Introducing County Cork
Flung out on the far-western reaches of Ireland, Cork comes very close indeed to the misty-eyed vision of the country many visitors hold in their imagination.
Advertisement
Follow the country’s three bony-fingered peninsulas out into the Atlantic and you’ll find an epic, wind-lashed coastline riddled with vibrant seaside villages, their harbours bustling with fishing boats bringing home the day’s catch.
Meander east and you’re swept along by half a millennium of struggle and turbulence, the tide of history leaving an enduring mark on the towns of the south coast. Away from all this potentially overwhelming drama, the gentler, rolling hills of the north ooze a more sedate charm.
And, of course, there’s Cork city, nonchalantly pushing Dublin out the way as it swaggers into the 21st century. If you want cocktail bars, modern-art galleries and avant-garde theatre, they’re all here.
What will stay most with you, though, in both city and countryside, is that stomping live-music session in a creaky old pub, that meal of the finest, freshest Irish produce, and the steady humour of a population fiercely proud of its past and confident of its future.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Only in Ireland: more craic than you can shake a stick at
28 June 2010
Lonely Planet produced this article for our partner, Tourism Ireland.The Irish sure know how to enjoy themselves. Here are ten...
-
Ireland's best drives
27 April 2010
Whether or not you’re used to getting into the driver’s seat from the right, and driving on the left, Ireland’s...
-
Cape Clear Island: a birdwatching bonanza
14 August 2009
Even repeated viewings of the old Alfred Hitchcock classic, The Birds, won’t prepare you for the surreal sight of a...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Somewhere Rural, Peaceful and Beautiful
by PhilipD 20 August 2011
There are a variety of places that fit the bill, varying really according to what you consider 'small' and what time of year you go. …
-
RE: 1 week in Ireland
by yofletch 08 August 2011
Your only staying a week you say ? in that case you should stay in County Cork along the west coast from Kinsale to Skiberrean and maybe…
-
RE: Should we take a Paddywagon tour or try to do Ireland by train?
by barryhennessy 06 August 2011
You've certainly got a good variety of advice here so far. You're right about the car hire to start. You are too young to rent a car in…
County Cork
-
County Cork Overview
- Places in County Cork
- Tips & articles
- Hotels
- Forum
- Show map Close map
Things to do
- All things to do (216)
- Activities (23)
- Entertainment (47)
- Restaurants (71)
- Shopping (30)
- Sights (45)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For County Cork
-
1 City Spectacular
Buzzing Cork city, with its great selection of restaurants, pubs, music and theatres
-
2 I Want to be Alone…
The stunning coastal road around the Beara Peninsula
-
3 Taste of the West
Some of the best food to be had along Cork’s southern coast, from Kinsale to Clonakilty
-
4 Gougane Barra and Magic
Unexpected splendour in inland Cork, with mountainous forests and a glacial lake
-
5 Ahoy There!
Unspoilt fishing villages, including Union Hall, Glandore, Castletownshend, Castletownbere and Baltimore
Our favourite County Cork Blogs (beta)
-
Cork, Ireland Wishes You Were Here
Blog: Suzy Guese - 16 December 2011
Driving into Cork, I noticed an abundance of high school students. And then, I realized I’m getting older. These are college students attending the University College Cork, home to around 7,000 students. Cork’s youth is apparent, even if a little more immature. You don’t sense age in this city, just pure youth and innocence. [...]
-
Blarney, Ireland Wishes You Were Here
Blog: Suzy Guese - 12 March 2011
I was somewhat apprehensive to head to the Blarney Castle in Blarney, just north of Cork. In case you have been living under a rock, or stone rather, Blarney is known for its castle and probably the most loved piece of stone in the world for all of the kisses it receives, the Blarney Stone. [...]
-
Artist’s Eye Ireland: Along the Rocks
Blog: Irish Fireside - 4 March 2011
Along the Rocks, Phil Davis www.phildavisart.com Phil Davis lives and paints in Ballycotton, County Cork, where he offers classes in the Shanagarry Design Centre. Those who wander to his little corner of Ireland are invited to stop in and watch him paint. The acrylic on canvas shown here offers a view of Ballycotton Island and lighthouse. [...]
