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A few months ago I visited Ireland for the first time with my family. Instead of opting for the most expensive and much more popular Dublin, we got in the cork in southwest Ireland. I knew there was a sense of rivalry between the two cities, but I had not realized how strong this was. Our airport taxi driver asked if any of us had been in Ireland before. My dad and my sister replied that they had been in Dublin to what the answer was “Oh, so you’ve never been in Ireland. Welcome to real Ireland.”
With such a short flight time from England, I am surprised that Cork is not more popular than it is. It is not a big city in any section of the imagination, which means that you will see a lot in a weekend with plenty of time. More time to try local beers then.
Hopefully this publication will make you think twice on your next weekend outside and maybe, instead of choosing Dublin, it will consider a trip to what is considered the true capital of Ireland. To help you decide, here are my thoughts about the best things to do in Cork.
English market
Balla in the center of Cork is one of its most popular tourist attractions. The English market dates back to the 1860s and has preserved (although restored) is original architecture. The entrance to the market, with its vaulted ceilings, is beautiful and it is easy to see why this is one of the main markets covered in Europe. Inside you will find many artisanal products that range from cheese to cured meats, fresh fish and oriental spices. The best thing is that there are many tasters to stay among meals.
Farm cafeteria
Above, at the mezzanine level in the English market, there is Farmgate Cafe. We go here immediately after leaving our bags at the hotel for a late breakfast. At the top of the stairs that lead to coffee, you can go to the right or to the left. On the left is the most formal restaurant and the right is a more relaxed coffee zone. It is a great place for a bun or an Irish breakfast!
Saint End Barre Cathedral
Now I am a guy who is well versed in fantastic cathedrals. I have lived in Lincoln, York and Durham. The three have some of the most beautiful cathedrals not only in the United Kingdom but also in the world. While the incorporation of Cork into my growing list of cathedrals visited, it may not be on the same scale (or so old, this was completed at the end of 1800) as those of the cities mentioned above, there is something certainly special about the cathedral of Saint End Barre. It is quite small, but architecture is impressive from all angles. It is € 5 to enter and I am sure it is equally beautiful from the inside. For some reason, we just don’t find time to enter.
Shandon Bells & Tower
In my opinion, Cork’s best vision is to have from the top of the 120 -foot tower in the church of St Anne. Now, it is not an easy climb to the top and you have to climb practically just centimeters of the eight bells (quite large and strong), but it is worth it. The perfect place to orient and familiarize yourself with this city. On his way back, do not miss the opportunity to become a bell tower. I’m not sure they call me to show my skills at St Paul’s in London, but somehow I managed to call an interpretation of Amazing Grace so that all cork listen to it. There are some different songs with instructions on how to ‘touch’, but it is worth noting that my attempts could probably have not been recognized by anyone else.
Ah, and for you spectators of Eagle Eye, it is a seven -foot gold salmon right at the top of the tower. Do you see what I did there?
Cork City Gaol
No, this is not a castle. This is the 19th century prison in Cork (or jail if you are the old school). I am usually not one to visit many museums in the pauses of the city unfortunately. I hope it was. During the first half hour I am probably quite interested, but eventually I lose interest and wandering towards the exit.
However, not here, it is great to see how the prison was seen in the past and the stories of those who were unfortunate enough to be sent after bars. There is also a radio museum worth it.
Franciscan Well Brewery
I love looking for local beer pubs every time I visit any new city and fortunately my father found this jewel on the other side of the river in cork. It has a large beer garden and a lot of craft beer that flows fresh just meters from its origins.
If I remember correctly, my beer of choice was Archway Arc beer, which was lovely. I also enjoyed, but Chieftan’s IPA, which is an praise of a man who can only drink a pilsner. I wasn’t a fan of The Stout, but that is just me. However, it is something you should try while you are in cork; Perhaps a Beamish or a Murphy’s, which the locals consider that they are better than the offer of Dublin Guiness. In addition, for those who get a little spicy, there is pizza with wood in the beer garden.
Market lane restaurant
Located in Oliver Plunkett Street is one of the best cork restaurants. I like food; There is no doubt about that. I am a man of hamburgers from beginning to end and I usually do not worry about the elegant restaurants. Market Lane is luxurious with incredible food but without the price to match. I discovered that the prices here were no more expensive than for their standard pub food. I had a steak that was cooked perfectly (half weird if you are asking) and tell me that the lubina was also impeccable. I tried a bit of the slow -cooked bacor collar with a mustard enamel that, if I ever return to the cork, will be my choice dish!
Not only first category food, I was very impressed by beer. Again, sticking to local beer, elbow beer is made right next to the Nanocebería of his sister-human. I am not sure what is the difference between a micro and nano brewery, but the beer was lovely.
Now there are probably many other things to do in Cork, but, for a brief weekend, it seems better not to pack your itinerary full to the edge. I always find that wandering through the streets allows you to experience a city at a slightly deeper level. You will run into local bars, local coffees and, without a doubt, you will find street art with subtle nuances that will leave you with more questions than answers. Not that this is something bad; You will only have to book a return trip as soon as you get home.
For all color images in this publication, I used my configuration in the Fujifilm Classic Chrome camera that can read more here. To see more photos, just moving …
Make it happen
We fly with Ryanair from the John Lennon airport in Liverpool and we were literally making our descent as soon as we had a drink! The price as always with Ryanair was cheap and his flights are not as bad as we expect. In terms of hotels, we stay in the Clayton Hotel which was only five/ten minutes walk from the center. Perfectly calm at night and view on the other side of the river is lovely. I would strongly recommend it.
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More photographic inspiration of Cork
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