- ireland -

Cork City

Co. Cork

It is Cork, of all Ireland’s cities, which most warmly gives the impression of being a place at comfort with itself, for it’s the heart of a land flowing in milk and honey. Cork is all about the good things in life. While it may be stretching things a little to assert that the southern capital has a Mediterranean atmosphere, there’s no doubting its Continental and cosmopolitan flavour, and the Cork people’s relaxed enjoyment of it all.

The central thoroughfare of St Patrick’s Street is comfortably revitalised in a handsome and mainly pedestrianised style which is continued in the bustling urban network radiating from it. This fine thoroughfare was a river channel until 1783, as the earliest parts of Cork city were built on islands where the River Lee meets the sea. But for more two centuries now, it has been Cork’s main street, affectionately known to generations of Corkonians as “Pana”. Designed by Catalan architect Beth Gali, the regeneration project brought a flavour of Barcelona’s Ramblas to a city which responded with enthusiasm and pride. Oliver Plunkett Street has received the same improvement, and Grand Parade is being up-graded to create a city centre with attractive pedestrian priorities.

Cork’s unique qualities, and its people’s appreciation of natural produce, make it a favoured destination for connoisseurs. Trading in life’s more agreeable commodities has always been what Cork and its legendary merchant princes were all about. At one time, the city was known as the butter capital of Europe, and it continues to be unrivalled for the ready availability of superbly fresh produce, seen at its best in the famous English Market where Grand Parade meets Patrick Street, while the Cork Free Choice Consumer Group (+353 (0)21 7330178) meets each month to promote the cause of quality food.

The way in which sea and land intertwine throughout the wonderfully sheltered natural harbour, and through the lively old city itself, has encouraged waterborne trade and a sea-minded outlook. Thus today Cork is at the heart of Ireland’s most dynamically nautical area, a place world-renowned for its energetic interaction with the sea, whether for business or pleasure.

In the city itself, we find two Irish stouts being brewed - Murphy’s and Beamish. Each has its own distinctive flavour, each in turn is different from Dublin’s Guinness, and it is one of life’s pleasures - in a characterful Cork pub - to discuss and compare their merits while savouring the Cork people’s delightful line in deflationary and quirky humour.

Local Attractions and Information

Cork Airport +353 (0)21 431 3031

Cork Arts Society +353 (0)21 427 7749

Cork City Gaol +353 (0)21 430 5022

Cork Farmers Market Cornmarket St Sats 9am-1pm +353 (0)21 733 0178

Cork Tourist Information +353 (0)21 427 3251

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (late October) +353 (0)21 427 8979

Cork International Choral Festival (April/May) +353 (0)21 430 8308

Cork International Film Festival (October) +353 (0)21 427 1711

Cork Public Museum +353 (0)21 427 0679

Crawford Gallery, Emmett Place +353 (0)21 427 3377

English Market (covered, with specialty food stalls), corner between Grand Parade & Patrick Street +353 (0)21 427 4920 / +353 (0)86 240 0153

Firkin Crane Dance Centre Shandon +353 (0)21 450 7487

Frank O’Connor House (Writers Cntr) 84 Douglas St +353 (0)21 431 2955

Good Food In Cork (Consumer Group) +353 (0)21 733 0178

Cork Opera House +353 (0)21 427 0022

Cork Railway Station +353 (0)21 450 4888

Tig Fili Arts Centre & Publishers, MacCreddin St +353 (0)21 450 9274

The Tig Fili Gallery provides an extensive showing of local, national and international artists. Situated in Tig Fili Arts Centre, facilities include poetry readings, publishing of young poets work, and a coffee bar. There is a large multi-purpose space, which is the gallery floor, is also rented out for occasional concerts, book launches, etc. These are always advertised in the Metropole Hotel and in Isaacs

Triskel Arts Centre Tobin St off Sth Main St +353 (0)21 427 2022