of the city after dark

These are just a few of my favourite places to go to enjoy Irish nightlife in Cork, but there truly are so many more fantastic spots to visit. Not included above but still certainly worth adding to your list are the Voodoo Rooms, the Oval, BarBarossa, and the Old Town Whiskey Bar. 

Cork is a fantastic city to enjoy during the day, but exploring it by night, when the streets come alive and the music reverberates between the buildings and echoes throughout the streets, is worth every moment.

Things to do in Cork

With a population of more than 200,000 people, Cork is a busy city. There really is no shortage of things to do in Cork – merely wandering the streets will lead you to cool and quirky cafés, restaurants, pubs, and a plethora of interesting historical attractions. 

• Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone

  Believed to have been built between the 15th and 17th centuries by Anglo-Irish and Gaelic locals, Blarney Castle is a tower house – that is, a type of fortification. Unsurprisingly, the castle – which includes a banquet hall, a family room, and a dungeon, among other things – boasts a bunch of incredible Irish history that you can learn about when visiting and exploring the grounds. Arguably the most popular part of this attraction is the Blarney Stone – legend has it that if you kiss the stone, you’ll be bestowed with the Irish “gift of the gab”. But be warned, there are often long queues at the stone!

• Paradiso

  A true farm-to-table experience, Paradiso is widely known as one of the very best vegetarian restaurants in all of Europe. Chef Dennis Cotter brings his ingredients in from a farm just outside the city and uses seasonal vegetables to create his masterpieces. If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, Café Paradiso is an absolute must-visit.

• The English Market and Farmgate Café

  Visiting the English Market is always a good time. In addition to being full of incredible sounds, tastes, and smells, the English Market is also steeped in history. Vendors have traded there since 1788 and it was famously described by Ross Lewis as “the stomach and soul of Cork city”. The building itself is valued as an Irish heritage site, and the market contributes significantly to food culture in Cork. At the English Market, you’ll be able to wander from stall to stall tasting delicious fresh produce and buying traditional Irish food unlike anything you’ve tried before. But it’s about more than just the food. Exuding history, one can only imagine how many people have passed through the building in the last 200 odd years. Many of the stall owners’ families have been trading at the market for several generations, and part of the experience is chatting to stall owners and hearing their unique stories. Located within the English Market – or rather, in the middle of a market on a balcony that looks out over the market below – Farmgate Café provides a truly Irish cultural experience. Boasting delectable food made from only the freshest local ingredients, this is a treat you’re unlikely to forget. Positioned right in and amongst the hustle and bustle of the English Market, the atmosphere is electric, and you’re bound to have an awesome time.

• Take a boat to Spike Island

  Originally the site of a monastery back in the 6th century, nearly a century later, Spike Island went on to be fortified and was dubbed Fort Mitchell. Over the years, it went on to be used as various different prisons. In addition to its century-old history, the fortification on Spike Island is known for its 24-acre star shape and its famous prisoners who spent time there over the years.

• St. Patrick’s Street

  Developed in the early 18th century by wealthy Irish merchants, St. Patrick’s is Cork’s busiest and main shopping hub. Lined with a seemingly endless number of clothing stores and boutiques, visiting St. Patrick’s Street is a fun daytime outing, especially if you’d like to make a few purchases. While you’re there, you’ll see St. Patrick’s bridge which is a piece of Irish history in itself, originally built in the mid-18th century.

• Shandon Bells and St. Anne’s Church

  A famous historical site in the city, the Shandon Bells are located just north of the River Lee. Built in 1722, climb to the top of St. Anne’s Church – visitors can ring the Shandon Bells on the first floor, and climbing the 132 steps to the top of the tower will allow you incredible 360-degree views of the city of Cork. With the church described as one of the most important churches built in 18th century Ireland, the building as a whole is steeped in history, and the view is just the cherry on top.

