Located in the heart of Cork City’s Victorian Quarter
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Dine at the Mint Restaurant, offering a european/oriental menu or sit back in the MLounge, serving tasty snacks and late night bites until 4am. All corporate and private packages are available at www.macausportingclub.com
Cork Opera House is southern Ireland’s premier arts venue for the best concerts, comedy, drama, dance, family fare, and, of course, opera. Located in the heart of Cork city, the Opera House has been a Cork cultural institution for more than 170 years and strives to present and produce both Irish and international top class acts for the people of Cork and further afield. This is a building to be proud of and a building which is proud to be pure Cork.
Cork Opera House, Emmet Place, Cork City, Ireland T12 DW6P Box Office: + 353 (0) 21 – 427 0022
Managing Director Ian David Heads ian.heads@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
DESIGN
Commercial Director Ian Sinclair ian.sinclair@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
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OPENING HOURS
Open seven days a week year round
Open 9.30am-5pm daily
Private Genealogy Appointments available Book Online at www.cobhheritage.com
Whether you are interested in the Irish emigration story, tracing your ancestors, learning more about the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania or simply immersing yourself in history, Cobh Heritage Centre is well worth a visit.
This informative and sometimes emotive experience is situated within Cobh’s beautifully-restored Victorian railway station, a building with its own unique story. Because so many people from Ireland’s past travelled through Cobh, visitors to the heritage centre can learn about the stories of these emigrants, over three million of whom emigrated from here. Many were forced to leave due to the famine, many left in search of a new life in a land of opportunity and many more had no choice.
It takes visitors on a journey of exploration of the lives of millions who left Ireland from the 1600s right through to the 1950s. Tales of the early emigrants to Virginia, the Carolinas and Canada; the forgotten Irish who endured forced labour in the Americas and the sinking of the Titanic and the Lusitania are all explained in a variety of interesting and artistic ways.
Find ‘Cobh the Queenstown Story' on Facebook
Tel. +353 21 4813591
Email. info@cobhheritage.com Cobh, The Queenstown Story • Cobh Heritage Centre • Cobh • Co. Cork • Ireland
Private Genealogy Appointments available Book Online at www.cobhheritage.com
County Cork is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break.
Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.
with
County Cork has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
final look at this beautiful county — Charles Fort.
This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Welcome to County Cork – and may we congratulate you on your choice of destination. It’s not all pretty surroundings and lovely vistas, impressive though they undoubtedly are. Cork also has great modern shopping, restaurants, arts and culture, and some of the best places to stay in Ireland.
Cork, both the city and the county, offers many attractions which are open all year round, so finding something to do is so easy. The county also has maritime history spanning over a thousand years and the illfated Titanic made Cork its final port of call before heading for New York.
Plant a kiss on the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle or in Cork City ring the Shandon Bells in the 300-year-old tower of St Anne’s Church and marvel at the French Gothic spires of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral.
Cork is renowned for its exemplary produce and artisan producers, so it is no surprise that many see it as Ireland’s culinary capital.This romantic county also boasts some lovely countryside, and is a part of Ireland’s Ancient East.
All in all, you’ve picked a great time to visit this wonderful county, so please enjoy everything it has to offer! ■
Originally built in the early 18th century, Bantry House and Gardens is a popular tourist destination
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COBH HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR TITANIC TRAIL
This award winning guided walking tour has been operating in Cobh since 1998. On a gentle stroll around the town, it explores the amazing maritime and social history of Cobh and Cork Harbour. The tour ambles its way through the original buildings, streets and piers that Titanic passengers and many others utilised in making their way to the new world. You will learn new information and gain amazing perspectives on Titanic, Lusitania and more. Operates Daily January to December. The tour was created by the renowned Dr Michael Martin, who served for 23 years in the Navy and holds a PhD in History.
www.titanic.ie or call +353 87 2767218 for details of
Learn about the fascinating story of Cork city’s merchant and maritime past. Discover the intriguing background of a city built over rivers and waterways still running beneath its streets. Experience the charm of local guides who are deeply immersed in the culture of Irelands second metropolis. Hear about the Huguenots, the Echo Boys and Cork’s musical association with Rory Gallagher. The Cork City Ramble operates from Monday to Saturday inclusive every week from mid-January to mid-December. Created by Dr Martin in 2018.
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WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP, OR HAVE JUST ARRIVED, GET THE LOW DOWN ON OVER 70 DESTINATIONS IN THE UK & IRELAND
• Explore Cork City’s most iconic landmark - look for the gold fish in the sky!
• Ring the 18th century Church Bells
• See a spectacular view of the city at 36.6m/120ft
• Visit the peaceful interior of one of the oldest active churches in the city, built 1722
Eason’s Hill Shandon Cork T23YN88 (35321) 4505906 info@shandonbells.ie www.shandonbells.ie
West Cork to Mizen Head
County Cork offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Cork is a county of contrasts, with over 200km of Atlantic coastline, islands, a hinterland lush with pasture and woodland, dramatic peninsulas and rugged mountains. It is home to Ireland’s second city, and has three distinct regions (north, east and west), each with their own personality and landscape. From Youghal in the east, nestled in the tranquil Blackwater Valley, to dramatic Mizen Head, the most south-westerly point in Ireland, Cork is also the start and end point of the Wild Atlantic Way – the world’s longest uninterrupted coastal driving route, that begins in Kinsale and ends at the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal.
Begin your adventure with a day exploring
Blackrock Castle Observatory is a landmark building which dates from 1582
Cork city. Small enough to wander, it’s easy to spend a day meandering its beautiful streets. Locally known as ‘The Real Capital of Ireland’, Cork city is surrounded by waterways. The city is built on water; the River Lee flows through its centre, where grand Georgian parades and narrow 17th-century alleys contrast with modern architecture. The main thoroughfare is Patrick Street, known locally as ‘Panna’, where you will find all the major retail players. Sneak off the main street, and you’ll find lots of gorgeous independent eateries and boutiques nestled in side streets; at every turn, you’ll find a building or a shopfront that will stop you in your tracks.
Cork city sits on two channels of the River
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Lee – the north and south channel, and a central island. In the Irish language, Cork is ‘Corcaigh’, which translates as ‘marsh’, and is indeed a city built on marshlands and rivers. As you walk the narrow side streets off the main thoroughfare, look out for brass plaques on the ground at entrances to even smaller side streets. These are old tributaries covered over as the city grew and developed. Bridges criss-cross the city, earning Cork the moniker of ‘The Venice of the North’, and an excellent and little-known way of discovering the city is to kayak the river. The Under the Bridges guided kayaking tour of the River Lee is available through Wild Atlantic Sea Kayaking, providing a unique perspective.
No trip to the city would be complete without a chance to ring the Shandon Bells in the 300-year-old tower of Saint Anne’s Church, and marvel at the French Gothic spires of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Shandon Quarter is the heart of Old Cork. While here, take some time to visit the unique Butter Museum, and stop into Shandon Sweets, where three generations of the Linehan family have been hand-making traditional sweets since 1929.
Huguenot Quarter
Fleeing religious persecution, Cork became home to a number of French protestant émigrés when the Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685. Over centuries, the Huguenots became entwined with civic life, holding high office, including several Mayors of Cork, establishing a church at French Church Street and setting up businesses specialising in textiles, goldsmithing and other lucrative trades. Although the original church was replaced by a Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Huguenot Graveyard remains, and is worth a stop on your city walk. The area between French Church Street and Carey’s Lane is known as the Huguenot Quarter. Stop by the stunning street mural celebrating the unique history of this part of the city.
Foodies will not want to miss out on a visit to the world-famous English Market, Ireland’s only covered market. Dating from 1610, the market has long been a hub for food producers in Cork to sell their wares, and today is no different. A thriving, bustling market, expect to be able to buy the best that Cork has to offer, as well as some local delicacies, like tripe, drisheen (blood sausage) and crubeens (pigs’ trotters). Many of the local restaurants who specialise in hyper-local and seasonal food source their produce from the market daily. This includes Farmgate Café, which is located on the first
floor of the English Market, at the Princes Street end, overlooking the market below.
Housed in a magnificent building, Cork City Gaol offers a fascinating insight into what it was like to be a prisoner in 19thcentury Cork. The onsite Radio Museum is a celebration of the Broadcasting Station which was once located in the Gaol.
Bishop Lucey Park, centrally located, is a tranquil place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Fitzgerald Park offers an oasis of calm, and, as well as a brilliant playground, is also home to Cork Public Museum. The on-site café has beautiful views out over the River Lee. Walk the Boardwalks all along the southern channel of the River Lee. Dotted with restaurants and cafés, there are plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by as the river ebbs and flows behind you.
With an interactive exploration of the water supply in Cork, The Lifetime Lab is home to steam engines and boiler rooms, as well as interactive audio-visual presentations to keep little people happy. The Lifetime Lab has stunning views over the city, and is within walking distance of the Lee Fields for a riverside walk after your visit.
A short distance out from the city is Blackrock Castle Observatory. This landmark building dates from 1582, and is a centre of excellence for scientific research and outreach. Rising up from the banks of the River Lee, the Observatory includes an interactive audio experience, Journeys of Exploration, which brings visitors along a route through the castle of trade, defence, smugglers and pirates. Enjoy the on-site planetarium and the viewpoint at the top of the tower. Back down on earth, situated in the cobbled courtyard of the Observatory, is the family-friendly Castle Café.
Follow the River Blackwater, and stop l
Don’t miss the chance to ring the Shandon Bells in the 300-year-old tower of Saint Anne’s Church
Welcome to Adventure Park at Kartworld…
Adventure Park at Kartworld has been purpose built for year round outdoor entertainment. Boasting on 25 acres of adventure activity, Adventure Park is situated in Watergrassshill, just 10km from Cork City Centre.
WE CATER FOR ALL MANNER OF EVENTS
Birthday Parties • Team Building Events • Corporate • Family Fun Days • Hospitality Days Stag/Hen parties or Just a family day out.
KARTING
• Adventure Park offers the ultimate karting experience on not one but two circuits.
• Experience breath taking speeds of up to 80km on the international track in TB karts.
