Food for thought
Cork is all about food, glorious food in this new tourism campaign launched on Tuesday.
Visit Cork, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, launched a major new national and international tourism campaign designed to position Cork as a leading destination for immersive, experience-led travel, while also encouraging locals to rediscover the remarkable experiences on their own doorstep.
The Experience Cork campaign celebrates the warmth, wit and welcoming nature of Cork people, alongside a renowned food scene, culture, adventure activities and spectacular natural beauty.
The aim of the campaign is to drive visitor growth, increase the amount of time people stay in Cork, and boost year-round revenue for Cork’s activity, experience and food sector.
Newly curated itineraries bring together activity operators, food experiences, cultural attractions and places to stay across the county, making it easy to plan a two- or three-day short break, or a longer escape.
Speaking at the launch, Séamus Heaney, Head of Visit Cork, said: “Because experiencing Cork isn’t just about seeing the sights - it’s about diving right in.
“It’s getting out on the water and into the landscape, tasting the flavours of the land and sea, and meeting the locals who bring it all to life.”
He added: “Whether guiding visitors through historic streets, introducing the traders of the famous 18th century English Market, navigating island waters known since childhood, or leading adventures through forests and coastal trails, it is the warmth and authenticity of Cork’s people that bring each experience to life - leaving visitors with that unmistakable feeling that draws them back to Cork again and again.”
The campaign comes as demand for authentic travel continues to surge. Industry research shows more than 60% of overseas visitors to Ireland now cite activities and experiences as a key factor when choosing their destination, with experiential travel growing significantly faster than traditional sightseeing holidays.
Josephine O’Driscoll of Fáilte Ireland said: “What makes Cork so special is the sheer breadth of experiences it offers every visitor. Home to Ireland’s highest concentration of Michelin‑recognised restaurants, and an incredible mix of cafés, food trucks and gastro pubs, our chefs champion local produce and support a vibrant calendar of festivals and markets that celebrate Cork’s rich culinary heritage and strong sense of community.”
The campaign will roll out across digital, social and trade channels in key domestic and international markets in the coming months. For those at home, the message is simple: try the tour you always meant to book, take the boat you wave to from the shore, walk the streets with a guide and hear the stories behind them.
She added: “Beyond the table, the county offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland with endless opportunities for adventure or relaxation. Cork blends its scenery, people and food in a way that is uniquely its own.”
Supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the campaign represents a commitment to growing activity and food tourism in the region.