Cork · Things to do

Covered food market running between Grand Parade and Princes Street, open Monday to Saturday. Come for the fish counters, buttered eggs and spiced beef; the Farmgate café on the balcony looks down over the fountain.

Restored 19th-century prison in Sunday's Well, uphill about 25 minutes' walk from the centre or on the hop-on bus. Open daily 10am–5pm with a guided tour at 2pm; €12 adult, €9.50 student or OAP, €7.50 child. Allow two hours.

Fifteenth-century tower house about 8km northwest of the city, roughly half an hour by bus from the centre. Kissing the stone means lying on your back at the top of the keep; the same ticket covers a large garden estate with a poison garden and river walks.

A walled former convent on Douglas Street turned heritage centre, garden, café and shop, telling the story of the 18th-century educator Nano Nagle. Central, quiet and rarely crowded; takings go to the charities based on the site.

Island fortress and former prison in Cork Harbour, reached by ferry from Kennedy Pier in Cobh — itself about 25 minutes by train from Kent Station. €27.95 adult, €14.95 child, guided tour included; budget most of a day for the round trip.