New campaign urges both locals and international visitors to 'experience Cork'

Visit Cork, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, has 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 our renowned food scene, culture, adventure activities and spectacular natural beauty.

And while the campaign will reach audiences across Ireland and overseas, it also carries a simple message for those living here: take the tour you always meant to book, hop on a boat to an island off our coast, explore your own city on a food tour, or head for an adventure in the countryside.

Growing activity

Support by the Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the Experience Cork campaign represents a significant commitment to growing activity and food tourism in the region.

It comes as demand for such authentic travel continues to surge.

Industry research shows that 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. And while people often come for the adventures, they leave with an incredible taste for Cork’s food and return for more.

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.

Curated itineraries

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.

Locals and visitors alike can indulge in a selection of premium experiences, from island hopping and kayaking to scenic cycling routes, gourmet food trails, heritage explorations and exhilarating wakeboarding.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Séamus Heaney, Head of Visit Cork, said: “Visitors today are looking for meaningful experiences, not just places to stay. The Experience Cork campaign showcases the exceptional depth, authenticity and warmth of the region, and the people who make it so special.”

Explore curated itineraries and discover what’s waiting on your doorstep at https://www.purecork.ie/experiencecork.