• Enjoy a day trip to Ballycotton Cliffs

  City life is fun and exciting, but sometimes all you need is to breathe in the salty sea air. About 40 minutes’ drive from the city of Cork, Ballycotton is a gorgeous little seaside town. Spend the day enjoying the beaches – although it may be a little chilly depending on the time of year – and do the Cliff Walk. The Ballycotton Cliff Walk is a five mile walk from Ballycotton Village to Ballyandreen. On the way, you can take in the incredible views and enjoy the peace and quiet of the seaside while you stretch your legs. It’ll take you a few hours at least, closer to four if you go there and back, so be sure to have a meal at one of the wonderful seafood restaurants in the village when you’ve completed your journey.

• Keep busy in Cork

  The one thing you really won’t have a problem with is keeping busy in Cork. These are just a few of the best and most interesting things to do and see in Cork, but in all honesty, I could go on forever. Here are a few more places I’ll mention that are also absolutely worth checking out:

• Cobh
• The Titanic experience
• Elizabeth Fort
• Red Abbey
• Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre
• Cork Museum 
• Fitzgerald Park
• Blackrock Castle
• The Jameson Distillery

Best Time to Visit Cork

Cork, and Ireland in general, is notorious for being a wet and rainy place, and I can’t exactly say this isn’t true – but not always! While you should probably be prepared for rain throughout the year, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be wet all year round. 

To be honest, I found that the weather was pretty unpredictable, regardless of the seasons – just as much as you may be surprised by the skies opening and raining bucketing down at any moment, you may also very well enjoy a beautiful sunny day out of the blue. However, that being said, it’s still worth understanding the different seasons and knowing the best time to visit Cork.

The best time of year to visit Cork

The best time of year to visit Cork is between June and August. Average temperatures tend to range between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, while the days are long, the sun is more likely to be shining, and you’ll experience less rain than any other time of year The only downside is while the weather is most pleasant during this time, it’s also the busiest with hordes of travellers arriving in Cork to lap up the Irish summer. 

If you want to miss the crowds but still get semi-decent weather, you may want to try visiting during the shoulder seasons. These periods aren’t as long and the weather isn’t quite as consistent, warm, or dry, but it’s still more than pleasant enough. If this sounds more up your alley, consider visiting Cork between April and May or September and October. During these times, you ought to be able to strike the perfect balance between fewer tourists while there are still cool festivals and other fun things to do before winter rolls in. 

November to February is considered the depths of Irish winter, and if you’re not a fan of the cold and the rain, you’ll probably want to give this a miss. However, personally, I quite like the Irish winter – perhaps it’s because I’m not used to snow but there’s just something so lovely about being in the city in winter. And as a bonus, most things are generally cheaper and far less busy!

Cork for Families

I can’t speak from personal experience because I don’t have any children of my own, however, from my time in Cork, I did gain a little bit of insight into what life is like for families in the city. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend living right in the hustle and bustle of the city, there are some lovely areas nearby that are ideal for family life – such as Kinsale, Ballincollig, Baltimore, Youghal or Bantry. 

The best part about Cork, however, is that it’s totally feasible to live outside the city in one of these gorgeous towns while still travelling into the city frequently – even if you’re commuting. That way, you really get the best of both worlds. 

Daycares and schools in Cork

Cork offers a wide variety of daycares, primary schools, and high schools – a good mix between public and private, all governed by the department of education to ensure a high standard is maintained across the board. In fact, the city is home to some of the most prestigious schools in Ireland.

However, depending on your area of choice, places at these schools – especially the top ones – fill up quickly. If you have a specific institution in mind or would like your child to go to school near where you live or in the city itself, it’s essential that you apply as soon as possible. 

Another important factor to consider when selecting schools is your preferred ethos (religion, basically) and language of instruction. A lot of the schools follow a Catholic ethos, while the most common language of instruction is English, but be sure to check up on these things before you enrol your little ones in school.

Family-friendly activities in Cork

Cork is a beautiful city with loads to do, and children are sure to love it too. Here are a few fun things to do in Cork with your family:

• West Cork Model Railway Village – Treat your little ones to interactive learning, a day full of model trains and other bits and bobs. 
• Airtastic Ninja Adventure Centre – Allow your kids to get rid of some energy and have an absolute ball playing games, swinging around, and bouncing up and down. 
• Blarney Castle – I’ve already mentioned this one, but it’s a fun and educational thing to do with kids too. Little ones will love the experience of kissing Blarney Rock and the grounds are perfect for expending some energy.
• Inesh Beg Estate Pirate Trail – Pirates tend to be a point of interest for both adults and children alike, so this one’s bound to be a hit for the whole family. 
• Fota Wildlife Park – Give your kids a taste of the wild at this fabulous wildlife park situated just 15 minutes from the city centre in East Cork. 
• Toy Soldier Factory Visitor Centre – Learn how these little figurines are made and enjoy some creative fun with the whole family. 

