Cork Hotels

Cork Rundown

The ‘Peoples Republic of Cork’, as it is only half jokingly termed by its inhabitants, grew up on reclaimed marshes around the River Lee, and is enclosed by hills - which only add to its sense of independence. The Irish city is the second largest in Southern Ireland, and the biggest in Munster. In order to get the best views of the city you must get to the top of St Anne’s Church – but only the fit need apply -since it’s necessary to scale 360 steps. A far more relaxing option is to take an open top bus tour of Cork courtesy of local bus firm Cronin’s Coaches – they let you to hop on and hop off to your hearts’ content.

Corkonians have a true joie de vivre and have made the most of recent investment which has transformed the place with new bars, arts centres and restaurants cropping up everywhere. Shopping in Cork is a pleasure too - O’Connaill is a confectioner of distinction, selling the best Hot Chocolate known to man and Liam Ruiseal Teo and Connollly’s Bookshop are packed with second hand books. For local foods such as sausages and smoked salmon head to the English Market.

Cork’s Top 10

3) Cork Events

The Eigse Literary Festival has workshops, readings and events in February at Munster Literature Centre near Cork.

Cork’s Slow Food Ireland is a showcase for local artisan producers. Taste cheese and other offerings.

The Corona Cork Film Festival screens international films for a week in October across the city.

The Cork Midsummer Festival is everything theatrical, film, music, visual arts, literature, dance and family entertainment during June

The Lee Swim Don’t be a wimp, get your bathers on and jump in, or alternatively watch from the side.

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is world famous and has been running for over 30 years. It takes over the city during the last week of October.

Cork Pride Festival celebrates the LGBT community in style. A week of fun including cabaret, film, picnics, and of course the Pride Parade.

Cork St Patrick’s Day Festival Free street entertainment and a Parade on March 17^th, as with all touted as the best in Ireland.

Cork World Book Fest Forget the internet. There’s no better place to celebrate reading and books in a place which abounds in shops selling the things.

The Damhsafest is Ireland’s only International Folk Dance Festival held in July across Cork City and the county.

6) When to Go

· Cork has a moderate climate which has no real extremes in temperatures throughout the year. May through to August is a good time to visit Cork since there are bound to be plenty of sunny days.

· Temperatures in summer will be on average around the 20 °C mark, while winter temps will not normally drop below 7 or 8 °C.

· When you travel to Ireland prepare for at least a little rain – autumn and winter are the months with the highest rainfall.

7) How to Get There

· Cork Kent Railway Station is the main train station, just a half mile from the city centre, and links to Dublin (takes three hours), Tralee and Killarney.

· Buses are the transport of choice for many Irish people with good reason. They operate a regular service from the bus station at Merchant’s Quay and Parnell place to most Irish destinations and they are cheap – Dublin is around £7 one way with a journey time of roughly four and a half hours.

· Cork Airport is four miles from the centre, and direct flights to Europe are available –otherwise you need to get a connecting flight from Dublin.