What to do in Ballincollig

Activities, attractions and tours

Panoramic view of concrete dam on river Lee in Ballincollig Regional park in summer on cloudy day
Panoramic view of concrete dam on river Lee in Ballincollig Regional park in summer on cloudy day
wide expansive view across river bank with stone in the foreground and a green forested hill with blue clear sky in the background. Autumn season in Ireland.
wide expansive view across river bank with stone in the foreground and an small arch bridge with blue clear sky in the background. Autumn season in Ireland.
#GoldenHour on the River Lee in Inniscarra, Co. Cork, Ireland. Summer glow on the bridge.

Places to Visit in Ballincollig

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Ballincollig, County Cork while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Ballincollig attractions from NZ$12, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Ballincollig tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 57 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Ballincollig. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.
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Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

2. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.
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University College Cork which includes interior views, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

3. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.
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English Market showing interior views and markets as well as a small group of people

4. Blarney Stone

Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.
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Blarney Stone showing heritage elements, building ruins and a castle

5. Cork City Gaol

Visit Cork City Gaol, where prisoners were held in gruesome conditions for almost a century during the 1800s and 1900s. Learn about this historic prison’s famous inmates, their crimes, escapes and executions while walking between the well-preserved cells. Cork City Goal opened in 1824 and became an all-female prison in 1878. It held a mix of well-known prisoners and poor citizens, many convicted of petty crimes such as stealing clothes and food.
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Cork City Gaol featuring interior views, an administrative buidling and heritage elements

6. Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.
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Fota Wildlife Park showing zoo animals and land animals as well as a small group of people

Recommended things to do in Ballincollig

Number of things to do
57
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Corks Highlights and Rebels Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: NZ$12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Ballincollig

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ballincollig

Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills

Learn about the local history of Ballincollig when you spend time at Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this relaxing area.

Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills

Ballincollig Shopping Centre

During your visit to Ballincollig, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Ballincollig Shopping Centre. Amble around this relaxing area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Ballincollig Shopping Centre

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Ballincollig

University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village

Cork

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballincollig worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of fun things to do in Ballincollig. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Ballincollig?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Blarney Stone, spend some time exploring the retail and food options in Ballincollig.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ballincollig?
Blarney Stone is rated the top tourist attraction near Ballincollig, so don't leave without experiencing it.
Is three days enough to stay in Ballincollig?
With a three-day getaway to Ballincollig, you can easily enjoy the area's many fabulous sights, like Blarney Stone and Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium.
Is Ballincollig a walkable neighbourhood?
It all comes down to the things you'd like to experience in and around Ballincollig. Several popular sights, like Blarney Stone and Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium are reachable on foot. Up for a stroll through some other neighbourhoods nearby? Tower is 5 kilometres from Ballincollig, while Carrigrohane is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ballincollig with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Ballincollig with kids.

What to do in Ballincollig for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Ballincollig for adults including Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills.
Are there free things to do in Ballincollig?
It's easy to find free things to do in Ballincollig. Simply ask a local tour guide and they'll have suggestions for places and attractions you can experience for nothing. One of the best free options for your list is Ballincollig Shopping Centre.