Cork or Galway: Which Should You Choose in 2024?

Heading to Ireland and trying to choose between Galway or Cork? You’re in the right place.

Both, Cork and Galway are touristy cities, and two of the four main cities in Ireland (which also include Dublin and Limerick.) They’re both very walkable, and you don’t need a car for either – at least not in the downtown core.

You will love just strolling around, taking in the scenery of the historic buildings and the setting of these Irish cities.

Both, Cork and Galway, have a strong feel of Irish cultural heritage, have medieval buildings, and things to do both in outside of the city – full day or half day trips.

If you don’t have a lot of time in Ireland (one week or less) then I would recommend choosing Galway, simply because it will be easier to fit into a 7 day Ireland itinerary, because of its location.

Ultimately, you cannot go wrong with either. I am an Ireland fanatic, have travelled all through the whole country and can offer you insight on both, Cork and Galway.

Let’s go through the highlights of Cork and Galway, and the pros and cons of each, so you can determine which one is best for you.

Cork vs Galway: What are they Known For?

Here is what you need to know about the ‘essence’ of each city- what makes them unique from other cities in Ireland?

Cork vs Galway: Population and Size

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, after Dublin and before Limerick. Galway is the 4th largest city.

Cork’s population in 2023 was 223,657. Galway’s population is 84,572. So, if you’re looking to visit a smaller city, then Galway would be the one for you.

However, you’re the kind of person who likes a big city with more to do – then I think you’d be happier in Cork.

Cork vs Galway: Things to Do

There are a few really cool things to do in both cities, check out the most popular tourist attractions below

Cork or Galway: Conclusion

Since Cork is a larger city, there’s more to do directly in the city centre. You could easily spend three days in Cork, and it has some excellent day trips as well. I did not list the day trips in Cork above because the list of things to do would have been too long for Cork. But here are some ideas:

• a full day trip along Ireland’s southern coast
• a day trip to The Ring of Kerry (the most beautiful place in Ireland, in my opinion)

Between the two cities, I found centre of Galway to be the ‘prettier’ one to look at, and take pictures of. I could not stop taking pictures. However, everything you want to see in Galway is within walking distance and you could probably see it within a day.

If you are looking for somewhere to spend 3 nights in, then I think you would need to consider day trips outside of Galway as well during that time, because there isn’t enough right in the city of Galway to spend three days seeing.

However, the day trips possibilities outside Galway are excellent. The village of Cong is very quaint, with its 1000s year old ruins, Connemarra National Park, Aran Islands and The Burren are all incredible. For more info, read about if Galway is worth a visit.

Also, in Galway, you’re a bit closer to the Cliffs of Moher which makes it easier to see them with less crowds, such as at sunset.

If it were up to me? Having been to both, Cork and Galway (but spent more time in Galway) I would probably choose Cork, because of all the interesting things there are to see and do right in the city. I didn’t have enough time for all of them last time and wish I’d had more time in Cork.

So if you’re short on time, I’d probably stick to Cork, but I think that you cannot go wrong with either option.

Cork vs Galway: Safety and Places to Avoid

Both Cork and Galway are safe cities for tourists. As a tourist, you would be spending most of your time in the downtown area of these cities, where any crime would be very rare.

Neither Cork or Galway are the most ‘dangerous’ cities in Ireland. ( Limerick is known for being statistically the most dangerous city in Ireland. )

Cork vs Galway: Which is more family-friendly?

Ireland is generally a family-friendly place to travel through. I travelled to both Cork and Galway with my 3 (almost 4) year old, and she enjoyed both cities. She enjoyed listening to the music of the buskers, which are common in both cities in the summertime.

Since both cities are walkable and car-free in some areas, I found them both to be great places to walk around as a family. We didn’t use a stroller, but you could use a stroller in the downtown core of either city.

Cork has Fitzgerald Park, the English Market, and the Butter Museum which I think would all be fun with kids of all ages. I think Cork has a bit more in the way of things to do with kids.

But in terms of safety, and welcoming for families? Both Cork and Galway are family-friendly cities.

Location of Cork vs Galway

Part of making the decision between Cork and Galway is looking at their location, and where else you’re planning to visit on your Irish itinerary.

Galway is much closer to the Wild Atlantic Way, Cliffs of Moher, Northern Ireland and so if you’re planning to visit these then it makes sense to add Galway to your trip.

If you’re planning to spend some time on the Ring of Kerry (in my opinion, the most beautiful place in Ireland!) then Cork makes an easy stop from there, if you’re driving back to Dublin from Kerry.

It might be worth noting that both cities – Cork and Galway – are similar in distance from Dublin. Galway is a 2 hour and 15 minute drive, and Cork is just half an hour longer – 2 hours and 45 minutes.

They’re also both similarly close to Limerick. Galway is an hour and 15 minutes away from Galway, whereas Cork is an hour and 29 minutes.

Ultimately Cork is further than the two other desirable Irish cities (Limerick and Dublin) than Galway is, but not by much.

Shopping in Cork vs Galway

If you’re the kind of person who loves to buy souvenirs, then you will love the different options for souvenirs from Ireland. They embody the country’s unique folklore, heritage, and farming industry and there are many special items that you can only get in Ireland.

If you want to shop, and are deciding between Cork or Galway, then I’ll say this: Cork is larger and has more stores. However, there are some specific souvenirs that are much easier to find in Galway, because of its location being on the Wild Atlantc Way.

Cork vs Galway: FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Cork or Galway.

Is Cork near Galway?

It would take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Cork to Galway, and that doesn’t include stopping at any toll stations. Both of them are near the famous scenic coastal road, the Wild Atlantic Way.

Is Cork Ireland worth visiting?

Yes, Cork is well worth a visit. It is one of the Irish cities founded by the Vikings (along with Limerick, Dublin among others.) It has a walkable downtown, a food market open daily that has been running since the 1700s, a famous park, and a castle and some great day trips.

Is it better to go to Galway or Cork?

Both cities, Cork and Galway, are great for tourists. They both have a lot of history, buskers (live street music) in the summertime, great food, and things to do. Cork is a larger city, so there are more things to do to keep you busy for a few days. Galway is smaller and quainter.

Cork or Galway: Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with Cork or Galway. They’re both amazing cities with rich history.

Galway is small and compact, and almost everything you’d want to see in the city centre is within walking distance. However, if you want to spend a few days in Galway, then you would need to be willing to take day trips, because many of the nearby attractions aren’t right in the city itself – they’re up to 1-2 hours away. You don’t necessarily need a car, there are many tours you can book right out of Galway.

Cork, on the other hand, is a larger city. It doesn’t have the same ‘small, quaint feel’ in the downtown core as Galway, but there are a lot of exciting and unique things to do in the city and nearby.

Ultimately, whichever city you choose, I don’t think you’ll regret your decision.