1

Hi, where will you be living in County Cork? Its a big county, hard to recommend where to go and see without knowing your base and whether you'll have a car or not. Most Cork towns are very friendly, but each town is different - some are quite cosmopolitan, with people from all over the world living or passing through, others are more 'local'. In the latter, you'll find people friendly, but sometimes a bit cliquey so it can be hard to break into new social circles. If you are worried about making friends maybe the best way is to join up with local sports or cultural activities.

As for phones, its best to wait until you get here, to go a main street, and go through each of the phone companies to see who will give you the best deal at any one time. Just beware that most offers are based on at least 2 years contract, so it might be a bit restrictive for you.

2

Phones, Consider buying an unlocked IPHONE 4 on EBAY.IE /

3

Cork city has all the things you're after and more (the Crawford art gallery is probably the only such art museum in Cork).

Out in the county, your options are a little more limited. Probably the best-known pub in West Cork is De Barra's in Clonakilty: always lots of good gigs on there. It's tough to be more specific without knowing where you'll be living: Cork is the biggest county in Ireland.

If you're working here, your colleagues are probably your first port of call to make friends. Get chatting to them and you'll probably be asked out for a drink with them. Remember to get your round in and you'll fit right in.

4

Thanks for the answers! And I'll be living just outside of Cork City.

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Ireland is one of the friendliest places I've visited! I'd have to say that making friends is not going to be something you need to worry about. Go and do the things you love to do and you'll meet people along the way. Guaranteed. And I agree about your colleagues - that'll be a great boost to start you off.

Good luck! Happy travels :)

6

Please write later and let us know how you are getting on! Living and working in Ireland for a year sounds like a great adventure! Good luck, be happy, enjoy every minute!

7

Hello!

It is great that you are coming to Ireland for a year! We are sure it will be a great experience!

There is plenty to see and do in County Cork, you will love it! Cork City is vibrant and lively with a lot of shops, restaurants and pubs with live music and good “craic”; The Franciscan Well Brewery, The Pavilion, Bodega, The Castle Inn or Sin E are some of the pubs in the city centre. If you are looking for places to see, you could consider visiting St. Finn Barre's Cathedral, The City Hall, The Crawford Gallery, The English Market or The Old Gaol.

Just outside Cork City you could also go to see Blarney Castle and gardens and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence, or visit other villages like Cobh, where you will find the Titanic Experience exhibition or the beautiful town of Kinsale, known as the Capital Gourmet of Ireland. Note that very close to Kinsale you could also see the 17th Century Charles Fort. The Mizen Head Bridge or Dursey Island (where you can get to by cable car) are other places well worth to visit, as you will enjoy lovely scenery, and are great for walks and whale and dolphin watching!

In the Viking city of Waterford you could visit The Waterford Museum of Treasures, which displays a collection of historic and archaeological artefacts to tell the story of Waterford's Viking heritage, Bishop's Palace and Waterford Crystal.

In Belfast, the birthplace of the Titanic, you could visit the Titanic Visitor Experience Centre, St George's Market, The City Hall, Belfast Castle and the famous murals. We would also recommend that you visit the stunning North Coast!

8

Just a reply about getting a phone:
I think the best option is go to the Supermarket Tesco, they have a range of cheap pay as you go/ready to go phones. No need to sign up for a one or two year contract just to get a good phone for free!
If you just want a phone to make calls with and dont need a "fancy" phone you should be able to get one for about €30. I find they also offer the best value call rates (www.tescomobile.ie), but since you do want an Iphone 4, maybe get one at home before you leave and have it unlocked, that way you could use Skype or Viber through the mobile when in Wifi areas and save on call credit (of course relying that the people you are calling are also using those apps). Saying that though, 1 cent a minute if going with a Sim card from shop mentioned above is very cheap!

9

Do include Dublin on your travels.
Friend 'Dublin Visitors' (http://www.dublin1.webs.com) on FB for instant acquaintances and updates.
A regular phone you can pick up at any phone store and many give them to charity when leaving the country.
Enjoy Cork it's my second favourite city in Ireland.
Alan Fanning.

10

Lots of great answers, thanks so much! I leave for Ireland tomorrow, and now I have a list of places to visit and my questions answered. Can't wait to get to live in such a beautiful country.