Ireland travel Forum

Cork
Cork
Situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic: it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions.

There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theatre and film all playing a major role in city life, while world-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, making it the European Capital of Culture 2005. Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top class restaurants in the country, while nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.

Located in the southwest, County Cork is the largest county, noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges; Cork harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.




Attractions

Church Tower of Shandon © Church of St Anne Shandon

Church Tower of Shandon

Positioned on a hill overlooking the River Lee, the Church Tower of Shandon (Old Fort) is possibly Cork's most famous landmark. The red sandstone and white limestone tower is crowned by a large, salmon-shaped weather vane. The Church of St Anne is famous...  see full details



City jail, Cork

Old City Gaol

The old gaol looks the same as it did in Victorian times with its barred windows, cells, bare corridors and iron stairways behind the unwelcoming gateway. Life-size figures, sounds and exhibitions tell the story and social history of 19th century Cork and the reasons...  see full details



St Patrick's Street © Cork City Council

St Patrick's Street

Often referred to as Pana by the locals, St Patrick's Street (Sráid Naomh Pádraig) is Cork's main street, famous for its beautiful architecture and great selection of shops. In fact, St Patrick's has twice been awarded as Ireland's best shopping street, and...  see full details



English Market © Rainer Ebert

The English Market

The 16th century Princes Street Market is a covered food market in the centre of Cork. It is well known among locals and tourists alike for its varied selection of produce from all over the world, and especially for its fresh fish. The...  see full details



Excursions


Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are 18ft (5m) thick in places. Located on the parapet of...  see full details

County Kerry

Kerry County is widely considered to be the most beautiful region in Ireland, and is the country's most popular tourist destination with its rugged scenery, picturesque villages, coastal resorts and wealth of attractions. The panoramic Ring of Kerry drive on the Iveragh Peninsula affords...  see full details

Kinsale

Kinsale is an old fishing village just 18 miles (29km) south of Cork. Best known for the world renowned Old Head Golf Links, with its spectacular setting on a narrow head leading out into the Celtic Sea, Kinsale has a number of sights...  see full details
Ireland travel Forum
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