• We have two tracks available the International track for adults 16yrs + and the national track for kids 8yrs + and family groups.
• You will receive a personalised lap sheet with in in-debt race analysis after your race.
PAINTBALL
• The games are played in our three purpose built arenas. Chemical Alley, The Bridge and Ground Assault.
• These purpose built games, Guarantee adrenalin filled fun!
• All the necessary equipment is supplied, overalls, head and face protection.
at the world-famous Blarney Castle, before visiting Mallow, where visitors flocked during the 18th and 19th centuries to take the curative waters. Mallow is renowned as a spot for trout, salmon and coarse fishing; its wonderful walking and cycling countryside, challenging golf courses, pony trekking and river boating make it perfect for the active holidaymaker.
Fans of ancient lore should flock to Blarney to kiss the world-famous stone. Located near the River Martin, on the grounds of Blarney Castle and Gardens, the Blarney Stone is also known as the ‘Eloquence Stone’, because it bestows eloquence on those who kiss it. After, enjoy the wonderful gardens and castle grounds –you can easily spend a whole day here.
Mallow prospered as a spa town, and its purifying waters still bubble up from the depths, but the time when the wealthy filled their days with rest and their evenings with dancing are long gone. Some architectural quirks remain, such as the Spa House (1828) and the Clock Tower (1855).
Mallow’s original 16th-century castle sits on a promontory overlooking the river Blackwater. It has born witness to sieges and rebellions until 1689, when it was burned by order of King James II at the start of the
Jacobite/Williamite war, after which, the ‘new’ castle was constructed.
Amp up the adrenaline by heading to Cork Racecourse Mallow. Pick up a race card, and enjoy one of the many fixtures that make up a busy year-long schedule.
The origins of the estate date back to the 12th century, when the St Leger family, with allegiances to the English crown, settled in Ireland, and were charged by Henry VIII to carry out the dissolution of the monasteries here. The current reincarnation of the Demesne commenced in the 17th century by Viscount St Leger, and legend has it, the first ever steeplechase took place here.
The vast parklands in the style of ‘Capability’ Brown, with red, sika and fallow deer and a herd of rare Kerry Blue cattle, tea rooms and an adventure playground, are open to the public all year round. The Demesne is a haven of wildlife, with extensive pathways and forest walks.
The newly reinstated 30 acres of Robinsonian-style gardens is open to the public between April and September. Anne’s Grove Gardens were constructed in the early 20th century by Richard Grove Annesley, alongside botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward, encapsulating the 18th-century walled estate.
With a history rich in maritime l
Blarney Castle and Gardens
adventures, East Cork is a haven for families who want to make memories on holiday.
Between 1849 and 1920, Cobh (pronounced ‘Cove’) was known as Queenstown, and is most famous as the final port of call for the RMS Titanic. It’s a seaside town with an attractive promenade peppered with independent shops and cafés. Across the bay is Spike Island, once the world’s largest prison; and Haulbowline, naval base and headquarters of the Irish Navy. From up high is St Colman’s Cathedral, which houses a 49bell carillon, the only instrument of its kind in Ireland, and the 3.6-ton St Colman Bell, the biggest in Ireland. Cobh is home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise-liner terminal.
Fans of anything to do with the Titanic should seek out The Titanic Trail, which provides a daily guided walking tour, historical lectures, train excursions and evening ghost tours.
Also worth considering is the Titanic Experience, set in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, where you’ll see what it was like to be one of the passengers who boarded the ill fated liner at her last stop.
The Cobh Heritage Centre – which tells the story of Irish emigration and maritime history – also features a large Titanic Exhibition, including actual artifacts from the ship itself.
In addition the Centre tells the story of the Irish Famine, and that of another ill fated vessel – the Lusitania, which was sunk 20km off the Kinsale Coast by a U-boat in 1917.
Each life story in the exhibition is researched by the Centre’s genealogist, and is regularly updated. The Centre also has a popular café, located in the renovated Victorian Railway Station and two gift shops.
Fota Wildlife Park is not to be missed. Much more than a traditional zoo, the animals at the wildlife park roam free wherever possible, giving them a special relationship with visitors. It is easy to navigate the park on your own, and there are resources available to download from the website for children, such as Wildlife Sounds. The Cheetah Run is a must-see, to experience the thrill and speed of the planet’s fastest animal. There are a variety of tours available to book, the most popular being the Behind the Scenes Tour, to experience feeding and caring for some of the park’s most popular animals.
After the thrill of the wildlife park, take some time to unwind in the grounds of Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, or get in a round of golf at Fota Island Golf Club.
Ballycotton is known for being home to some of Cork’s best seafood, a bracing cliff walk, and Ballycotton Lighthouse, first lit in
1851 – one of the twelve Great Lighthouses of Ireland. The lighthouse is situated on a small rocky island, accessible by boat with Ballycotton Sea Adventures. Guided tours of the lighthouse are available.
Nearby is Shanagarry, home to the worldfamous Ballymaloe House and Cookery School. Myrtle Allen first opened a restaurant at Ballymaloe in 1964 with an ethos of good Irish cookery, recipes and ingredients. Much of what was served was grown or sourced from the 300-acre estate, or from farmers and other artisans from across the county of Cork. In 1975, Myrtle Allen was the first woman in Ireland to receive a Michelin star; and in 1983, her daughter-in-law, Darina Allen, established Ballymaloe Cookery School, recognised among the best cookery schools in the world. Half-day, day-long, five and 10week courses are available all year round.
When visiting Ballymaloe, be sure to visit the Stephen Pearce Pottery studio in Shanagarry, headquarters of the worldfamous brand. All his pottery is made from l
L Fota Wildlife Park
I Ballycotton is a historic fishing village with stunning scenery, beaches, cliff walks and sea angling
LUSITANIA MUSEUM & OLD HEAD SIGNAL TOWER
Embark on a voyage through time at the Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower Discover the story of the only restored Napoleonic Signal Tower in Ireland and learn about the significance of RMS Lusitania at the closest landward point to the sinking – all while experiencing the timeless beauty of the Old Head.
• First Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way
• 15 Minutes from Kinsale
• Signal Tower Café onsite
Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower Ballymackean, Old Head, Co. Cork P17 T683 021 419 1285 | info@oldheadofkinsale.com | www.oldheadofkinsale.com
Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre
Discover The Story Behind Ireland’s Favourite Blackp udding
Clonakilty Food Co. make Ireland’s favourite blackpudding, using a secret recipe that dates back to the 1880s.
Take this opportunity to come and discover the history of Clonakilty Blackpudding by taking a self-guided audio tour around the visitor centre at Western Road, Clonakilty.
This is a family friendly experience, everyone is welcome.
Book tickets online now via www.clonakiltyvisitorcentre.ie or call 023 883 4835 or email visit@clonakiltyblackpudding.ie
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organic local clay, which contains no lead, cadmium or other non-organic ingredients. The production processes used employ traditional techniques that have existed for more than 250 years in the Shanagarry area.
Head next to Crosshaven, and take a spin at Pipers Funfair, Ireland’s longest-running family funfair since 1910, before visiting Camden Fort Meagher, renowned as one of the finest remaining examples of a classical coastal artillery fort in the world.
The thriving town of Midleton is home to the award-winning Jameson Distillery Experience. Visitors can follow the old distillery trail and view the largest pot in the world, before sampling a glass of the famous whiskey itself.
A variety of experiences await at the Jameson Distillery Experience, from a premium whiskey tour and tasting to a unique Cask Opening Experience. For those looking for a deeper dive into whiskey, book in for the full day Discoverer Academy. Learn about whiskey production from grain to glass, visit the working distillery and warehouse, sample whiskey from the cask, and partake in a flight of premium whiskey tastings, lunch and a personalised gift to take away with you. It’s a one-of-a-kind Irish whiskey experience!
Kids, big and small, will love a day at
Leahy’s Open Farm, just a few kilometres from the lovely village of Dungourney, bordering Cnoc a Ceo Woods. This familyrun farm offers a hands-on experience to visitors, and children will get to feed the baby animals, and cuddle some of the farm’s tiniest residents. Stop by the on-site Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory, where they make their own delicious treats using fresh cows’ milk from their own cows on the farm. A range of workshops, tours and parties for visitors of all ages are available. With go-karts and a fantastic range of playgrounds, this is a brilliant day out for the whole family.
The walled seaport town of Youghal (pronounced ‘Yawl’) has been designated an Irish Heritage Port by Fáilte Ireland, due to its abundance of history. From Viking times right through to the time of Cromwell, Youghal was used as a southern access point to Ireland, and many historical buildings and monuments remain today. The town has galvanised in the last number of years to improve its tourism offering, and now hosts yearly events, including Ironman Ireland, Cork, bringing visitors from all over the country to the seaside town.
In recognition of loyal service to Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh was granted lands in Youghal and Lismore. Legend goes l
The scenic waterfront at Cobh is overlooked by St Colman’s Cathedral
Visit where Jameson is made at Midleton Distillery Experience
Home of seven iconic brands, the passion behind every drop lives here. Immerse yourself in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable stories.
The recently revamped experience is now bigger, warmer, brighter and offers much more choice; with exciting new bars, café, and dedicated tasting rooms. Enjoy a fully guided distillery tour, premium whiskey tasting, cask opening experience, cocktail making class or extended duration tour, going behindthe-scenes across the historic 15-acre site. Come face-to-face with the largest pot still in the world, visit the micro-distillery, stroll through a live maturation warehouse, and sample some of the world’s most awarded Irish whiskeys.
Browse for distillery exclusives, special edition releases and giftware in the new-look Distillery Shop and Whiskey Vault. Enjoy morning pastries, lunch, and afternoon snacks in The Malthouse Café.
No ticket or admission fees apply for our Retail, Bar and Café spaces. Pre-booking for all whiskey experiences is recommended. Taste, learn, shop, and take in the magic of Midleton. ■
he planted potatoes brought back from his South American expeditions in the garden of his estate in Youghal, and from that time since, the potato has been indelibly linked with Ireland’s food history.
