Things to do in Cork in September

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Overview

September is a great time to visit Cork. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 51—61°F (11—16°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Cork during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Cork City Gaol, take a boat trip to Spike Island, visit the English Market, and more!

Cork has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your September trip to Cork. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Cork in September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Cork in September

Top experiences in September
Visit the Cork City Gaol
September is a great time to explore the historic Cork City Gaol, a former prison that now serves as a museum and heritage center. The gaol offers a fascinating insight into Ireland's penal history, with guided tours that take visitors through the cells, dungeons, and punishment areas. The museum also features exhibits on the lives of the prisoners and the social and political context of the time. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about Ireland's past, a visit to the Cork City Gaol is a unique and educational experience.
Take a boat trip to Spike Island
September is a great time to take a boat trip to Spike Island, a historic island located in Cork Harbour. The island has a rich and varied history, serving as a monastery, a fortress, and a prison over the centuries. Guided tours of the island offer a fascinating insight into its past, with visits to the old prison buildings, the fortress, and the island's natural beauty. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy a scenic boat trip, a visit to Spike Island is a unique and memorable experience.
Visit the English Market
September is a great time to visit the historic English Market in Cork, a bustling food market that has been serving the city for over 230 years. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local delicacies, making it the perfect place to sample the flavors of Cork. Whether you're a foodie, a culinary enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and authentic shopping experience, a visit to the English Market is a must-do activity in Cork.
Attend the Cork Culture Night
September is the month when Cork Culture Night takes place, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city's vibrant cultural scene. This annual event features a wide range of free cultural activities, including art exhibitions, live music performances, theater shows, and guided tours of historic buildings. Whether you're a fan of the arts, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and enriching night out, Cork Culture Night has something for everyone.
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Explore the Ballycotton Cliff Walk
September is a great time to explore the stunning Ballycotton Cliff Walk, a scenic coastal trail that offers breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. The 5 km looped walk takes you along the edge of the cliffs, through fields and meadows, and past the iconic Ballycotton Lighthouse. Whether you're a nature lover, a hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful and scenic walk, the Ballycotton Cliff Walk is a must-visit destination in Cork.
Take a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way
September is a great time to explore the stunning coastal scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way. This 2,500 km driving route stretches along the west coast of Ireland, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque villages. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful and scenic drive, the Wild Atlantic Way is a must-see destination in Cork.
Explore the Cork Heritage Open Day
This annual event takes place in September and offers the opportunity to explore some of Cork's most historic and culturally significant buildings. Many of these buildings are not usually open to the public, so the Heritage Open Day provides a unique chance to step inside and learn about the city's rich history. From historic houses to iconic landmarks, this event offers a fascinating glimpse into Cork's past.
Take a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery
September is a great time to take a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, just outside of Cork. The distillery offers a fascinating insight into the history and production of Ireland's most famous whiskey, with guided tours that take visitors through the old distillery buildings, the whiskey-making process, and the tasting rooms. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur, a history buff
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Holidays in Cork in September
September

There are no holidays in Cork in September

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Cork in September

Temperatures on an average day in Cork in September

The average temperature in Cork in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 61°F (16°C) to a low of 51°F (11°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Cork, July, has days with highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 54°F (12°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Cork in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
61°F
highs
51°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
32%
Chance of rain
0.118 in
Amount
17.9 mph
Wind speed
86%
Humidity
12.7 hrs
Daylight length
7:06 AM
Sunrise
7:50 PM
Sunset
39%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 61°F (16°C) and a low of 51°F (11°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Cork in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Cork has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Cork that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Cork for September.
The English Market
1. The English Market
4.6
(9657)
Market
Shopping
Traders selling organic and locally produced food in an 18th-century covered market.
Spike Island
2. Spike Island
4.7
(419)
Island
Nature & Parks
Island with origins as a monastic settlement featuring a 19th-century, star-shaped fort with tours.
Cork City Gaol
3. Cork City Gaol
4.6
(2906)
History museum
Museums
Castle-like, restored 19th-century prison with exhibitions, night tours and a souvenir shop.
University College Cork
4. University College Cork
4.6
(814)
University
Sights & Landmarks
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
5. Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
4.4
(2320)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Spired, Gothic Revival building, designed by William Burges, hosting Church of Ireland services.
Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church
6. Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church
4.4
(1087)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
18th-century working church with a landmark tower, open for city views and chance to ring the bells.
Fitzgerald Park
7. Fitzgerald Park
4.7
(5160)
Park
Nature & Parks
Popular green space with a museum, fountain, sculptures, walking paths & manicured landscaping.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
8. Ballycotton Cliff Walk
4.7
(1387)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Footpath connecting Ballycotton village & Ballyandreen beach, with meadow & ocean views.
St Patrick's St
9. St Patrick's St
4.5
(86)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Bustling, pedestrian-friendly curved urban street lined with retail & department stores & plazas.
The Butter Museum
10. The Butter Museum
4.1
(646)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Engaging displays on the traditional craft of butter-making, its role in Irish society and culture.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
11. Blackrock Castle Observatory
4.4
(3388)
Museums
Observatories & Planetariums
Educational centre for science, engineering & technology set in a 16th-century castle.
Camden Fort Meagher
12. Camden Fort Meagher
4.6
(584)
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Coastal stronghold from the 16th century, with underground tunnels & an exhibition on World War I.
Crawford Art Gallery
13. Crawford Art Gallery
4.5
(1463)
Art gallery
Museums
Domestic arts centre showcasing a collection of 2000 paintings, sculpture, glass and video works.
Elizabeth Fort
14. Elizabeth Fort
4.4
(1751)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
This star-shaped 17th-century fort offers views of the city views & guided tours.
Nano Nagle Place
15. Nano Nagle Place
4.7
(913)
Heritage museum
Museums
Restored convent & gardens with museum displays on a 1700s nun dedicated to educating the poor.
Saints Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church
16. Saints Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church
4.6
(188)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Cork?

Get inspired for your trip to Cork with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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