Corkis officially Ireland's second city,but it is affectionately known by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland'. It is a city made fordiscovering on foot, thanks to the River Lee which flows around its centre,creating a compact island that is jam-packed with grand Georgian streets,intersected by medieval alleys and modern architectural triumphs such as theopera house.
Exploring Cork on foot will open out to you interesting waterways,lively traditional bars, modern art centres, historical buildings, fascinatingindependent shops and some of the best restaurants that Ireland has to offer.
Shopping inCork
Corkis a shopper’s delight, not least because it still has a number of thrivingindependent traders that help set its shopping district apart from theinterchangeable chains that dominate many other cities. Taking a stroll throughthe winding alleys around Grand Parade and Patrick Street you will discovermany quirky independent retailers offering vintage clothes, handmade crafts andbespoke jewellery. When the shopping becomes too much there are also plenty ofatmospheric cafes to relax and discuss your purchases in.
Restaurants inCork
Corkhas the best foodie scene in the country and lovers of fine foods are spoiltfor choice when it comes to eating out. It’s not just in restaurants, however,where Cork’slove of gastronomy comes to life: a trip to the EnglishMarket on Princes Street is enough to work up a hearty appetite initself, with beautifully presented local produce (cheeses, ham, salmon,buttered eggs, sausages and artisanal breads) mingling with quality importslike olives and wines.
Views of Cork
Some of the finest views of Cork can be enjoyed fromtwo historic buildings: Elizabeth Fort and CorkCity Gaol. On Sundays the ElizabethFort Market Festival will reward you with more than stunning views: Irishcrafts, gourmet food and entertainment are also hosted within its historicwalls. The views of the west of the city, including Cork’s university, fromthe old Gaol make it well worth the bus or taxi ride out to it.
Sport in Cork
PáircUí Chaoimh is a 50,000 capacity stadium in Ballintemple. It is the home of the Cork Gaelic AthleticAssociation, so you can always catch live football here on match days or enjoya tour of the grounds every Monday and Wednesday.
Nature in Cork
With the tranquil River Lea never far away Cork provides manychances to get away from it all, whilst never being too far away from theamenities of the city. FitzgeraldPark offers tranquillity and natural beauty in the heart of Cork, whilst Lough Park is set around a freshwaterlimestone lake teeming with wildlife just one kilometre south-west of the citycentre.
Enjoy Cork
With a warm welcome on every corner, modern artgalleries, cosy pubs, great restaurants, historic buildings, regular festivalsand shops with a difference, Corkhas certainly claimed its place as the ‘real capital of Ireland’ in the hearts of its manyvisitors.