Stretching from Kinsale to the three westerly peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara, West Cork offers tourists an incredible diversity of landscapes, coastlines and even climates. Boasting seven islands off its Atlantic coast, West Cork is one of the most popular staycation locations in the country, inviting its visitors to slow down and leave busy lives behind, with nature setting the past of this wild and unyielding landscape.
Ideal for a road trip, the meandering Wild Atlantic Way coastal route through West Cork is dotted with picturesque towns, and the hundreds of inlets, beaches and coves along the coastline are an open invitation for an afternoon spent in, or on, the water.
Famous as Ireland’s original gourmet destination, Kinsale is a historic town with narrow, winding streets, art galleries, independent boutiques and great food as standard. It is a popular spot for sailing, with regattas and dragon-boat racing as annual fixtures on the calendar. The annual Gourmet Festival is the longest-running festival of its kind in Ireland, and takes place over three
days, incorporating the popular Mad Hatter’s Tour. It is a storied town, with a history as an important trading town, fishing port and line of defence. Standing testament are the dual fortifications at the mouth of the harbour of Charles Fort and James Fort. Kinsale Arts Week in July is a melting pot of talent from across the creative spectrum, and another big draw to the town.
The colourful town of Clonakilty always stands up to its motto: “there’s always something on in Clon!” The self-proclaimed ‘Guitar Town’ is famed for its music, culminating in the annual International Guitar Festival, although there is live music every night all year round.
It’s a town of artisan food producers too, most famous for Clonakilty Blackpudding, which has been made here since 1880 to the same secret recipe. There is a visitors centre to learn about the origins of Clonakilty’s very own ‘black stuff’. Learn about Irish whiskey – from grain to glass – or book into the gin school at Clonakilty Distillery. Or book onto a workshop with Exploding Tree, one of only four bean-to-bar chocolate makers in Ireland, and the only one using exclusively Fairtrade cocoa beans. A must-visit for all the family is West Cork Model Railway Village, with its miniature reproductions of West Cork towns.
Mizen Head is a stunning peninsula with dramatic cliffs, a bridge and a historic signal station
Those travelling with small people will find themselves with lots to do here. Smugglers Cove in Rosscarbery is a great starting point, with mini golf, a wooden maze and Ireland’s largest maize maze during the summer months. Warren Strand, with its cliff walk offering inspiring ocean vistas, is the local beach here; and nearby is Drombeg Stone Circle.
Skibbereen is a town of contrasts. Home to one of the largest independent Farmers’ Markets in the country (every Saturday, year round), it has a tragic history as one of the worst affected places during the Irish potato famine, losing over a third of its population to hunger and disease. The Great Famine Exhibition in the Skibbereen Heritage Centre is a must-visit to truly understand the food culture of Skibbereen and the wider West Cork region.
Five minutes from Skibbereen is Liss Ard Estate, with acres of magnificent woods and gardens, and, of course, the spectacular Sky Garden, designed by James Turrell and Gert Burla.
Lough Hyne
Known locally as ‘The Salty Lake’, Lough Hyne is a saltwater lake between Skibbereen and Baltimore, where you can kayak in the moonlight during the summer months, trailing your fingers through the luminous phosphorus that colours the water.
Baltimore Castle is rich in pirate-themed history, and a tour there recounts more than 800 years of bloodcurdling history. Watch out for the annual Baltimore Pirate Weekend, events remembering one of the most remarkable events in Baltimore’s colourful past – the attack by Algerian pirates in 1631 known as ‘the Sack of Baltimore’.
The clear waters off West Cork are home to a variety of whale and dolphin species that move inshore to feed along this pristine coast during the summer months. Whale Watch West Cork run trips from Baltimore Harbour from March to December with zoologist Nic Slocum. It should be remembered these are wild animals, and sightings will vary with different species throughout the season. In addition to marine mammals, keep an eye out for sea birds and seals against the spectacularly beautiful backdrop of castles and islands.
Famed for its tranquil climate, West Cork is home to lush and exotic gardens. The Ewe Experience in Glengarriff is home to artists Sheena Wood and Kurt Lyndorff, who have transformed the land around their house into four themed gardens – water, time, the
environment, and ancient earth. Set along a waterfall, the space meanders along bridges and pathways, where words and art are woven along the trail, as well as lots of unexpected sculptural surprises.
Glengarriff Nature Reserve offers several walking trails that take you to the top of the mountain, with stunning views from Lady Bantry’s Lookout, the quiet tranquillity of the Lake Walk. Picnic tables at the car park provide respite for refuelling after your walk.
Time slows down on the Beara Peninsula, a must-do road trip that will leave you in awe of views around every turn. This is the Wild Atlantic Way at its best – and, as the road clings to the coast, it feels like you have reached the edge of the world.
The Mill Cove Sculpture Gardens include more than 50 sculptures on four acres of mature grounds overlooking the sea, near Castletownbere.
There are eight islands off the West Cork coast offering a wholly different tourist experience. Heir, Bere, Sherkin, Cape Clear, Whiddy, Dursey, Long and Garnish Islands each showcase unique histories and culture that can only be found in this part of Ireland.
The Firehouse Bakery runs bread-making courses on Heir Island for enthusiastic bakers, but beware - courses book up months in advance. Each July and August sees the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival come to Bere, Heir, Sherkin and Whiddy Islands, and September sees the Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival set up for a weekend of stories and song. Dursey is accessible by Ireland’s only cable car; and be sure to visit Garnish during summer when its world-renowned gardens are in bloom.
With so much on offer, there truly is something for everyone in Cork – young and old! ■
West Cork Model Railway Village
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque county
1
Love Is All Around I
Gougane Barra is one of the most romantic locations in Ireland, where the little chapel of Saint Finbarr sits on a lake island. It is framed in the background by the steep sides of a glaciated valley. Many couples fall in love with this West Cork gem, and choose to have their big day there. With scenery like this, it’s easy to see why.
2
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Years ago, visitors to the Blarney Stone were held by the ankles and lowered headfirst over the battlements, but today the caretakers are much more cautious when it comes to their precious guests. The Stone is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the
stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
3
Adopt a Donkey
The Donkey Sanctuary is set in the beautiful rolling countryside, just outside the village of Liscarroll near Mallow. Over the years, this sanctuary has taken in more than 5,200 donkeys rescued from all parts of the country. You are very welcome to visit and meet all of the beautiful donkeys, foals and mules; admission is free but
donations are welcome.
4
Step back in time
Spend a day at West Cork Model Railway Village and step back in time. You’ll get to see the old West Cork railway line portrayed in delightful miniature serving the towns. The models and figurines are handmade at the model village to a scale of 1:24. After train-spotting, relax in their charming tea room set in an old train carriage.
5
Reach for the stars I CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, the Space for Science, is Cork’s most exciting place to learn about the universe. Housed in a castle that defended the city for hundreds of years, today the observatory is home to Cosmos at the Castle, an award-winning interactive astronomy exhibition which highlights recent scientific discoveries and their implications for life in outer space.
6
Walk the Plank
Inish Beg Estate in Baltimore has its very own pirate trail, dedicated to children, which is all about the summer of 1631 when Baltimore fell victim to a sensational attack by pirates who had travelled more than 1,000 miles from the Barbary Coast of North Algiers. Lead by a renegade
Dutchman turned pirate ‘Murat Reis the Younger’ and with a crew of Dutch, Algerians and Turks pirates they ransacked Baltimore, capturing the inhabitants to take back to Africa as slaves.
7
Kayak under the stars l
During the summer months, indulge in a once-in-alifetime opportunity by kayaking across Lough Hyne. As the moon rises over this saltwater lake, the bioluminescence lights up the water and makes it appear as though you are paddling through stars.
8
Make a Toy Soldier
Visit the Toy Soldier Museum in Macroom and book in on one of their Make & Paint workshops, where you can cast and decorate your very own toy soldier! This is one of the only places
in the world to see Tin Soldiers being cast the same way that they have been made since the 17th century.
9
Take a Seaweed Bath
Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths pitch up at various beach locations across the county each week, offering hot seaweed baths in aged whiskey barrels. Due to weather constraints, the team announce their upcoming locations each Wednesday across their social media channels and
bookings can be arranged by text message.
10
Take a Cable Car Climb aboard Ireland’s only cable car from the mainland to Dursey Island. The cable car departs daily, yearround, from Ballaghboy on the tip of the Beara Peninsula. The journey takes 10 minutes across Dursey Sound and the car fits six people at a time.
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love County Cork for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
Regardless of your retail pleasure, there is something for everyone in Cork, for anyone who wants to shop until they drop. Throughout the city and into the county, there are countless shopping options to suit every price point and palate.
The city centre is the jewel in Cork’s crown when it comes to retail therapy. Cork’s main thoroughfare takes in St Patrick’s Street, Princes Street, Oliver Plunkett Street and the North Main Street. All are within a moment’s walk of each other, making the city easy to navigate.
Mahon Point
Shopping Centre offers a mix of both home-grown stores and international brands
Patrick Street (known locally as ‘Panna’) is Cork’s longest street, and here you’ll find all the usual retail subjects. Brown Thomas offers a luxury retail experience, and is home to the very best of Irish and international brands in fashion, accessories and homewares.
Jewellery fanatics should head to Oliver Plunkett Street, where, among the boutiques, cafés, restaurants and salons, lie some of the city’s oldest jewellers. Keanes Jewellers is a third generation of jewellers, which has made Cork its headquarters since Patrick Keane opened his first watch-making workshop
in 1948. Today, their shop façade on Oliver Plunkett Street takes up almost an entire building, and they are one of the largest jewellery dealers in the country.
Some well-known high-street shops are located on Cork’s Opera Lane, which itself offers a fine example of a purpose-built shopping area, blending in with the old historic buildings of Cork, like the Queen Anne House on Emmet Place and Crawford Art Gallery (reopening in 2027).
Fans of the written word should head to Vibes & Scribes, where a huge selection of new and pre-loved books awaits your interest. Much more than a bookshop, Vibes & Scribes sells all kinds of supplies that would-be artists, knitters, even quilters may need. Consider this a creative person’s Aladdin’s cave.
