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 has responded to create a city centre with attractive pedestrian priorities. And the potential of the Port of Cork area in the city for sympathetic re-development is being actively progressed.  

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 (021 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.



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

Gardens

Cedar Lodge - Garden - County Cork
Cedar Lodge
Midleton, Co. Cork
Many people will remember Neil and Sonia Williams’ excellent nursery at Carewswood, Midleton. The Williams have retired, but over 12,000 plants came with them when they moved to their new home in 1996. With a wealth of treasures to accommod ...

Golf

Cork Golf Club - Little Island Cork ireland
Cork Golf Club
Cork City, Co. Cork
Course Type: Parkland
Cork Golf Club is one of the finest challenges of any golf course in Ireland with an 18 hole championship course over 6,730 yards. It's made up of heathland terrain with large undulating greens and is located amidst beautiful scenery on the ...

Self Catering

Selfcatering
Farran House
Farran, Co. Cork
Set in 12 acres of mature beech woodland and rhododendron gardens in the rolling hills of the Lee Valley, Patricia Wiese and John Kehely's impressive house was built in the mid-18th century, although its present elegant Italianate style only date ...

What's On

Fermoy Farmers Market - County Cork - Sundays
Fermoy Farmers Market

Every Sunday, 10am-4pm

Location:

Dublin road, (opposite Blackwater motors) Fermoy, Co Cork

Contact:

David Ryan - 086 337 6399

Tourist Attractions

Barryscourt Castle - Carrigtwohill County Cork Ireland
Barryscourt Castle
Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
The site on which Barryscourt castle now stands has been occupied for over a thousand years - there is evidence of a wooden watermill having been built next to a stream at the site sometime in the 7th century, long before any fortification existe ...

Wedding Venues

Ballyvolane House - Wedding Venue in Fermoy County Cork Ireland
Ballyvolane House
Fermoy, Co. Cork
The Green family’s gracious mansion is surrounded by its own farmland, magnificent wooded grounds, a trout lake and formal terraced gardens, all carefully managed and maintained. The Italianate style of the present house - including a pilla ...
  • The Kingsley Hotel, Cork - Paws & Unwind

    If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel in Cork, you’ve come to the right place. As animal lovers, the team at this fine riverside hotel welcome your four-legged friends. Canine guests can choose an overnight stay sharing their accommodation with their owners. They will be provided with a bed, bowl, blanket, and towels whilst in residence, and a little welcome bag from the team
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17th September 2007
Margaret Clayton
Thank you for your comprehensive and historical information about Cork city. Well done to your researcher!

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