Cork, Ireland: Must-See Attractions, Best Food Spots And Top Activities
The River Lee, Cork
Cork, in the south west of Ireland, sits on the River Lee which leads to the second largest natural harbor in the world (after Sydney, Australia). The river makes for a pleasant backdrop to a city that offers an appealing combination of historic landmarks, bustling markets and scenic coastal beauty nearby. One of the first things you'll discover when visiting Cork is the rivalry with Dublin. Anyone you meet is fiercely proud of their city and will often tell visitors that Cork is 'the real capital of Ireland.' And everyone is so friendly, even on public transport where our bus fare was happily paid by a stranger when we found you couldn't pay by card.
St Patrick's Quay on the north channel of river Lee. Cork, Ireland
In addition to Cork's key role during the Irish War of Independence (1919-21), in recent years, Ireland's second-largest city has attracted big business which has in turn boosted the hospitality offering for visitors. Apple's European headquarters is based in Cork while pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson all have major operations there. Cork has an appealing edge: it feels like a proper working city with a lively atmosphere and burgeoning food scene.
Frederick Douglass mural
Start with a city walking tour organised by the tourist office. The 'Cork City Ramble' takes you around the fascinating city center which was once a series of canals. It explores the monastic origins, the merchant trade and the architecture of Ireland's second city. You'll see the 18th-century Huguenot Quarter and landmarks like St Peter and Paul's church founded by a priest who was also a Native Canadian chief and the art deco Savoy cinema which was the largest in Ireland when it opened in 1932. It hosted the Cork International film festival for years as well as gigs by Tom Jones, the Bee Gees and the Rolling Stones in the 1960s. Also fascinating nearby is a large mural of American abolitionist Frederick Douglas who took refuge in Cork for a month in 1845, after fleeing America following the publication of his autobiography.
The English Market, Cork, Ireland
After the tour, head to The English Market that's been trading since 1788 making it one of the oldest markets in Europe. The range of meats and fish, herbs and spices, jams, fruit and vegetables, sauces and oils, chocolates, cakes and cheeses is impressive.
Bunker Vinyl, Cork
Nearby, vinyl junkies can enjoy a proper coffee while browsing the shelves at Plugd Records which specialises in independent Irish releases. You'll also find international punk, funk, techno and jazz. On the other side of the river is the well-stocked Bunker Vinyl on Camden Quay, owned by DJ John Dwyer, selling used and new vinyl in hip-hop, punk, indie, world music and jazz.
The Glucksman, Cork, Ireland
No trip to Cork is complete without a visit to The Glucksman art gallery, on the undulating grounds of University College Cork. The stunning contemporary art museum is in a RIBA award-winning building of limestone clad concrete, steel and timber that blends seamlessly into the wooded grounds of the university. Housed over three floors is work from the university's collection and temporary exhibitions. The current show Labour of Love presents Irish and international artists who explore the responsibility and reality of labour in contemporary society (until 6 July).
Woodland Suite Nestled within the Trees, Montenotte
The Montenotte, high above the city, has long been a popular choice for visitors. And last summer, the hotel significantly upped its offering by adding nine luxurious, self-contained suites with an exclusive Clubhouse in the woods, just below the hotel. Five 'Woodland Suites' are almost fully surrounded by trees while four 'River Suites' cantilever out from the landscape surrounded by Irish wildflowers. The Woodland Suite Experience at The Montenotte won the European award in the 'Lodges, Cabins' category at AHEAD Europe 2024. Minimalist Scandinavian architecture and modern Japanese design elements provide a zen stay. Attractive features include solid American Oak timber veneer king beds with a concealed television miraculously rising up from the footboard, free-standing baths with a view and private terraces and a lovely 2-metre high Red Japanese Maple, created from recycled natural wood trunks and branches.
The Glass Curtain, Cork
Dinner at The Glass Curtain is a real treat. One of the most highly rated restaurants in Cork, the food and atmosphere are both excellent. If you sit at the bar, you'll see why Cork deserves the reputation as such a friendly place. It's quite easy to engage in lively conversation with the bar manager and fellow diners. A 5-course tasting menu (€85 pp) offers a superb taste of seasonal produce from local farmers, growers, butchers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, brewers and distillers of Cork (and beyond). The eclectic current menu includes: tempura mushroom; scallop crudo; and glazed rib with jerusalem artichokes.
Goldie, helmed by young chef Aishling Moore, is another hot ticket (book well in advance). This Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded fish restaurant has a focus on local fish and seafood. The menu changes daily, reflecting the availability of quality fish and the no-waste policy means every part of the fish is used. A recent menu included Hake tail Schnitzel, and pan-fried plaice and cod.
The Panorama at the Montenotte offers wonderful views high above the river and a seasonal Modern European menu that uses local Irish produce. Highlights include seared Irish scallops, braised beef ravioli and market fish of the day. As a member of Real Bread Ireland and Euro-Toques Ireland, Chef Janice Casey Bracken's culinary philosophy focuses on sustainability, zero-waste practices and championing Irish food heritage. At dinner, a live jazz pianist is a nice touch.
Farmgate Cork cafe enables visitors to survey the bustling market stalls below. This cute upstairs cafe at the English Market is a great choice for tea, cakes or lunch. The carrot cake is understandably a popular choice.
Lea's at The Glucksman art museum has a lovely view of the university grounds and is great for lunch, speciality coffee, fresh juices and delicious sweet treats.
Kinsale harbor
For a lovely daytrip, Kinsale, a charming coastal town on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, about 30 minutes south of Cork, is an obvious choice. A pretty harbor, colorful buildings and excellent seafood make the town an appealing place to amble around. Take a tour with friendly and knowledgable guide Siobhan of Kinsale Food Tours. Once exclusively a fishing town, over decades Kinsale has evolved as a world class gourmand's delight with many top-notch restaurants and cafes. Harry's Bar is a must for drinks, Cosy Cafe is excellent for brunch and the White House hotel and pub is great for fish and chips and chowder.
Prim bookshop and bar
Kinsale is filled with other gems like Prim's bookshop, which also doubles as a and sherry bar with regular events. And at Koko Kinsale, you'll find artisan chocolate from Frank Keane who expertly creates his handmade chocolates upstairs. He creates small batches of varying chocolate types and flavors, including Whiskey and Champagne Truffles, Hazelnut Praline or Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel. After indulging in all this delicious food and drink, burn off some calories walking along the pretty coastal country path to a 17th- century fort with great views over the harbor – Charlesfort.
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