Another shopping gem is Cork’s iconic English Market, which has been trading since 1788. One of the oldest and best covered markets in Europe, it has survived famine,
flood, war, fires and multiple recessions to remain a strong part of Cork’s retail and commercial centre. A building of architectural significance, it is also valued as a heritage asset and tourist attraction.
Merchants Quay Shopping Centre is one of two city-centre shopping centres. The centre has three large department stores, including Marks & Spencer and Dunnes Stores, plus many other independent and speciality shops. There is also a car-parking facility available for up to 800 cars. Visitors to the shopping centre may also use the park-and-ride bus facility at the Kinsale Road roundabout, for ease of access.
Nearby, Paul Street Shopping Centre offers parking and a range of interesting shops to keep retail magpies occupied. Newly opened men’s store suits.ie is one of three showrooms for the Irish suit retailer, where you can have a suit made to your exact measurements, choose custom accessories or hire a suit for
a special occasion.
Mahon Point Shopping Centre offers a mix of both home-grown stores and international brands, plus a 13-screen cinema in an allweather environment, with public transport links, free parking for cars and buses, and complimentary meals for coach drivers. Mahon Point provides family facilities, a free indoor play area and a large food court. Many of the stores also offer tax-free shopping to non-EU residents, and tourist information is available on site. Visit on Thursdays for the award-winning on-site farmers’ market, where you can pick up everything from fresh Rossmore Oysters to vegan-friendly Krauts.
Ten minutes from the city centre, Wilton Shopping Centre has been trading since 1979, boasting more than 65 stores under one roof, and free parking for over 1,000 cars. Though the centre is extremely well serviced, there is a plan in place to redevelop the site in years to come and give it a much-needed face lift. l
Opposite page: Cork’s iconic English Market has been trading since 1788. This page: Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Open 8am – 5:30pm
Always OPEN SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS 10am – 4pm
Closed on TUESDAYS
FOREST & FLOCK – IRISH CRAFT & DESIGN STORE
Forest & Flock – Irish Craft & Design store and Piccolo Coffee Bar in the heart of Bantry
Forest & Flock invites you to a celebration of Irish Craft & Design. Independently owned and specially curated , find yourself in a personal and beautiful shopping experience in this spacious store, designed with accessibility for all visitors. An enchanting showcase of West Cork and nationwide makers, with an engaging Gallery space of sculpture, ceramics, landscape art, homewares and innovative design.
Forest & Flock is a welcoming store, full of natural treasure and heirlooms, showcasing artistic impressions of the Wild Atlantic Way. When touring Ireland, choose gifts of proud Irish design from Forest & Flock in West Cork.
PICCOLO Coffee bar is nestled within the Forest floor, serving up from early morning - delicious coffees, organic teas and Truly the best selection of sweet treats. The children’s hot chocolate is not to be missed and this pretty little perch is the perfect spot for a rainy day.
A flagbearer for County Cork around the world, Blarney Woollen Mills has a truly global reputation for producing the finest cardigans and sweaters that are elegant and stylish, as well as being affordably priced. With an ever-increasing range of clothes, as well as the introduction of a line of Waterford Crystal and Celtic Jewellery pieces, you will be sure of finding something eye-catching when you pop in.
If you are looking for something more boujie, then head to some of the smaller side streets. On MacCurtain Street, Oliver Plunkett Street and French Church Street, you’ll find excellent boutiques, food shops, bookshops and gorgeous little cafés with outdoor seating just made for people who need to take a break from all that shopping.
Pinocchio’s Toys & Gifts on Paul Street is one such find. Forget your computeroperated toys - this is a toy shop at its utter best. Filled with ethically sourced, goodquality toys that are built to last but to be played with hard, this is one of those shops that every child should visit, to remember what toys are really about. Be sure to at least walk by Pinocchio’s during your visit - its window display alone is worth a trip.
Vintage treasures & boutique heaven
For those wishing to hunt out some vintage treasures, then never fear. Mother Jones Flea Market should be your first port of call. Based in the unique Thompson House on York Street, just off MacCurtain Street, the market sells antique, vintage and retro clothing, furniture, books, jewels, records, fabulous funky household items and creative local crafts.
Miss Daisy Blue, an online vintage boutique, with a showroom in the Victorian Quarter, is a haven of gorgeous one-off pieces, curated by owner Breda Casey.
Despite its place as the second largest city in Ireland, Cork hasn’t succumbed to the swarm of high-street chains that exist in lots of other cities. You will find many big brands, but the city has still maintained a retail identity that never fails to impress visitors. Cork retains its unique shopping charm with more than 70 percent of retailers being independent or family businesses.
When it comes to boutiques, Cork has it covered. Samui has been dressing Cork’s most fabulous ladies for more than 28 years, and this city-centre store is a must-visit for any fashionista. Samui houses a curated selection of some of the world’s most exciting and directional labels, from beautiful niche brands to international favourites.
Olori is a luxury boutique on Cork’s Oliver Plunkett Street, run by sisters SusanJane Corbett and Lisa Grainger. Their store offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality, beautifully tailored, timeless wardrobe essentials by a mix of Irish and international designers. Olori will appeal to women who want quality tailoring that is stylish, distinctive and good value. Expect brands like Catherine Hammel, L:a Bruket, Studio Nicholson, Pinko, ATP Atelier, Roisin Linnane, Fillipa K, Stutterheim, Kate Sheridan, Alchimista, Rada jewellery, and hand-made sheepskin by 88&half.
Bluefig Boutique in suburban Ballincollig is worth travelling to if you are interested in community-driven fashion as well as international labels. Expect to find glamorous but wearable pieces in this great store. Head out towards Clonakilty, and you’ll find WhiteFawn Boutique, whose knits and ultra-wearable occasion wear make it a destination store for many of the city’s best dressed. l
Pinocchio’s Toys & Gifts, Paul Street
In the heart of Bantry town lies Forest & Flock, a store dedicated to celebrating Irish design, where you’ll find jewellery, textiles and gift ideas all celebrating wonderful Irish makers. Meanwhile, in the sleepy village of Ballinspittle, Emily Connell’s Chalk & Easel brings the notion of hygge to life with her carefully curated selection of pieces to make your house more of a home.
Shop for the very best of Irish design at the Kilkenny Shop at Shanagarry, home to Ireland’s largest collection of Irish products. Savour the alluring delights of Irish artisan cooking at the Kilkenny Café, or why not watch Irish craft in action at the downstairs Kilkenny Studios with a host of in-house designers, all under one roof. The Shanagarry Design Centre is located less than 40 minutes from Cork city, in the picturesque village of Shanagarry, and minutes from the worldfamous Ballymaloe Cookery School, which itself offers some retail action for foodie fans.
Grey Heron combines a gift shop and gallery in the busy market town of Bandon. With a gallery overlooking the quaint Bridge Street, the shop is named after the unmistakable long-legged and long-necked water bird, the grey heron, which is spotted regularly on the River Bandon, which flows beside the shop.
Out west, Strelitzia’s Florist and Irish Craft Shop in Bantry sells art, photography, textiles, woodwork, ceramics, jewellery, greeting cards, candles, fashion, stained/ fused glass, hand-made cosmetics, needle felting, floristry and much more. Better still, it has a sister flower shop just around the corner, selling all kinds of fresh and artificial arrangements.
Leap in West Cork is home to The Old Mill Stores. This super-cool shop is a general home store selling a hand-picked assortment of household goods, gifts and cool design items. The shop’s distinctive mix of functional and unusual homeware, contemporary and traditional gifts, and everyday ‘lifestyle’ goods is chosen with great care and attention – you won’t want to miss a visit here.
Add a little joie de vivre to your life with a visit to The Copper Merchant in Ballydehob, selling an eclectic range of jewellery, handbags, scarves, candles, children’s toys, greeting cards and unusual homewares from Paris, London and West Cork.
Although there is no shortage of wellknown high-street brands and stores, the wonder of shopping in Cork lies in the character of its many independent shops and boutiques, and with it, the chance to pick up something that is truly unique. ■
Fans of the written word should head to Vibes & Scribes, where a huge selection of books awaits you
EATING OUT
County Cork is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, Cork people are passionate when it comes to food. Cork is responsible for the revival of farmers’ markets in Ireland, beginning with the establishment of Midleton Farmers’ Market in 2000. Now there are 25 farmers’ markets in towns and villages, some permanent and others seasonal; and, of course, the English Market in the heart of Cork city is the
jewel in the crown for artisan food producers – even graced with the presence of royalty over the years!
An institution in Cork city, Farmgate Café has two restaurants, one in the English Market and another recently opened in the historic town of Lismore. Farmgate is committed to food grown in the Munster region. Their menu changes daily, based on the best produce available on the day. The
staff like to say that, at their English Market premises, the market is their larder and dictates what is on the menu board each day.
Food Trucks have long been associated with places to get some of the best creative eats using the best local ingredients at an affordable price. Over the past two years, the food truck offering has grown into something incredible, from streetside asador, Mexican-inspired slow
Farmgate Cafe in the English Market
fast food, rotisserie chicken, vegan eats and Mediterranean-inspired flavours to grilled cheese, great coffee, pizza, ice cream and waffles! The choice is immense right across the county, but Marina Market on Centre Park Road, adjacent to the Port of Cork, a semi-covered market in an old warehouse, hosts food trucks serving all kinds of everything. Always a lively buzz, Marina Market also curates a popup performance space and gallery, and craft vendors set up shop at peak seasonal times.
As you journey through the county, good food can be found everywhere, from coffee shops to Michelin-starred restaurants, of which Cork has four. The county is bursting at the seams with eateries of all price points and cuisines, and with a little forward planning, you can make sure that your plate is always full of the best that Cork has to offer.
Local produce
Set in the stunning gardens of Nano Nagle Place, if you need to be refreshed and revived while in the city centre, then head to Good Day Deli. This sustainablefoods deli serves a mix of healthy, local, seasonal, organic and fairtrade foods, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability throughout their food chain. With a vibrant mix of healthy and decadent dishes, this is well worth a visit.
