Me and my girlfriend are staying there for four nights. I was just wondering if anyone has any tips about where to go, where not to go and if there's anything special going on that I might not find by looking at the usual websites. We are a semi-sensible couple who like a beer or two but also like culture and general wandering, soaking up the atmosphere and culture of a place. All ideas/thoughs/suggestions welcome.
1
barney_uk2
The cafe at the Crawford Gallery and El Paradiso are two of the best places to eat. The new art gallery at the university is well worth a look if you're interested in modern architecture. Short distances outside of Cork, Cobh (cathedral/Titanic connections) and FOTA (wildlife park) are worth a visit if you have time and the weather's not too grim.
2
ammature
cafe paradiso is the name of the restaurant , which is vegitarian , quite well known , i like it. Go to the old english market for a wonder and some lunch to.
5
borat
if you're planning to go out the chances are you'll have to pay to go into a jammed pub and then probably walk home as taxis are basically non-existant that night! if you want to stay out drinking then head out early and find yourself a space near the bar! check out the cork opera house website as they might have something on.
7
celticrover
Cork city or Cork county? Four nights in the city itself is far too long as it is very ordinary and full of arrogant people who are in love with themselves and seriously think that Cork is the greatest place on earth.
Take yourself to Kinsale, Beara peninsula, Sheep's Head peninsula or Mizen Head peninsula - much more interesting.
8
eimearoo
Cork City for four days is a treat. Ignore the nay sayers!
Restaurant recommendations so far are good. I would also add Finn's Quay to the list. They do a 3-course meal for €25 and have a lovely wine list. On NYE itself, not all pubs are packed; it really depends what you want for atmosphere. If you want something beautiful, casual, Irish but not for tourists, and with no door fee, try Reedy's Wine Vault. It's quiet though, not a party spot or anything, just festive. Very friendly. If you see two people with a boxer in tow, say hi - that's us!
Cobh is good stuff and the train ride from Cork's station is really pretty. The museum there is really, really interesting - about the experience of leaving Ireland, plus the Titanic, etc. It's a good day trip, easy and interesting - we do it a few times a year when we wake up with the urge to "do something" on a weekend.
I second the English Market but it will be packed out that time of year. Good in the mornings though if you want to picnic in your hotel room or something, the foods are lucious.
For sure walk the UCC campus and go to the gallery there. I also went to the Crawford for the first time last week (shame on me!) and it's a nice way to spend a few hours. Admission is free. The opera house is next door and might be something to look into as well. Cork also has a Butter Musuem (no really!) with workmen's shops in the adjoining arts centre. There is also a church right at the butter exchange which you can't miss where you can play the bells with provided music - Don't Cry For Me Argentina is often heard across the city as it seems quite popular! And the Cork Vision Centre also has a string of interesting exhibits, too.
A lot of what's nice about Cork is just walking the city. It has beautiful old homes and rivers and parks, and is very neighbourhoody.
If you're interested in renting a car, I agree Kinsale is also a great day trip. Lovely harbour town.
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