Tour Ireland > Cork City
A Visitor's Guide to Cork City
The capital of the South of Ireland is Cork city - though its denizens would argue with that, preferring to think of it as the "real capital" of Ireland. Cork is a merchant city, with a large port and a long history of enterprise and business.
Cork is a compact city, easily explored on foot, and has an abundance of good restaurants and pubs.
Photo: English Market by genvessel
Tips for Touring Cork City
Touring Tips What to See What's On Travel Info Accommodation
Cork city is not loaded with attractions for visitors, though it is strong on art and culture and is a great city for foodies. The Glucksman Gallery alone would justify a trip to Cork and the Triskel Arts Centre and Crawford Art Gallery are always worth visiting.
University College CorkThe real pleasure of Cork is in wandering the streets and lanes, exploring interesting shops and of course listening to the lilting tones of the locals.
It's a Cork tradition to spend some part of Saturday strolling up and down its main street, Patrick St, an activity known locally as 'doing Pana', pausing to chat with the inevitable friends and aquaintances you meet along the way.
A must see in the city is the famous English Market, a covered market where the many excellent artisan food producers from the surrounding areas sell their wares alongside delicacies from more far flung places. This is where Cork people come to buy the local delicacy, 'drisheen', a type of sausage made from pigs' blood - definitely an acquired taste!
The immediate hinterland has many good places to visit, including Fota House and the nearby Wildlife Park, Cobh (go there by ferry) with it excellent heritage centre, and the fort and castle at nearby Kinsale.
Recommended Things to See & Do
The Lewis Glucksman Gallery
Located at the gates of University College Cork, this is Ireland's newest gallery and includes display spaces, lecture facilities, a really superb riverside restaurant and a gallery shop. There is a good and growing permanent...
What's on in Cork City
Pantomime: Sleeping Beauty
Type: Theatre | Date: December 2008
Note: Jack and the Beanstalk was the 2007 Christmas pantomime, details of what show will be staged in 2008 are not yet available.The Everyman Palace in Cork celebrates Christmas...
Cork Jazz Festival
Type: Music: Jazz & Blues | Date: Oct 24th - 27th
This is Ireland's longest running Jazz festival and by a mile the best. The sheer amout and variety of music on offer during the weekend is mind-boggling and those who make...
Pantomime: Cinderella
Type: Theatre | Date: Dec 15th - Jan 6th
Note: Cinderella was the 2007 Christmas pantomime, details of what show will be staged in 2008 are not yet available. A traditional pantomime production of Cinderella, starring...
Santa's Palace & Ice Arena
Type: Miscellaneous | Date: December 2008
Cork Showgrounds will be home this Christmas to a huge marquee, housing Santa's Christmas Palace and Ice Skating Arena. A visit will start for kids with a journey through Santa's...
Getting There & Getting Around
By Road
For detailed road directions from anywhere else in Ireland to Cork City please use the AA Ireland Route Planner.
By Air & Sea
Cork International Airport has an increasing number of flights from Europe, especially the UK and is planning a twice weekly flight to New York. Cork city is just under two hours by road from Shannon Airport. There are direct ferries from Swansea in Wales and Roscoff in France.
By Train & Bus
There are regular Irish Rail trains from Dublin, which is about 3 1/2 hours away by car. Regular Bus Eireann buses link Cork with all major towns and cities.
Getting Around
The city centre is small and walking is the best way to go. Other attractions are a short bus or taxi ride away.
Featured Accommodation
Kelly's Hostel, Co Cork
You cannot miss this place with its colourfully painted exterior complete with murals. Inside is no different, the walls are literally covered in finely painted Celtic... [More]
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