Popular with lunchers and brunchers, city-centre Liberty Grill offers a menu rich in crowdpleasing burgers, salads and ambitious sandwiches. For brunch, their maple syrup and banana French toast is a best-seller, and vegetarians and vegans are extremely well looked after with a plethora of delicious options.
Large groups are extremely well accommodated in the gorgeous surrounds of Jacobs on the Mall, former site of Cork’s Turkish Baths, where high ceilings and an extraspecial cocktail menu make for a great start to an evening. Luckily, the food at Jacobs is as gorgeous as the building in which it lives – think modern, high-end cuisine, and
you’re on the right track.
Vegetarians have long flocked to Denis Cotter’s Paradiso in Cork city, and for good reason. His incredibly imaginative and delicious menu changes often, but is always top notch. Meat eaters will be flabbergasted by this food – it’s well worth a visit.
Japanese food
If you can manage to get a table at Takashi Miyazaki’s Ichigo Ichie on Sheares Street, you are in for a treat. Awarded a Michelin star in 2018, the restaurant is Miyazaki’s realisation of a life-long dream, and is as much about performance as it is the food. Celebrating the art of Japanese kappou, guests are treated to an elaborate multi-course meal prepared and plated by the chef as you watch - expect a dozen courses spread over three hours or so. If you want to taste Miyazaki’s food but have missed out on a seat at Ichigo Ichie this time, then check out their sister Japanese takeaway, Miyazaki, for a casual but still incredible meal.
Situated beside Cork’s GPO, just off the main thoroughfare, ORSO Kitchen & Bar is a vibrant spot for those who enjoy small plates. Busy, no matter what time of the day or night, this small space packs a huge punch, with Middle Easterninspired fare. Their superb menu is complemented with a killer drinks list and fantastic staff.
If you want to know where the
cool kids go for a pre-night-out bite to eat, then it’s Elbow Lane on Oliver Plunkett Street, a quirky combo of a nano brewery with a smokehouse, serving unreal food cooked over a wood fire. Tuck into their delicious small plates like melt-in-the-mouth pork belly with fish sauce caramel and peanut crunch or harissa goat sausage with smoked date jam, or treat yourself to a wood-grilled T-bone washed down with their in-house range of ales, lagers and stouts.
Most popular eateries
Right next door is Market Lane, one of the city’s most popular eateries – and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why. They serve simple food, like roast chicken, bacon collar and risotto, with a modern twist that adds a light hand to traditionally heavy dishes. Their staff are wonderful, the prices are right, and if you are lucky enough to get a table there on a weekend evening, you should take it. Across the street is Goldie Fish & Ale, specialising in a whole-fish, whole-catch approach from local day boats.
The Glass Curtain in the Victorian Quarter operates a hyper-seasonal and local menu with everything – meat, fish, veg and even desserts - cooked asadorstyle over flame. The restaurant is housed in the old Thompson Bakery building, where now and again chefpatron Brian Murray l
Liberty Grill, Cork
THE GLASS CURTAIN
We are proud to be located in the Old Thompsons Bakery which was once a culinary institution and part of Cork’s DNA since 1826.
We heard a rumour that back in the sixties, folk nicknamed the bakery “The Glass Curtain” due to its progressive style of glass walling architecture. we loved it, made it ours and hope to keep its legacy alive by creating delicious food.
Our love of flavour and top-class ingredients is shared by the champion farmers, growers, butchers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, brewers and distillers of Cork and beyond. Their dedication to organic, nutritious, sustainable and seasonal produce has allowed us to create a menu that we are proud of.
With a little inspiration from our exotic travels, all of our food is cooked with grá and some kissed with a little flame. We offer two menu options, the first being our tasting menus where you can enjoy a selection of different dishes which reflect our favorites of the moment. The second menu you can opt for is a convivial a la carte sharing style dining experience. Here you will have a choice between a selection of snacks and starters for the table, followed by a larger cut of meat, whole duck / Còte de beouf/ Porterhouse, whole fish to share or an individual vegetable plate.
We have an ever changing seasonal cocktail selection, a big choice of spirits focusing a lot on local distillers. Our wine list is mainly focused on small independent producers who put nature and sustainability at the core of what they do.
draws inspiration for his seasonally changing menu.
Achingly cool, Cask specialises in small plates and sharing boards, but acknowledges some customers’ needs for a large meal, with burgers, short ribs and several other crowd pleasers. Their Spanishstyle pinchos are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of their excellent wine, and don’t miss out on the dirty spuds, a glorious concoction of home-made chips, mozzarella, thyme and bacon bits.
Delicious Palestinian food
Producing unbelievably delicious Palestinian food, Izz Cafe, on Cork’s George’s Quay, is helping to revolutionise the city’s culinary scene. Specialising in Maneesh –flatbreads topped with all kinds of yumminess - a visit to Izz is essential.
A seaside town that marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale has long been considered a jewel in Cork’s culinary
crown. This year, Bastion, one of its high-end and consistently popular restaurants, received its first Michelin star, and it is well deserved. Here, expect food that pushes the boundaries of your perception, in the best possible way.
Martin Shanahan’s Fishy Fishy is as much a reason to visit Kinsale as any. Renowned for fish that comes straight out of the sea and into his kitchen, Shanahan extended his offering in 2019 by opening The Blue Room, a restaurant specialising in small bites, just behind the main restaurant.
For a daytime bite to eat in Kinsale, check out OHK Cafe, where sisters Sarah and Carol O’Herlihy are turning out some of the most imaginative dishes in the area from this fifth-generation establishment. Be sure to try some of the desserts, created for OHK by local bakery
The Flour House.
The Bulman Bar, in Summercove, is a must-visit on a sunny day, where you can sit outside overlooking the
dock and enjoy a pint of Guinness with a plate of crab claws. Upstairs, Toddies Restaurant produces consistently good food at reasonable prices, with a menu heavy on locally sourced seafood.
St Francis Provisions has carved itself a reputation for being the hot spot for epicureans in Kinsale. Don’t be fooled by the deceptively simple design of the dishes - this is food packed with flavour, cooked with great skill, and firmly committed to using only the very best of local produce.
Wild Restaurant
Head west from Kinsale, and you’ll arrive at the small village of Ballinspittle, and the home of Diva Boutique Bakery, to pick up a loaf of excellent sourdough and some cakes; or dine at Wild Restaurant, offering smart-casual dining at excellent prices, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to pop in to apothecary style refill store Leafling Mercantile, where l
Izz Café on Cork’s George’s Quay
you’ll pick up some nice treats for the rest of your journey.
Travel out towards Clonakilty, and you’ll happen upon a number of gems along the way. The drive is spectacular, so take your time and prepare to make a few foodrelated stops.
Timoleague, a tiny village between Kilbrittain and Clonakilty, is home to Monk’s Lane, run by husband-and-wife team Michelle O’Mahony and Gavin Moore, oozing the charm and welcome of a country pub, with food that is created with local ingredients and prepared simply.
Quality dining
Clonakilty is renowned for its culinary feats, and is heaving with cafés, pubs and restaurants all eager to feed you well.
An Súgán Restaurant has been in operation since 1979, and is an ideal spot for a bowl of soup and a sandwich at lunchtime, or a generous fish supper. Lettercollum Kitchen Project is the place to go to stock up on great lunchtime favourites – perfect for a day out and about; or head to Scannells Bar, with its reputation as a firm lunchtime favourite with locals, and the best beer garden in the town, too.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is Clonakilty’s luxury hideaway,
overlooking two blue-flag beaches. The bar offers family-friendly food, with a view of the stunning beach below the hotel. Inchydoney is famous for its afternoon tea, which is well deserved after a morning spent lounging in the magnificent on-site Thalassotherapy spa. While, across the bay, Dunmore House Hotel focuses on growing as much of the organic produce served up from a menu influenced by the changing seasons as possible.
Foodie destination
A short drive from Clonakilty brings you to Long Strand and The Fish Basket, one of the area’s most popular foodie destinations. Serving out-of-this-world fish right on the beach, this restaurant comes into its own during the summer months, when it’s hard to find a seat, and well worth queuing for one.
Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, Jack at Pilgrim’s Rest in Rosscarbery is a charming coffee house and brunch spot by day and a modern dining experience by evening, showcasing Cornish chef Jack’s passion for using locallysourced ingredients.
In the picturesque setting of Baltimore is Dede, the Michelinstarred restaurant inside the Custom House Baltimore. Turkish chef, Ahmet Dede, blends his passion for ultra-local produce
with foraged ingredients and Turkish culinary heritage to deliver one of the great culinary experiences in West Cork. Book well in advance - this is an experience not to be missed.
Restaurant Chestnut, in Ballydehob, occupies The Chestnut Tree, an ex-pub and now an intimate, Michelin-starred dining space. Seating a maximum of 18 guests, chef Rob Krawczyk invites his guests to ‘experience nature’s larder’ through a 12-course tasting menu over three hours. A once-in-alifetime experience.
Pizza lovers need to make a pilgrimage to Macroom, where Toons Bridge Dairy have an on-site café, where visitors can sample wood-fired pizzas made with their own buffalo mozzarella. It is exactly as heavenly as it sounds.
The Brick Oven has been serving the people of Bantry and West Cork since 1997 with an extensive range of mouthwatering pizzas from an authentic wood-burning stove, together with a range of pasta, steak and seafood options.
Culinary pioneers
A little further along the coast is the tiny village of Ballylickey, where you will find Manning’s Emporium. One of the earliest pioneers and supporters of the burgeoning West Cork food scene in the 80s, Manning’s has expanded over the years to become a foodie hub for provisions, lunch, night-time pizzas and incredible wines.
East Cork is full of foodie treasures waiting to be discovered, but to start your journey properly, it is essential to pay homage at Ballymaloe House - Ireland’s most distinguished and loved country house. Founded by Myrtle Allen, the undisputed mother of Irish cooking, a trip here is a trip back in time –be sure to stay for the legendary Ballymaloe Sweet Trolley.
Ahernes Townhouse and Seafood Restaurant in Youghal is in its third generation, and has the service to prove it. You’ll be looked after exceptionally well, and will get to eat some of the best food of the region, thanks to owner and head
Restaurant Chestnut, Ballydehob
chef David Aherne.