I couldn’t possibly list all the cool family-friendly activities to do in Cork, so this really is just a start. In and among all the incredible historical sites, beautiful parks and the attractions that specifically cater for energised kiddies, you’re not likely to run out of things to do.

Living in Cork

I absolutely loved living in Cork – in fact, I wish I could’ve been there for longer! The city is electric, it’s small enough to move around easily and the cost of living is far more affordable than other parts of the country. Since I’m a huge fan of Ireland and Irish culture, Cork was an absolute winner for me, and I doubt I’m the only one. 

Being a reasonably large, European city, most things are super practical and efficient. If you’re keen to settle in and start a life in Cork – even as a digital nomad for a short period of time – you’re bound to have a good time.

Cork Transportation

Unsurprisingly, the public transportation in Cork is awesome – boasting fully functional bus and train services that are both efficient and punctual, getting around the city isn’t difficult. 

The nice thing is that since the city isn’t massive, you won’t need to spend hours sitting on trains or waiting at bus stations. Travel times are pretty short, and often, if you have the time, you may even prefer stretching your legs and walking from place to place. 

Transport options

• Train: Mostly useful for traveling outside of Cork city – that is, the little towns on the outskirts or to and from Dublin – the main station is Kent. The trains are regular and reliable. 
• Air: Cork has its very own international airport and it’s just seven kilometres outside of the city centre. You can travel to numerous major cities across Europe, the UK and the USA, so it’s actually super convenient to travel internationally directly from Cork. 
• Bus: Cork has an awesome bus service, operated by Bus Éireann both locally and regionally. You can get pretty much anywhere within Cork by bus.
• Bicycle: The use of bicycles is becoming far more popular in Cork. It’s cost effective, environmentally friendly, good for your health, and since the city isn’t massive, it’s practical. I used a bike a lot while in Cork and it was great. 
• Taxi: You can contact taxi services directly to book rides, but it can be pretty pricey. Of course, these days, most people just use Uber. 
• Drive: It’s possible to hire a car in Cork and driving is pretty relaxed, but I think that unless you have a specific reason for needing a car, it’s not really necessary, especially if you’re living in the city. This may be a different story for families living in towns just outside, however. To each their own!

Transport costs

If you do need to use the train or bus services, you can buy tickets at the ticket offices or online – a monthly pass is normally about $80 (USD). However, if you’re going to be in Cork for a while, I’d suggest getting a Leap Card. Much like a London Oyster card, a Leap Card makes buying tickets more convenient and slightly cheaper.

Fitness and Health

Cork is a great place to stay healthy and active. Since it’s a busy city, there are lots of options to consider if you’re living in Cork and you want to get your sweat on. 

The main options are gyms and sports clubs. There are lots of different gyms in the city centre that offer varied membership options so you can select one that suits your needs. Here are a few different options in near the city centre:

• Club Vitae
• Café Move Cork 
• Coral Leisure Centre

Most of these gyms have varied offerings, ranging from standard gym equipment to swimming pools, group HIIT classes, and things like yoga and pilates. 

However, if you’re like me and you’re more into your sports, the good news is that you’ll find lots of cool clubs in and around the city. Here are a few options:

• Bishopstown Lawn Tennis Club
• Highfield Rugby Club
• Cork Harlequins Hockey and Cricket Club
• Cork Wanderers Hockey Club 
• Cork City Football Club
• Kinsale Yacht Club
• Togher Athletics Club 

Ireland is a sporty nation, so you really won’t have any trouble finding a way to keep active and have fun – even if you just want to go for a run on your own! However, joining a sports club or a gym can be a great way to socialise and meet people when you’re new to a city, so why not give it a bash?

