Cork city and the surrounding area are full of historic, cultural and scenic places to visit. Cork itself is a lovely city, worth one or two days’ exploration, including the three islands in Cork harbour formed by the two sections of the River Lee. Cobh, situated on what is known as Great Island, came into its own in the 19th century as an important naval base, due to its huge natural harbour. Close by is Fota Wildlife Park and Arboretum, offering the visitor a change of pace from the predominance of water and sea. Between Cork and Youghal, the small town of Midleton boasts the oldest distillery in Ireland, Jamesons, home to the famous Irish whiskey. The equally well known Blarney Castle, with its “magic” stone, is only a short trip to the north of Cork. To the south, Kinsale is a charming fishing village full of places to eat and its fair share of comfortable accommodation, making it a good base for exploring the area.
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This popular, relaxed restaurant, serving delicious fresh seafood dishes, brings people from miles around.
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An extremely popular pub with seafood dishes to absolutely die for.
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Darina and Tim Allen’s cookery school held here has a worldwide reputation and it is hardly surprising that the food is absolutely delicious. Booking is essential.
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This award-winning bar-restaurant is full of nooks and crannies, with open fires in winter and a beer garden in summer. The speciality is seafood: try the lemon sole stuffed with crab meat.
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It is really the Blarney Stone, believed to have been brought to Ireland during the Crusades, that brings visitors flocking here in their masses. Legend has it that whoever kisses the stone will be given the gift of eloquent speech. The castle itself dates from the mid-15th century and the Banqueting Hall and Great Hall are fine examples of architecture of the period.
Blarney Castle
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Built in the late 17th century, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history, including the Williamite War of 1690 and the Irish Civil War in 1922–23.
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Pronounced “Cove”, this 19th-century town boasts one of the world’s largest natural harbours. In its heyday, the town was a major commercial seaport as well as being the stop-over port for luxury passenger liners, including the Sirius, which made her maiden voyage from here. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic before she sailed to her tragic end. The Queens-town Story is an interesting exhibition detailing the town’s maritime history. Particularly poignant is the section on the part Cobh played in the transportation of convicts to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Officially Ireland’s second city, built on either side of the River Lee, Cork is a true rival to Dublin according to the local residents, of which there are around 140,000. The picturesque quays both north and south of the river, linked by an array of bridges, offer spectacular views. The numerous waterways, narrow alleys and Georgian buildings, together with the balmy climate, often lend the city a more continental than Irish atmosphere.
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Eating here is an interesting experience because you are surrounded by unusual artwork and pottery – hence the name. The food is an equally unusual mix of styles and flavours and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
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This 700-acre centre prides itself on helping to protect the environment, breeding and reintroducing animals to their natural habitats. One of its great successes is the saving of the native white-tailed eagle that was threatened with extinction in Ireland.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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In Praise of ShadowsThe Irish Museum of Modern Art presents In Praise of Shadows, an exhibition that focuses on shadow theatre and silhouettes. It brings together works by eight contemporary artists from drawings and... Read more
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William McKeownThe Irish Museum of Modern Art presents an exhibition of paintings, watercolours on paper and pencil drawings by prominent Irish artist William McKeown. Read more
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Temple Bar Trad Irish Music & Culture FestivalThe Temple Bar Trad Irish Music & Culture Festival features four days of authentic Irish music and dance at a number of venues in the Temple Bar district. Read more
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