Sage 2.0, in Midleton, operates a ‘12 mile’ ethos - all of the produce used on this ever-changing menu is sourced from within a 12-mile radius of the restaurant. Using the best that the area has to offer, chefpatron Kevin Aherne has created a relaxed, convivial neighbourhood eatery that is all about good food and good times.
Titanic Experience
Breakfast, brunch and lunch are taken care of in spades at Seasalt, in Cobh. With a gorgeous array of sandwiches on offer, this café and deli is situated right across from the Titanic Experience. If you are getting set for a day of exploring, they’ll even pack up a picnic in compostable packaging for you to enjoy during the day.
Sometimes, we all need to experience some good, oldfashioned hospitality, where white-linen tablecloths are a prerequisite and wonderful food is
guaranteed. Consider an evening of old-school luxury by heading north to Mallow and booking a table at The Presidents’ Restaurant at Longueville House. The menu at this gorgeous country house is based on farm-to-fork dining, and all produce, where possible, is sourced on the estate grounds and its working farm. The restaurant serves a traditional Sunday luncheon every weekend, starting with buffet appetisers, followed by a Sunday roast, fresh fish or vegetarian options sourced from the restaurant gardens. You’ll finish (if you can fit any more in) with a selection from the dessert and cheese table, before taking a stroll around the extensive grounds of this gorgeous estate, congratulating yourself on a Sunday well spent.
It’s worth noting that Longueville House is home to Ireland’s only brandy distillery, and there is also a cidery on site, using apples grown from their extensive cider apple orchard.
With a reputation for good food like Cork’s, it’s not surprising that food festivals are a part of the annual programme of events.
Cork on a Fork Festival showcases the city’s culinary excellence over five days of cooking demos, talks, events and delicious ingredients to sample. Feast Cork, based out of Midleton, has been growing in reputation over the past few years, based on East Cork’s foodie credentials. Kinsale Gourmet Festival is three days of top-class food and entertainment to be found anywhere on the emerald isle. Macroom Food Festival plays to its dairying heritage and melting pot of local people to create a food festival that is as much a taste of old Ireland as the new.
Wherever you choose to lay your hat, be sure that the famous Irish céad míle fáilte is on hand to make you feel welcome and relaxed as you enjoy a delicious meal that is a true taste of Ireland. ■
Sage Restaurant, Midleton
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to County Cork
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start the day with brunch at Brick Lane, where you should definitely order their buttermilk pancakes with crispy rashers and maple syrup, washed down with an excellent coffee and maybe one of Brick Lane’s gorgeous smoothies. After a large feed, walk in a leisurely fashion to Kent Station and hop on the train to Cobh, where you should take the ferry to Spike Island –Ireland’s answer to Alcatraz.
Spend a few hours exploring this island which over the last 1,000 years has incarnated as a monastery, a large prison and then a community of houses. Today, it is a world-class museum, with a wealth of information about Cork past and present.
After your big walk, head across to Seasalt Cobh for a delicious sandwich and bowl of soup. Go for the Cork Rueben sandwich when it’s on the menu, which changes every Saturday. Kanturk pastrami, pickles, cheese and celeriac slaw –need we say more?
With a full belly, walk across the road and check into The Titanic Experience where you’ll literally become one of the ill-fated passengers who joined Titanic on her maiden voyage as she made her final stop at Cobh.
Head back to the city for a quick meander through the shops on St Patrick’s Street, before heading to Market Lane for a dinner filled with city centre buzz and gorgeous food. Finish the night with an excellent drink at Upstairs at Arthur Maynes.
DAY TWO
Head straight to Blackrock Castle Observatory and have breakfast in the gorgeous Castle Café. This restaurant is extremely family friendly and offers some great vegetarian and vegan breakfast options. Head into the observatory post breakfast and check out the universe beyond our reach – you will be amazed. Be sure to read about the history of the castle before you
leave; it has protected Cork city for hundreds of years.
Back to the city centre for an afternoon exploring Cork’s museums and art galleries. Staying in and around Patrick Street, check out Lavit Gallery, the Butter Museum, Nano Nagle Place and Crawford Gallery (currently closed for redevelopment). Leave the English Market for your last stop and eat lunch at Farmgate Café. After lunch, indulge in some more retail therapy – consider the side streets today, where you’ll find
Over the last 1,000 years
Spike Island has been a monastery, a prison and a community of houses
a more vintage retail feel. When dressed for dinner, head to ORSO, where incredible cocktails and small plates of utter deliciousness, make for an unforgettable evening. Tonight, round off your stay with a trip to Crane Lane Theatre, where you’ll find the best of Cork’s live music scene playing seven nights a week. ■
Spike Island was originally a monastic settlement, and is dominated by the 18th-century bastion Fort Mitchel
Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
Creativity is the blood that runs through the veins of Cork. The whole region has a rich and varied cultural heritage that is a hugely important part of its past, present and future.
Historically, Cork has been a place of refuge and exploration for Ireland’s most prolific writers and poets, musicians and artists.
The city itself has produced many thinkers, creatives and trailblazers, including scientists George Boole, Dr Vincent Barry, Dr James Barry, Agnes Mary Clerke, Mary Elmes, John Tyndall and famous botanist
Ellen Hutchins; writers Frank O’Connor, Seán Ó Ríordáin and Sean O’Faolain; revolutionary thinkers Thomas Davis and Terence McSwiney; educational reformist Nano Nagle and activist Mary Harris (aka Mother Jones); artists John Barry and Seamus Murphy; opera singers Cara O’Sullivan and Mary Hegarty; and musicians Aloys Fleischmann, Seán Ó Riada and Rory Gallagher.
The region’s vibrant artistic community is evident on its city streets; Cork has embraced the vibrancy of contemporary street
art, which at times is tongue and cheek, sometimes historiographical, always vibrant, and embraces the cultural importance of Cork and its people. Keep a keen eye out for the painted electrical boxes that dot the city, grand artworks such as the Kingfisher mural at the entrance to Paul Street car park, or the Huguenot-inspired mural on Carey’s Lane, among many others. The trend for street art has extended beyond the city limits, and fine examples exist in towns across the country. A notable stop is the mural of Irish poet Desmond
The Everyman Theatre; heart of Cork’s cultural life since 1897
O’Grady, painted by internationally acclaimed Irish muralist OMIN on the gable end of The Spaniard pub in Kinsale during Kinsale Arts Weekend 2021.
Throughout the county, you’ll find festivals and events taking place all year as part of the county’s ongoing cultural programme. Cork City Council and Cork County Council are huge supporters of the artistic community, and fund libraries, museums, theatres, art centres and a range of arts activities, from opera to street arts. You’ll find free events taking place across the county every week of the year, including participation in national cultural events, such as Culture Night and Heritage Week.
Midsummer Festival is an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival, with many events taking place in the public realm, using the landscape and streetscape of the city as its backdrop, and even inspiration, for performances of all kinds.
Design POP is Ireland’s only dedicated festival where architecture, design and food meet in a series of collaborative pop-up, public-realm pavilions, exhibitions and a programme of events, including talks, conversations and panels.
Fans of performing arts should immerse themselves at one of the many venues dedicated to
music, dance and drama in the city centre. Cork Opera House serves its community as a 1,000seat municipal theatre offering audiences a world-class programme of events across the performing arts. You’ll find concerts, comedy, drama, musicals, contemporary and classical dance, and family shows taking place throughout the year. The annual Christmas pantomime is a major highlight, as well as, of course, opera.
The Everyman Theatre has been at the heart of Cork’s cultural life since 1897. Steeped in history, the building is listed, and an example of late-Victorian architecture. Its seasonal programmes offer a diverse range of shows, including little gems of touring theatre, comedy, opera, music, dance and family-friendly shows.
Away from the bright lights of the city, in the tiny rural village of Rossmore, near Clonakilty in West Cork, is Rossmore Theatre – the home of the West Cork Drama Festival, one of the longest running amateur drama festivals in Ireland for over 60 years, showcasing the best of Irish playwriting. Rossmore Theatre was built in 1948, and the festival was established in 1956. Today, the theatre and the festival are run by a volunteer group of 40 members from the immediate community. Many fine actors
who have worked with the theatre company and performed at the festival have become established in the wider theatre community as actors, writers and directors – most notable of all, Irene Kelleher.
Fit-Up Theatre runs three festivals around the country, and comes to West Cork (its spiritual home) during July and August, providing rural communities with access to the highest standards of playwrighting, acting and theatremaking that Irish professional theatre has to offer, at an affordable price. Performances are widely lauded, often put on in stunning locations, including the West Cork Islands.
Established in 1976 as a club by and for the arts community in Cork, the Cork Arts Theatre, fondly known as the CATS club, quickly became an essential part of the arts scene, serving not only as a venue for amateur and professional companies alike, but also as the preferred meeting place and socialising hub for all arts enthusiasts. In 2006, the theatre reopened its doors after a major facelift, and, since then, this intimate space has played host to many community-led arts endeavours.
University College Cork’s Granary Theatre, on the Mardyke, is the central venue for the Cork Fringe Festival. Throughout the year, it produces and presents new and experimental work by artists across all disciplines. The programme combines work in theatre, performance, dance, live art, installation and music with a lively critical programme of talks, workshops and artists’ presentations – if you are looking for the next best thing in performance art, then you’ll find it here.
Triskel Arts Centre is a major cultural hub in the heart of Cork’s city centre, and has been for more than 40 years. Their main auditorium, Triskel Christchurch, is a multi-disciplinary space housed in a fully refurbished neoclassical Georgian Church. This state-of-theart venue, which launched in 2011, is programmed with a rich l
Cork has embraced the vibrancy of contemporary street art
Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre is a hub of arts activity right in the heart of Skibbereen. After 30 years in our former North Street home, we celebrate 10 years of our new building for the arts in 2025.
Our two main galleries house contemporary art exhibitions that intrigue and inspire, presenting artwork by local, national and international artists.
The three Artists’ Studios provide space for Irish and international artists to work on site and to meet the public, and the Dance Residency brings top-class contemporary dancers, choreographers, performers and musicians to Uillinn to develop new work and present it to the public throughout the year.
