| County Cork |
| Cork city |
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Cork city - Cork by night
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Cork city - Markets of Cork
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| The
second largest city of the Republic of Ireland, Cork is dynamic and
full of energy. Strongly cosmopolitan, Cork has a wide variety of
quality restaurants, pubs and clubs, as well as having a great and
growing arts and music scene, which have nothing to envy to the capital
city of Dublin. |
 Cork city - Cork city
In
the 6th and 7th centuries, a monastery was founded by St Finbarr, which
by the 12th century had become more than a settlement as it was the
chief city of the Kingdom of South Munster. The city has a strong
historical background and has played a major role in the struggle of
the country for independence
Useful Information In case of emergency, you can contact
the City General Hospital on 4311656.
Luggage can be left at Cork Bus Station (call |
4508188 for
information)
The main Post Office is on Oliver Plunkett St (call
4851032 for information)
The Tourist Office is located on Grand Parade (call 427
3251 for information or visit www.corkkerry.ie). Opening times are as
follows: 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays from
June to August 9.15am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 4.30pm
on Sundays from September to May
One has to know that although not a dangerous city,
certain areas such as the Fountain or Grand Parade are better avoided
late at night
Sightseeing and Visiting Cork’s Custom House of 1724 houses the
Crawford Municipal Art Gallery (call 427 3377 for information). The
very good collection includes works from Jack Yeats. St Finbarr’s
Cathedral is a Protestant cathedral (call 432 2993 for information)
which dates back to 1879. It is admitted that it was built on the
grounds of the monastery founded by St Finbarr in the 6th and 7th
centuries, although there is no acknowledged proof of it. The massive
building’s exterior was built both in French Gothic and medieval
styles.
The area of Shandon and its small streets could be likely to develop in
the same way as Paris’ Latin Quarter. Full of galleries, antique shops,
cafés and restaurants, Shandon also has several fine ancient buildings
such as St Anne’s Church (call 450 5906 for information).
Cork City’s history is well reflected through the lovely collection
which is on display at Cork Public Museum (call 427 0679 for
information). The collection comprises of a number of artefacts, glass
and silver items…
Not to be missed is the well-known Beamish & Crawford Brewery (call
491 1100 for information) where you can take a tour which ending will
probably please you: a tasting.
Cork City Gaol (call 4305022 for information) has received prisoners
for almost a hundred years as the first arrived in 1824 and the last in
1923. The jail is worth a visit and while you are there, why not pay a
visit as well to the National Radio Museum which is located upstairs.
The English Market, off the western end of St Patrick’s St is a great
place to buy fine local and imported products.
Entertainment A number of festivals happen in Cork along the year, such
as the Cork International Jazz Festival (October) and the International
Choral & Folk Dance Festival (late April to early May).
The pub life in Cork is a quality one, making of the city a good rival
to Dublin in this area. Here are a few places to try out although there
are many more available!
An Spailpín Fánach on South Main St has excellent traditional music
sessions every day except Saturdays. Lobby on Union Quay has gigs every
night (traditional and contemporary) –it is one of Cork’s most popular
venues.
Long Valley on Winthrop St dates back to the mid-19th century and is an
institution in Cork
Cultural life is not forgotten as Cork has a number of theatres like
the Cork Opera House or the Everyman Palace Theatre. |
| PS : As
far as shopping is concerned, you will find a great choice of
traditional music at Living Tradition on MacCurtain St. You will find
in Cork all national and international stores. |
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