Cork People

The people of Cork, in my humble opinion, are positively delightful! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I am particularly fond of the Irish and their jolly culture, and the people of Cork exemplify this notion. 

As is pretty common around the world, you tend to find city folk slightly more serious and disinterested in the likes of tourists and other visitors. However, in my experience, this wasn’t the case in Cork. It may have been slightly truer in the capital of Dublin, but even so, I certainly wouldn’t describe the people as unfriendly. 

Cork is the kind of place where you could meet a complete stranger and end up having a pint at a pub together ten minutes later. The people are generally pretty friendly, welcoming, and helpful too. I was never anxious to stop and ask locals for directions or advice while in the city.

One of my favourite things about the people of Cork is their humour. You’re unlikely to get very far without hearing a little quip or being told a fantastic story. If you can take the banter – better yet, dish it out – you’re likely to get on well with Corkonians. One of my first friends in the city told me one day that if a local pokes fun at you, it’s actually a good sign – they’ll only tease you if they like you and think you can take it. And the more I got used to the culture and the people in Cork, the more this rang true. It’s all in good fun, after all!

The best advice I can give for getting on with Corkonians is to just relax and put yourself out there. Make an effort to chat to people and reach out, and remember that there’s pretty much always bound to be something to laugh about. 

Of course, just like anywhere in the world, you’ll probably come across a grumpy sod or two during your time in Cork, but if you do, don’t let it get to you. Overall, the majority of the people are outgoing, friendly, and keen to have a chat and share a joke – or a pint – so just have fun and don’t be afraid of being social!

Cork Insurance and Medical Care

It goes without saying that both insurance and medical care are essential components of travelling abroad that ought to be considered beforehand. 

While public medical care is free for Irish citizens, with the option of paying extra for private healthcare to skip queues or go to specific practitioners, the healthcare available to expats is dependent on your status within the country as well as where you’re from. That is, whether you’re a resident or travelling on a tourist visa, as well as whether or not you’re from within the EU, UK, Switzerland, or EEA. 

Expats who are residents are generally entitled to free or subsidised healthcare. If you’re just visiting and you’re from one of the areas listed above, you also may be entitled to some services.

However, if you’re a tourist and you’re not from any of the above areas, you’re not entitled to free public healthcare, and I’d recommend taking out travel insurance. Do this before you leave your country of residence! If you do need to seek medical care, your travel insurance should cover you – or at least make things more affordable. 

This generally pertains to public medical care, however, the Irish public healthcare system is pretty top-notch, especially in a big city like Cork. The bottom line – if you’re not entitled to free healthcare, make sure you get travel insurance so you can have some peace of mind. 

Of course, travel insurance extends beyond just medical requirements. Getting insurance as a tourist in Ireland can be complicated and expensive. Since you’ll most likely be taking out medical travel insurance anyway, you ought to take out travel insurance with fuller coverage. This will provide you with some back up and protection in terms of keeping your belongings safe as well as with anything else that might go wrong while you’re travelling. My advice – don’t leave home without making sure you have reliable travel insurance, it really just isn’t worth the risk.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Cork

This all depends on your situation. If you’re living in Cork as a digital nomad – working online or whatever it is you do – then looking for a job in the city isn’t really relevant. However, if you’re hoping to find local work, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there are actually quite a lot of job opportunities in the city. Of course, this depends on your profession, but generally speaking, Ireland, and Cork specifically, have high employment rates. 

However, this is also largely dependent on the type of visa you have while living in Cork, if you require one at all. Refer to the visa section a little further back to find out exactly what you are and aren’t entitled to do when it comes to finding work in Cork.

If you are eligible to work in Cork, you’re qualified and have some experience, you’re bound to find a job. Best of all, companies in Cork tend to offer very competitive salaries due to the presence of global companies in the city, so you have the potential of earning well. 

The best way to find a job in Cork is to make use of a recruitment agency. That way, you can communicate directly with a recruiter and tell them exactly what you’re looking for. It’s in their best interest to find you a good match, so this is a great way to get a job. Here are some useful places to start:

• Jobs in Ireland
• Irish Jobs
• Simply Hired

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.