Rainy Day Activities in Cork
Come rain or shine, Cork has no shortage of fantastic things to do
Let’s face it, as gorgeous as Ireland is, we are partial to a down pour of rain, but that shouldn’t wash away the fun of your weekend away to Cork. Our Guest Relations Manger, Jan Mitchell has created a list of the best things in Cork to do on those rainy days. Don’t forget, when you stay in The Metropole Hotel, Jan is on hand to help plan your stay.
CRAWFORD ART GALLERY
On an rainy afternoon in Cork, why not visit Crawford Art Gallery to see some wonderful art and exhibitions?
Crawford Art Gallery, a national cultural institution in the centre of Cork City, is home to both modern and historic visual arts. Over 3,000 works, spanning from 18th century paintings and sculptures to modern installations, are on display at the gallery. The Crawford Art Gallery is an excellent spot to visit while in Cork.
Crawford Art Gallery, located within a 10-minute walk from The Metropole Hotel, provides guests with an oasis of serenity and tranquillity in the heart of Cork City. It’s ideal for a day when the rain hits and make sure to visit the delicious café inside as well!
THE JAMESON EXPERIENCE
It’s easy to see why the Jameson Distillery in Midleton is consistently named as one of the best things to do in Cork. The tours, which are led by Jameson Brand Ambassadors and include delve into the history of Jameson, an outstanding sensory room, a masterclass in whiskey tasting, and a complimentary drink at the bar, provide a world-class experience for anyone wanting a whiskey wonderland. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon when visiting Cork, and it’s frequently listed as a highlight of vacations by whiskey and culinary enthusiasts.
So if the heavens have opened and you’re looking for something to do, this is a brilliant option.
It’s an informative and interesting tour, one that will help pass the time very easily. If you’re planning on staying here at The Metropole Hotel, why not book in for our Jameson Whiskey Experience Package.
THE CORK BUTTER MUSEUM
Located right next to Shandon Bells, The Cork Butter Museum is the place to visit to find out why Cork was the biggest butter market in the world in the 18th century. The Cork Butter Museum tells the story of ancient Ireland’s dairying culture and the growth of the Cork Butter Exchange, which was once the world’s largest, trading tens of millions of pounds of butter annually. Learn about the art of creating traditional butter. A brief film presentation of butter manufacturing by hand is included in this section of the museum, as well as an appealing video presentation of the growth of Kerrygold, Ireland’s most famous butter brand. A display of butter bricks has been added to the museum’s collection of dairying paraphilia, which includes milk churns and a keg containing 1,000-year-old butter.
It might not sound like the most riveting thing of all time but you will be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy it, and is personally one of my favourite activities to enjoy on a rainy day.
THE ENGLISH MARKET 
One of Cork’s most iconic places to visit and fully covered from all weather conditions, The English has been trading since 1788 and brings in visitors from all over the world. The market is located in the centre of the city and is renowned for showcasing the finest of Cork’s offerings, including artisan bakers, specialty butchers, gourmet cheese mongers, and much more! There are also some charming local boutiques where you can find something unique. If you’re visiting, don’t forget to stop by the Toonsbridge Dairy Shop for some delicious cheeses and tasty home-made cannolis! The market is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. This is the perfect spot to nip into if it starts to rain and spend the afternoon browsing the different stalls.
ENJOY THE EVENING ON MACCURTAIN STREET
The Metropole Hotel is ideally located on MacCurtain Street, the heart of Cork’s Victorian Quarter, where there is plenty of spots to dip your head into if it starts to rain. The Everyman Theatre has excellent shows & productions showing most evenings and is the ideal way to avoid a rainy evening. Why not enjoy our pre-theatre menu before hand, or a post-show cocktail in the MET Bar. Keep an eye out on our social media channels as we release our special MET 125 Years Cocktail Menu later this Spring.
So whether the sun is splitting the stones or the rain decides to stay, there is plenty to do, come rain or shine, during your time in Cork.
