Cork

Things to Do in Cork

The English Market

In the heart of Cork City and with an eye-catching fountain at its centre, this quirky roofed food market has been trading since 1788. Under the possession of the Cork City Council, it’s one of the world’s oldest municipal markets. Artisan breads, fruit, and freshly caught seafood are just some of the specialities on offer. In recent years, the market gained worldwide fame when Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain dropped by on her first-ever state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011.

St. Patrick’s Street

This has remained Cork’s main shopping hub. An easy couple of minutes’ stroll from The English Market and known locally as ‘Pana’ the broad, curving street boasts many fine shops. Various architectural styles reflect change over the past 200 years or so.

Cork City Gaol

Another of Cork city’s must-dos is the atmospheric and historic City Gaol, which opened in 1824 and closed in 1923. Originally the prison housed both male and female prisoners who committed crimes within the city borders. In 1878, the City Gaol became an all-female prison, which it remained until men opposed to the 1920 Anglo-Irish Treaty were incarcerated there in 1922-1923. The complex then deteriorated until its restoration and re-opening to the public as a tourist attraction in 1993.

Crawford Art Gallery

A two-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Street, art-lovers may like to take in this regional museum dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary. The gallery receives in excess of 200,000 visitors per annum and hosts a range of permanent exhibitions including 18th Century European and Irish sculpture, a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, and contemporary video installations.

St. Finbarre’s Cathedral

A leisurely 10-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Street takes visitors to this Anglican Cathedral. If preferred, a bus hop (No’s 214, 208, 203) will shave a couple of minutes off the journey time. The eye-catching structure in French Early Gothic style was designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870. It’s situated on a site where Christian worship has been taking place since the 7th Century. By its completion, in excess of £100,000 was spent on the building, an enormous amount of money at the time.

Farmgate Cafe

An unmissable experience at the heart of the English Market, the Farmgate is perched on a balcony overlooking the food stalls below, the source of all that fresh local produce on your plate - everything from crab and oysters, to the lamb in your Irish stew. Due to Government restrictions it has been operating a market stall just inside the Princess Street entrance until safe to repoen the restaurant.

Cork Opera House

Given a modern makeover in the 1990s, this leading venue has been entertaining the city for more than 150 years with everything from opera and ballet to stand-up comedy, pop concerts and puppet shows. Around the back, the Half Moon Theatre presents contemporary theatre, dance, art and occasional club nights. Check online for what’s coming up once theatres reopen. Get those dates in the diary.

Franciscan Well Brewery

The copper vats gleaming behind the bar give the game away, the Franciscan Well brews its own beer. The best place to enjoy it is in the enormous beer garden at the back. The pub holds regular beer festivals together with other small independent Irish breweries. The beer garden opens from June 7 for pints and pizzas and you can also order their craft beers straight to your home.

Triskel Arts Centre

A fantastic cultural centre housed partly in a renovated church building - expect a varied programme of live music, installation art, photography and theatre at this intimate venue. There’s also a cinema (from 6.30pm) and a great café once lockdown restrictions lift. Check out their great online programme of events in the meantime.

SUMMER STAYCATIONS

Stay in the heart of The Victorian Quarter in Cork City with our summer staycation offers. Our iconic hotel is world-renowned for over 123 years of hospitality and warm experiences. Indulge in the finer things in life; impeccable and Concierge-led service, sophisticated design, rich food and timeless elegance with our breaks.

4 NIGHT BREAK

FROM €189 PER NIGHT

4 Night Bed & Breakfast Prosecco Afternoon Tea on one afternoon 2-course Dinner on one evening in The MET restaurant Free parking Your choice of tickets to : – Jameson Whiskey Distillery – Blarney Castle & Gardens – Spike Island

CALL TO SPEAK TO OUR RESERVATIONS TEAM: + 353 (0) 21 464 3700

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Claudia Jacques

Claudia Jacques provides high quality pet portraits, available in various mediums and sizes, creating the perfect gift for pet lovers. Her love of animals has led her to become a pet portrait artist and has done so for over 20 years. For more information please visit: www.claudiajacquesfineart.com or Email: claudiavw2012@gmail.com

DOWNLOAD OUR NEW EXPLORE CORK APP

Michael Collins House

Mizen Head Foot Bridge

Cork County Council is excited to launch the ‘Explore Cork’ App, a unique, one-stop-shop tourism app, featuring over 850 things to do and see in Cork. Check out the ‘What’s near Me?’ function to browse nearby tourism activities in 18 categories. Whether you are a local uncovering a hidden gem for the fi rst time, or looking to plan your staycation in Cork, this app will help you along your way.

Comhairle Contae Chorcaí Cork County Council

Child’s Play

Fun and entertaining ideas to keep the kids busy

Fota Wildlife Park

If you love animals, Fota Wildlife Park in Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork is for you. Check out their Wild Experiences and learn more about the park’s conservation and breeding programmes at this 100acre outdoor attraction just 10km from Cork City.