Entrance to the exhibitions is free, and many of our activities and events are also free of charge. Perfect for rainy day activities in West Cork.
With an average of 15 programmes and events every week, keep up to date on all that Uillinn has to offer by following us on facebook or Instagram, visit our website www.westcorkartscentre.com or give us a call on 02822090.
Image credit: Emma Jervis Photography
bill of live music, with a focus on classical and jazz concerts, cultural cinema, visual art exhibitions and literary events. Triskel also runs a contemporary art room, Triskel Gallery Space. Unique in Ireland, Theatre Development Centre is housed in the Triskel Arts Centre, and is the only full-time operation dedicated to the development of theatre. It is managed by Corcadorca Theatre Company.
Visual art is extremely well represented in Cork, not least at the city centre’s most prolific art galleries.
Crawford Art Gallery (reopening in 2027) is a National Cultural Institution and regional art museum for Munster, dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary. Its permanent collection is made up of almost 4,000 works, ranging from 18thcentury Irish and European paintings and sculpture through to contemporary video installations. At the heart of the collection is a
collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, brought to Cork in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome. The gallery is committed to education, and runs a rolling schedule of workshops and learnand-explore programmes, where young families can introduce their children to the wonders of art.
Set up in 1963 by a group of artists who wanted to promote Cork-based creativity, The Lavit Gallery is one of the most interesting showcases of art in Cork city. As a not-for-profit enterprise, they support artists through their annual exhibition programme.
Located on Wandesford Quay, the gallery’s programme of exhibitions, which change monthly, feature the stars of tomorrow from the region’s arts scene, as well as a wide range of craft and prints in the vaults.
The Glucksman gallery at UCC provides an architecturally bold, modernist venue in which to explore the visual arts. The impressive and versatile gallery spaces present
thought-provoking exhibitions that have thrilled audiences of all ages and abilities. The mission at The Glucksman is to make contemporary art and creative practice accessible to all, and you’ll find a fantastic array of events taking place each week, created with this in mind.
Stay a while, and walk the grounds of University College Cork (UCC), and visit the beautiful Quad where the original university building stands, meander through the lush landscape of the President’s Garden, or walk the stone corridor where the largest collection of Ogham Stones are housed. The grounds of the University are open to the public year round, and are free to enter.
Keep an eye out for guided Tree Tours. Dating back to 1849, the university has a tree collection in its grounds of 2,500 trees and 120 different specimens, many of medicinal, scientific or historical significance. Dr Eoin Lettice is l
Crawford Art Gallery is dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary
HYSTERICAL HISTORIES CORK DINNER THEATRE EXPERIENCES AND MORE
Spend an unforgettable evening at our Dinner Theatre experience in the heart of Cork City. Over 2.5 hours, discover the highlights of the city’s 1500-year history and become acquainted with our quirky characters, our habits, humour, and language at one of our high-octane, laugh-out-loud dinner theatre performances. Enjoy local Cork food and drinks, served up with live music and plenty of personality as you engage with the most entertaining locals that anyone has ever met. Leave with a belly full of food, a warm feeling in your heart, and a new skill, having learned how to “speak Cork.”
Or if you’re only visiting what we Corkonians like to call “the real capital” of Ireland for an afternoon, why not try our one of our “choose your own adventure, walking tours”, you choose one of our themes and that’s the tour our Actor guide will take you on. Will you pick our “rebels and redheads” tour, our “music and mayhem” experience or maybe our “saints and sinners” tour is more up your street? Whichever you choose, It’ll be all about you ... and Cork of course.
HYSTERICAL HISTORIES
Amicus Restaurant, Paul Street Centre, Cork T12 WP97
Tel: 00 353 87 641 9355
Advance booking required, tickets can be purchased at www.hystericalhistories.ie
your tour guide, a lecturer in plant science at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES) and the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at University College Cork.
In Skibbereen, West Cork, Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre acts as a creative hub for the visual and performance arts. Made up of two main galleries, which house contemporary art exhibitions, the centre has an extensive programme by local, national and international artists, and a gallery programme of guided tours, gallery talks and free resources, such as the Discovery Box for families, and children’s activity sheets.
With a wealth of museums dedicated to all aspects of Cork’s varied history, it makes sense to start your exploration at its most charming one – the Butter Museum. This gorgeous museum is housed in a market building, and tells the tale of butter’s importance to the local and national economy, and Cork’s historical position as the centre for the global trade in butter. One of the impressive artefacts on display is a thousand-year-old firkin (a kind of keg or barrel) of bog butter. Butter was often buried in bogs for reasons as varied as over-winter storage, preservation, improvement of flavour, or hidden because of its value!
Cork City Gaol is a 30-minute walk from the city centre, and is a sombre reminder of the many people imprisoned here during the Irish War of Independence. One of its most famous residents, Countess Markievicz, was the first Irish woman elected to the British Parliament, and she was incarcerated at Cork Gaol during 1919.
Cork Public Museum is housed in a building originally built in 1845 by the Beamish family, and sits in the gorgeous surroundings of Fitzgerald Park. As well as a history of Cork’s GAA heritage, it also documents the life of Cork’s residents from the 18th century up to the present day.
Kids will love Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks, which once supplied water to the entire city, and now acts as an interactive museum focusing on science and technology. With lots of exhibits that demand interaction, there’s much to keep the whole family entertained here.
The 200-year-old Signal Tower at the Old Head of Kinsale has been restored to its former glory, and is officially open to the public as a Lusitania Museum. The museum displays artefacts recovered from the wreckage of the ship on the top floor, and its parapet walkway boasts beautiful panoramic views of one of the country’s most scenic peninsulas,
which is a highlight for visitors. Allihies, the last village at the end of the beautiful Beara Peninsula, is an area with a rich heritage of copper mining, and the Allihies Copper Mine Museum is a testament to its history. Located in the old Methodist church, built for immigrant Cornish miners, the museum offers a fascinating insight into mining in Allihies, from the bronze age through to the 1960s, with particular emphasis on copper mining in the 1800s.
Cork’s status as an important trading and provisioning city has left a legacy of impressive forts and garrisons across the county.
Spike Island, a short ferry journey from Cobh, was once the world’s largest prison, and held captive many of Ireland’s revolutionaries. It was also a strategic military garrison, heavily armed and indefatigable in its defence of the harbour. But it has a longer history still, stretching back over 1300 years, originally founded as a remote monastery. Spike Island is now a premier visitor attraction, winning multiple awards, and is a perennial favourite with visitors from home and abroad, as it weaves tales of the island’s storied past.
Camden Fort Meagher has a 400-year history, and is recognised as being ‘one of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world’. Over half the fort is located underground, making this an exciting adventure for curious children as they navigate the underground maze of tunnels and chambers. The fort is located overlooking Cork Harbour in beautiful Crosshaven, and named after the dual British and Irish history of the fort: The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Earl of Camden and Thomas Francis Meagher.
Charles Fort and James Fort guard opposing sides of the mouth of the harbour to Kinsale. Charles Fort is a fine example of a starshaped fort, its outer defences 16 ft high and ramparts rooted on the shoreline below. It’s a phenomenal structure that has withstood battles and sieges, marking it out as one l
Cork City Gaol; a sombre reminder of the Irish War of Independence
of Ireland’s most successful military fortifications. James Fort, on the opposite side of the bay, is much smaller by comparison, and set back from the water’s edge, with uninterrupted views of the bay. Both forts are at peace now, and open to the public for free.
Elizabeth Fort is a 17th-century star-shaped fort located in the heart of Cork city. The fort offers a unique perspective on the city as you walk the thick stone walls for a bird’s eye view of the city below. The fort is free to enter, or a guided tour is provided daily at 1pm for €3pp –children under 12 are free.
Fans of the history of the Titanic should head east to the seaside town of Cobh and the Titanic Experience. This incredible, immersive experience is in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, a building steeped in history, dating back to the early 19th century, and the departure point for many thousands of White Star Line passengers and passengers of the Titanic itself. You
will get to experience what it was like to be one of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic at her last stop before her voyage towards New York.
Book onto a Titanic Trail around the town with historian Dr Michael Martin, who explores the heritage of Cobh in Cork Harbour, the last port of call of RMS Titanic, in a onehour tour taking visitors through the town whose architecture has remained unchanged since that fateful day in 1912.
A visit to Cork would not be complete without a trip to learn about one of Cork’s most precious sons, General Michael Collins. A new Michael Collins Trail has been developed, linking six sites of importance in his life. Begin at Michael Collins House, a fascinating museum with knowledgeable guides, and housing some rare artefacts and memorabilia related to the life of Michael Collins and the wider independence movement. Follow the trail to Woodfield, his birthplace; Sam’s Cross and The
Four Alls pub, which Collins visited on the day he was assassinated; and Clonakilty National School, where Collins was educated.
The penultimate stop on the trail is at Castleview, and the Michael Collins Centre run by husband-andwife team Tim and Dolores Crowley. Tim, a historian and writer, is a cousin of Michael Collins through his great grandmother, Marianne McCarthy. Inside the centre, you’ll learn all about the revolutionary and politician, who was instrumental in Ireland’s struggle for independence. Among a number of memorials is a life-size replica of a medieval church site dedicated to the 1798 rebellion. The final stop on the trail is the Béal na Bláth Memorial, a life-size replica (one-hundred metres long) of the ambush site where Michael Collins died.
The long and varied history of Cork city and county will ensure that, whatever your particular appetite for the arts and culture, you will be well satiated. ■
Cobh Heritage Centre
The night-time economy in County Cork is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
One third of the population of Cork city are students, so it’s no surprise that it has a vibrant scene after dark. We’re not talking about shot-drinking, loud-music-playing bawdiness; oh no. A night out in Cork city is generally triangulated around three things: great food, great drinks and great live music –when all roads lead to music, you know you’re onto a good thing.
No visit to Cork is complete without a trip to one of the city’s most historical watering holes.
