Cork City Breaks

A guide to Cork

Ireland’s second city is a compact, homely place that's big on charm and there is rollicking good fun to be had for all ages. Cork is a magnet for young partygoers, but also boasts a wealth of magical cultural attractions and history. Sights include the River Lee with its ornate former merchant’s houses, followed by a visit to the impressive St Finbar’s Cathedral, which features splendid 19th century Gothic revival design and is the lively focus of festivities for the whole city at Easter and Christmas.

A walk through a millennium of fascinating history

If the weather is kind, consider a fascinating walking tour of the city to get a real insight into modern Irish culture and a glimpse into the past. You can retrace the footsteps of the first Viking invaders, see the Norman fortified walls and relive its industrial golden age of the 19th century. Highlights to look out for include Cork City Gaol, enchanting Shandon Church, Elizabeth Fort and the elegantly designed University College. Definitely not to be missed on a weekend in Cork is a short side trip out of town to the magical Blarney Castle - an imposing historic structure, located in picturesque scenery.

Richly colourful nights out

The irrepressible spirit and sense of fun found here will leave a lasting impression and Cork boasts a vibrant pub and club scene, supplemented by a sizeable student population. Per capita, it has a higher concentration of places to dine, drink and dance than even Dublin, and Friday night pub crawls here are the stuff of legend and a rite of passage for any self-respecting party animal. While there are numerous trendy lounges, jazz clubs and live music bars, the real magic of a Cork night out can be found in its plethora of traditional pubs.