Castlecomer Discovery Park

Nature is at the heart of Castlecomer Discovery Park in Co. Kilkenny. Explore the woodland walking trails, kids’ play area and fishing lakes. Will you dare to take on the Octagon? Look out for the mini-zipline as well as the magical elf and fairy village.

Dublin Festival of Curiosity

Dublin’s annual international festival of science, arts, design and technology takes place digitally from July 22-25. Stay curious and explore the world in a new and playful way. Watch out for announcements online.

Fjord kayaking

Killary Adventure Company offers a great escape into the wilderness, perfect for adults and kids alike. Kayak on Ireland’s only Fjord or test your nerves on climbing walls and high rope courses. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way in Leenane, Co. Galway.

Light Ballet

Light Ballet, created by light artist Mick Murray and lighting designer Matthew Cregan, is a continuously moving installation on a 15-metre vessel floating down the River Shannon through eight counties over eight days. Catch it as part of Brightening Air Coiscéim Coiligh, a 10-day nationwide season of arts experiences going from coast to coast between June 11-20.

Wexford whale

A large-scale whale mosaic is being created in Wexford town this June using shards of pottery that have washed up on the shores of Rosslare Harbour over the centuries. The Blue Whale ‘Hope’: Chainies Across The Sea projects, produced by Wexford Arts Centre in association with artist Helen McLean, will be installed permanently on the quay in Wexford.

A City & A Garden

Running in Dublin and Cork from June 11-20, A City & A Garden is a state-of-the-art installation by Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival. Using only a smartphone and your imagination you can discover stories and songs hidden in the trees and bricks of our city spaces, interwoven with narratives and soundscapes guiding you along a Cork city street or The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in Dublin. See social media for more details.

Waterford Walls

Imagine walking by a mural and seeing it come to life before your eyes… The Waterford Walls Project is making this an augmented reality, using the city’s existing public street art as the starting point for this digital experience. Ten murals previously created for Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival will come alive. The augmented reality app, from where you can experience the digital transformation of these artworks, is available to download from June 11.

Dolphins in Clare

Climb aboard the Dolphin Discovery in Kilrush, Co. Clare to see the country’s only resident group of bottlenose dolphins. You’ll see plenty of playful and charming antics from these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Shannon Estuary is the country’s first marine Special Area of Conservation. Tours leave daily from Kilrush Creek Marina.

Evelyn Moynihan has been appointed CEO of Kilkenny Group, the leading family-owned Irish retailer of premium Irish craft and design. The appointment was announced by Marian O’Gorman, the Kilkenny Group owner and former CEO, Marian O Gorman will take on the new role of Group Chairperson. Evelyn Moynihan joined Kilkenny Group as Marketing and Business Development Director in November 2019, assuming responsibility for the long-established luxury retailer’s marketing, innovation, e-commerce, IT, supply chain and buying functions.

She has driven the group’s successful transition to a strong omni-channel presence in the past year, as well as planning future development strategy Marian O’Gorman, who has been CEO for over twenty years.

Marian O’Gorman is a standout leader in the retail and Irish design sector, having grown the Kilkenny Group to a €34 million business which includes 16 retail outlets, five restaurants and a thriving online offering. She has mentored and developed numerous talented Irish designers and craft suppliers from all corners of the country. Vastly experience in the retail and FMCG sectors, Evelyn Moynihan has over twenty years’ experience with major Irish corporates. She previously held senior roles with drinks industry leader, Diageo, and, most recently, with Musgrave Group, the country’s largest grocery distributor which accounts for a €4 billion turnover across its wholesale, foodservices and branded retail operation. The new appointment was announced to the wider Kilkenny Group business this morning, following which Evelyn Moynihan commented that the proud Irish business is testament to the immense vision, leadership and consumer insights of Marian O’Gorman. “It is an honour to take the reins at this point, working with Marian, our experienced management team and the talented and loyal retail team, to continue the task of championing Irish design and creating innovative and inspiring customer experiences”, Moynihan told colleagues.

WHERE HERITAGE MEETS HEART

Explore Kilkenny Castleyard with a guided walking tour and learn about the origins of Irish craft and design. Enjoy delicious wholesome treats at the Food Hall. Discover products by local makers and designers. #ChampionGreen #SupportLocal

A FASHIONABLE ESTATE

Designer Louise Kennedy takes SIOBHÁN BREATNACH behind the scenes of her collaboration with one of Ireland’s most iconic hotels

