Cork

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Cork

Welcome to the "People's Republic of Cork", Ireland's southernmost city, where spirited, independent vibes coalesce with cosmopolitan creativity. As an ancient maritime port, Cork's rich history is interwoven with centuries of trade and cultural exchange, shaping its unique character. Regardless of the season, a visit to Cork promises lively entertainment and the warm embrace of Irish craic, ensuring a memorable experience year-round.

The City

Cork was founded 14 centuries ago, on islands in an estuary, where the River Lee joins the world’s second-largest natural harbour. Waterways circle the city centre, crossed by 22 bridges. Hilly neighbourhoods climb the river banks stacked with colourful houses, while the University’s historic campus seamlessly connects to the city centre. Voted in 2005 as a European Capital of Culture, Cork truly lives up to the title: an abundance of galleries, museums and local cultural centres sustain the creative vibe associated with the city. An artisan food scene makes Cork one of the island’s biggest culinary hot spots. Fresh fish floods into the city from nearby towns while artisan producers furnish restaurants and market stalls with sumptuous dairy products and meats from the surrounding pastureland. To wash it all down, you'll find pubs at every nook and cranny — this is a city that easily lends itself to merrymaking. Despite all this action, Cork is at its heart a small and intimate city, warm and welcoming, with a relaxed pace of life that makes you feel you have all the time in the world. DAY TRIPS The Cork coast, with its colourful sailing races and regattas, is studded with some of Ireland’s most iconic places. At the harbour’s edge is Cork’s port of Cobh, a picturesque seaside town which was once the departure point for millions of emigrants headed west. It was also the last calling point of the Titanic — this is a place with a poignant history beneath its cheerful seaside vibes. To the North West lies Blarney and its castle, a legendary edifice wherein lies a magical stone said to bequeath the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. To the east, you’ll find Jameson’s distillery at Midleton: a pure taste of Ireland enjoyed by millions around the world. Just south again on the Atlantic coast, is picture-perfect, smart Kinsale with its yachts, its pretty quayside, narrow 18th-century streets, festivals, and gourmet cuisine. Grounded, witty and irreverent, “The People’s Republic of Cork” is a fusion of new and old, experimental and traditional. The city's unique identity helps it to stand apart from the rest of the country — but despite all that, it remains an intensely Irish place to visit.

Do & See

Lively and vibrant, Cork is a young city with someone for everyone. Attracting a steady flow of students each year, the city is also home to plenty of parks, museums, galleries, and diverse sights. The picturesque city centre has numerous historical, natural, and cultural sites within easy reach.

Dining

Cork’s history as a place of trade and exchange has fostered its reputation as a diverse and interesting food scene. The combination of tradition; using fresh, local and seasonal produce, with an openness to outside influences has made the city 'The Culinary Capital of Ireland'.

Cafés

Unpredictable Irish weather provides a perfect excuse to cosy up in one of Cork's many coffee shops and indulge in a comforting hot beverage. Full Irish breakfasts and local desserts offer an experience unique to the Emerald Isle.

Bars & Nightlife

Narrow streets and laneways filled with unique pubs and live music venues make up the landscape of Cork after dark. With students making up a third of its population, the city is renowned for its vibrant nightlife.

Shopping

Many leading retailers can be found in the immediate city centre, which is so compact you’ll find it easy to explore it on foot. As well as this, Cork is home to an impressive array of smaller local businesses, with no shortage of gift ideas.

Tourist Information