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Top 5 Must Do's in Cork
Edit ThisEnglish Market
The extensive collection of vendors housed in nineteenth-century buildings comprise one of the largest markets in Ireland. While the stalls are frequented by locals, top chefs, and restaurateurs, the market is also a tourist attraction in its own right. The main entrance is off of Prince’s Street; this façade and hall were designed in 1862 by Sir John Benson. Even if you do not have access to a kitchen in Cork, you will find plenty to impress your eyes, noses and even tastes. The Olive and Sandwich stalls are particularly worth visiting.
Oliver Plunkett and St. Patrick’s Streets
Oliver Plunkett and St. Patrick’s Streets are the main shopping areas in Cork City. St. Patrick’s Street was redeveloped as part of Cork’s crowning as the European Capital of Culture in 2005. On weekends, you will find street performers and musicians on both streets. Oliver Plunkett has many smaller stores and businesses while St. Patrick’s Street is home to department and chain stores such as Brown Thomas, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and HMV.
Church of St. Anne Shandon
The elegant and imposing Church of St. Anne Shandon, built of red sandstone and limestone, is best known for its bell tower. The bell tower has clock faces on each of its four sides. The four clocks often show four different times, any one of which (or none of which) may be the actual time, so Corkonians call the tower the “four-faced liar.” Visitors can climb the bell tower for an excellent view of Cork and are even permitted to ring the famous Shandon bells.
Pubs and Trad
A visit to Ireland’s second largest city would not be complete without pints at a few choice pubs. Mutton Lane Inn is a small and intimate pub located on a narrow lane between the English Market and St. Patrick’s Street. If you want to hear some traditional Irish music, try Sin E on Coburg Street. Reardens on Washington Street is a good option if you are looking to watch a sporting even with a lively crowd. The Franciscan Well Brewery on North Mall serves craft-brewed beers.
University College Cork
The grounds and Gothic buildings of the University College Cork are very picturesque. The Lewis Glucksman Gallery, built in 2005, won several architectural awards and houses a variety of art exhibitions. The Café Glucksman (open for breakfast or lunch) is good place to refuel after exploring the campus.
[add Must do]
The extensive collection of vendors housed in nineteenth-century buildings comprise one of the largest markets in Ireland. While the stalls are frequented by locals, top chefs, and restaurateurs, the market is also a tourist attraction in its own right. The main entrance is off of Prince’s Street; this façade and hall were designed in 1862 by Sir John Benson. Even if you do not have access to a kitchen in Cork, you will find plenty to impress your eyes, noses and even tastes. The Olive and Sandwich stalls are particularly worth visiting.
Oliver Plunkett and St. Patrick’s Streets
Oliver Plunkett and St. Patrick’s Streets are the main shopping areas in Cork City. St. Patrick’s Street was redeveloped as part of Cork’s crowning as the European Capital of Culture in 2005. On weekends, you will find street performers and musicians on both streets. Oliver Plunkett has many smaller stores and businesses while St. Patrick’s Street is home to department and chain stores such as Brown Thomas, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and HMV.
Church of St. Anne Shandon
The elegant and imposing Church of St. Anne Shandon, built of red sandstone and limestone, is best known for its bell tower. The bell tower has clock faces on each of its four sides. The four clocks often show four different times, any one of which (or none of which) may be the actual time, so Corkonians call the tower the “four-faced liar.” Visitors can climb the bell tower for an excellent view of Cork and are even permitted to ring the famous Shandon bells.
Pubs and Trad
A visit to Ireland’s second largest city would not be complete without pints at a few choice pubs. Mutton Lane Inn is a small and intimate pub located on a narrow lane between the English Market and St. Patrick’s Street. If you want to hear some traditional Irish music, try Sin E on Coburg Street. Reardens on Washington Street is a good option if you are looking to watch a sporting even with a lively crowd. The Franciscan Well Brewery on North Mall serves craft-brewed beers.
University College Cork
The grounds and Gothic buildings of the University College Cork are very picturesque. The Lewis Glucksman Gallery, built in 2005, won several architectural awards and houses a variety of art exhibitions. The Café Glucksman (open for breakfast or lunch) is good place to refuel after exploring the campus.