When you combine the creative talent of a designer with national treasure status with one of the country’s most beautiful, history-steeped estates a little bit of magic happens. Aside from her own collections, Louise Kennedy has designed everything from the current Aer Lingus uniform to the first national judicial robes in the Irish Supreme Court. She’s even had her face on an An Post stamp in recognition of her contribution to fashion – Irish royalty indeed. Kennedy has been collaborating with the iconic Ballyfin Demesne in Co. Laois since 2019. With two collections already launched and photographed on the property’s magnificent grounds, it’s just the start of their partnership. Among the creations is the Ballyfin silk scarf - inspired by the stunning architectural details of the ceiling stucco work in the Lady Caroline Coote room. “Architecture has always been a huge influence on our creative inspiration and also a great source of inspiration, so to work with Ballyfin was a dream come true,” she says. “We are in discussions on new avenues to expand our work together in future.” The pandemic has emphasised the importance of relationships for the award-winning designer, whose first collection was launched by Brown Thomas in 1983 followed by flagships stores in Dublin, London and twicea-year trunk shows in New York. Past collaborations have included a crystal collection for Tipperary Crystal and a line of tailored women’s shirts with Turnbull & Asser in the UK. “Relationships with our clients and our suppliers, namely the mills that weave our fabrics and the artisans who craft our clothes,”she says are all-important, adding that integrity and quality are now more important than ever. “We were always a sustainable brand, making clothes to cherish for many seasons, not just one.” Leather accessories will be a focus this year as well as the launch of a new cross-over bag in the Kennedy collection that should be ready by October. “Never has the cross-over bag been so relevant or needed during pandemic times,” she says. “We are also in the process of redesigning our flagship Georgian store on Merrion Square in Dublin, adding a new accessories room on the ground floor.” The pandemic also guided the business towards greater digital immersion – products are now being designed and produced remotely and then launched online and on social channels. “It isn’t as soulful as selling in person but it has worked for us during lockdown periods,” she adds. “Experience is also key to our brand philosophy - creating beautiful clothes and beautiful environments to shop within. “Each season we must produce clothes that excite, and importantly clothes that our clients will desire, investment pieces that will be loved for many seasons.”

Sleep on it

Hands up if you’ve been dreaming of staying somewhere a little extraordinary this summer.

From hotels with a difference to glamping under the stars, embracing nature in eco-conscious yurts to lapping up the luxury of a magnificent castle or stately home, there’s an abundance of unique and unusual places to sleep. We look at some of the spots you can visit in life after lockdown.

Yurt life

Chléire Haven on Cape Clear Island must be missing an ‘e’ because this awesome bolthole is a true slice of heaven in Co. Cork.

From luxury yurts and stylish bell tents it’s a pretty special place to holiday.

Cape Clear is the country’s most southerly Irish-speaking inhabited island, just eight miles off the coast of West Cork.

Stargaze from the top circle of your yurt or sit out on the decking on a balmy evening and chat round the stove. You can also bring your own tent to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island’s natural environment and shimmering harbours.

Castle quarters

There is no shortage of commanding castles you can call home located all across Ireland.

With a history dating back to the 1400s, Donegal’s Lough Eske Castle is a turreted five-star with all the modern conveniences of an inhouse spa and fine dining. Deluxe accommodation is an indulgence to be embraced when exploring this rugged beauty of the country.

Meanwhile further south, Co. Waterford’s Lismore Castle, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, is available for hire by groups of up to 30. Guests enjoy the exclusive use of this 12th century castle and estate including the Duke’s personal butler and his team. Who needs Downton!

Treehouse temptation

Picture this – you’re sat on the balcony of your own treehouse, the tree trunk coming up through the deck, watching birds or spotting wild deer in their natural habitat.

That’s the reality at Teapot Lane Glamping in Co. Leitrim where you can choose from the treehouse, country cottage or one of three luxury camping domes at this Hidden Heartlands campsite. Sounds like bliss.

Stately home from home

Co. Cork’s Bantry House is one of the finest historic houses in Ireland.

Overlooking the wondrous ocean blues of Bantry Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way, you can choose from either bed and breakfast or selfcatering accommodation. Its elegant French and Italian-inspired manicured gardens, made up of seven terraces, call out to take a stroll in.

Stargazing campsite

Camping has come a long way and no more so than at Aran Islands Camping and Glamping. There’s no roughing it at this site on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Jaw-dropping landscapes provide the backdrop for sunsets and night skies made for your Instagram feed. Take a step back into Ireland as it once was and embrace a more traditional way of life at this idyllic spot.

Eco riverside retreat

Co. Clare’s Falls Hotel and Spa has been awarded carbon neutral status by Green Hospitality Ireland for eliminating its carbon output.

Innovative energy initiatives such as harnessing the power of the tumbling waters of the River Inagh to generate electricity means guests now leave no carbon footprint once they step foot on the grounds, located within the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

This sustainability-focused hotel also uses water from its own well, has also planted 350 native Irish trees in its grounds and uses chemicalfree cleaning products as well as compostable cups and straws.

Spike Island remembers 1200 Irish rebels held during 1921

2021 is a big year Spike Island, as the island will commemorate the centenary of a War of Independence prison that opened in 1921. The ‘Military prison in the field’ on Spike island was opened to house Irish rebels engaged in a bloody War of Independence, that raged from 1919 to 1921. As many as 1200 prisoners and internees were held on the island, with over 500 at any one time. The island, which is run by Cork County Council, is planning an exhibition dedicated to the lives of the Irish rebels. It will contain the history of the prison, over 130 photographs of the men, a newly discovered audio recording of a prisoner made in the 1980’s, and new artefacts on display like diaries written and signed by the prisoners.

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