During the winter months, you might hanker after a more
traditional pub, and those exist in their plenty. Tucked down Mutton Lane, just off Patrick Street, is The Mutton Lane Inn. Warm, cosy and flaunting candles stuck in wine bottles for added ambience, you’ll get a great pint and a warm welcome here.
The Castle Inn, on Main Street, fancies itself as a country pub in a city-centre location. Run by the third-generation O’Donovan family, you’ll find a wonderful snug, an ever-crackling fire and a no-music policy.
The Corner House, on Coburg
Street, is Cork’s home of traditional music. This family-run pub is home to the Murphy’s Folk Club, and is currently the home of Lee Delta Blues Club. You’ll find music here at any time of the day or night, as well as decent-priced drinks and superfriendly staff.
Pedestrianisation of many of the city’s streets is reimagining the city streetscape as a place for people to socialise and enjoy good food. Princes Street in particular leads the way, with brightly coloured awnings, heated outdoor seating, full table and bar service, and a
Award-winning microbrewery and brew pub, Rising Sons Brewery
friendly, vibey night-time feel. Explore the 16 pedestrianised streets and the range of hospitality and entertainment on offer from the businesses working collaboratively to create a new dynamic vision for Cork.
Cork is a city rising, and, with that in mind, consider casting your eye skywards! As in any city where outdoor space is at a premium, the roof is an untapped potential, and over the last two years, new rooftop bars, terraces and cafés have opened across the city. These spaces are a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the streets below, but also reveal a new perspective of this city of steeples and rivers – from up high!
Opened in 1957 on Cork’s Cornmarket Street, Dennehy’s Bar is one of the last remaining traditional Irish pubs in the city. Time appears to have stood still in this gorgeous pub, where the staff remember what you drink, and someone always has a story to tell.
Also worth a visit is the awardwinning microbrewery and brew pub, Rising Sons Brewery, which creates small-batch beers and gin. This independent and family-owned brewery is housed in the former Guy & Co building in the historic Old Town in Cork city centre.
With some of the country’s most lauded mixologists, the city has become a mecca for drinks
with a twist. Cask, on MacCurtain Street, is housed in an old antique shop nestled in the city’s Victorian Quarter, and its dim lighting and gorgeous food complement its extensive drinks menu beautifully. Their seasonal cocktail menu changes every three months, using locally foraged ingredients to inform their choice. Try the very Corkish ‘Beamish Boulevardier’, a malty cocktail flavoured with West Cork Distillers Bog Oak charred cask whiskey, Campari, Beamish and local honey.
With a cocktail menu that includes all the favourites, like espresso martinis and mojitos, Edison, on Washington Street, offers a fantastic variety of unusual drinks that make this bar more of a destination than a drop-by. Consider the dark and stormy iced lolly pop or the peanut Manhattan when choosing your beverage of choice. Alcohol is not the only preference in this super-hipster joint – they have a good range of non-alcoholic cocktails too.
For whiskey lovers, no night out in the Rebel City is complete without a visit to The Shelbourne Bar. Nestled in the heart of the reimagined Victorian Quarter, The Shelbourne boasts a selection of over 400 different bottles of whiskey, and has been the recipient of the Gold Medal Best Whiskey Bar
in Munster in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2023, and the Best Whiskey Bar in Ireland (2018 and 2019). If it’s a traditional Irish coffee you’re after, you’ve come to the right place! In 2020, Shelbourne bar tender Rory McGee became the Guinness World Record holder for making 49 Irish coffees in three minutes!
The county of Cork has a long history of wine merchants and the tale of the aristocratic Wild Geese who fled Cork for France. In particular, Kinsale was a central location for wine trading of all kinds. No surprise then that, in Cork, they know their wine!
In the city, head to L’Atitude 51, on Union Quay, a cave à manger that specialises in natural, biodynamic and minimal-intervention wines. To sip wine like a local, a visit to the quirky, old-world-style Meades Bar 126 wine bar, on Oliver Plunkett Street, is a must, and where sparking up a conversation with a local is widely encouraged.
In the coastal town of Kinsale, just 20 minutes from Cork city, the multi-award-winning The Black Pig wine bar proudly pours wines from a list of over 250, with 150 of these available by the glass. The food is also excellent here, as you would expect from Ireland’s premier gourmet destination.
If craft beer is on your mind, you’ll be pleased to know that Cork has you well catered for. Across the county, Cork is home to 10 modern micro and craft breweries, but has a brewing history that extends back to 1792 with the establishment of the Beamish and Crawford brewery, followed in 1856 by Murphys Brewery. Cork is also home to Heineken’s Irish Brewery in Lady’s Well, on the north side of the city.
A few of the breweries run tours with tastings, but most bars carry local craft beers on tap, and bottled too. Real craft-beer devotees head to two places in the city in particular. The Bierhaus serves over 220 beers, 30 taps, a cask and 24 rotating guest draught taps too. The Franciscan Well Brewery is one of Ireland’s original craft breweries, and its original home, known locally as ‘The Well’, serves many of its own l
Dennehy’s Bar, Cornmarket Street
brews and favourites from around Ireland. They have a particularly fine beer garden, home to Pompeii Pizza, and regularly host beer festivals, including FemAle, the only beer festival dedicated to female brewers and distillers of Ireland.
Arthur Mayne’s Pharmacy, on Pembroke Street, lives in a 120-year-old pharmacy-turnedbar. Full of quirky antique medicine bottles and retro beauty products, the bar is worth visiting for memorabilia alone, but luckily for you, it has a huge range of incredible cocktails to boot. They have a ‘secret’ cocktail bar upstairs, where you can avail yourself of a list of drinks created with artisan ingredients. Visit here, and you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot.
Rearden’s has been a landmark Cork hostelry since 1853, and continues to evolve, with three different bars, a nightclub and good food all available under the one roof! The Secret Garden, on Hanover Street, is a fantastic option
for a buzzing night out, attracting a younger crowd to its fairytalethemed venue. The Hidden Attic upstairs is decorated like the best grandparent’s sitting room, and boasts a fantastic cocktail list, heavy on the booze.
Cork city offers plenty of live music, seven nights a week, no matter what your pleasure.
Crane Lane Theatre, located in the remains of an old gentleman’s club in the centre of the city, has been the venue for some of the most memorable gigs the city has experienced. With four bars, it hosts theatre performances, burlesque nights, swing, blues, jazz, country, live music and DJs seven nights a week until 2am. If you are looking for a big night out, then this is the place.
When it comes to trad, then look no further than Sin É. One of Cork’s oldest establishments, musicians belt out the tunes in this cutesy Irish pub every Friday and Saturday evening from 6.30pm – go early for a seat. The Tuesday 9pm session is a
wonderful midweek introduction to this Cork institution.
Established almost two centuries ago, on Douglas Street, Coughlan’s is a pub steeped in history. An award-winning music venue, home to one of the biggest gin selections in the country, a heated beer garden and, of course, some of the best live music the city has to offer – what’s not to love?
A night out in Cork does not have to mean sitting in a pub all night. The city has plenty to offer for those who don’t wish to imbibe when the sun goes down.
The Mardyke Entertainment Complex, on Sheares Street, offers a wealth of wholesome fun that the whole family can enjoy. There’s bowling and pool at Mardyke Bowl, and Barcadia, Cork’s only retro arcade, jam packed with original machines playing out games from the epic era of arcades in the 80s and 90s, as well as karaoke stations. Food is available in each part of the complex, or visit Holy Smoke, l
Crane Lane Theatre is located in the remains of an old gentleman’s club
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Cork’s only low and slow, smoke and fire BBQ kitchen.
City Limits Comedy Club, just off Coburg Street, is just the place to pepper an evening with some belly laughs. Hosting gigs from Cork’s up-and-coming comedy stars, it also hosts gigs from the country’s most celebrated comedians.
Give yourself a fright by embarking on the Cork Ghost Tour. Taking place after dark, and visiting the terrifying underbelly of Cork city, this tour mixes comedy with an informative insight into the city’s heritage. Kinsale Ghost Tours is more likely to tickle you to death than scare you to it, as your guides take the storied history of Kinsale and weave it into funny ghost tales.
But, if you really are here for the scares, head to Spike Island, Ireland’s infamous prison fortress, once known as ‘Ireland’s Hell’, a short ferry ride from Cobh, for their After Dark tour. Gold-medal winner in 2019 at the International Travel Awards, Spike Island has been part of Irish history for over 1300 years, as a monastery, military garrison, and once the world’s largest prison. This is Ireland’s Alcatraz, and well worth a visit day or night, but after dark is when things take a turn for the sinister…
Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium is situated just outside the city centre, and runs racing every Friday and Saturday night. It has an on-site restaurant, where you can place tableside bets while you eat.
In venues across Cork city and county, live music can be heard most nights of the week. Often, live music is staged informally, free of charge, in pubs, hotel bars and late-night cafés – not forgetting, of course, street busking.
In the city, at the intersection of Oliver Plunkett Street and Caroline Street, is a trinity of three great music pubs: The Oliver Plunkett, known affectionately as the Ollie Plunkett, with its shrine to Cork musician Rory Gallagher; the Old Oak; and the 500-capacity Cyprus Avenue.
Along the quays, one of Cork’s last remaining ‘dockers’ pubs, Charlie’s Bar, is open from 7am until very late, and once the sun goes
With so much happening after dark across the county, you’ll be spoilt for ideas of places to go and things to do
Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s worth checking to see who is playing.
The ‘Barrel-House Sessions’ at The Mariner Music Venue is fast becoming a mecca for live music in West Cork. You will find local musicians and up-and-coming bands belting out their tunes before handing over the reins to more established bands to rock the dancefloor until late.
And don’t leave town without stopping into Ma Murphy’s Bar, the town’s most atmospheric bar, loved by Bantry people and visitors alike.
down, the musicians descend to play, jam and rock out!
If you’ve ever felt like rocking out in a deconsecrated church, then check out the gig listings for Live at St Luke’s. Bring your own drinks, and sit in one of the original pews to enjoy a live-music performance, with some of the best acoustics you’ll experience anywhere.
Out of the city and into West Cork, the market towns that dot the westerly coastal driving route along the Wild Atlantic Way are beacons for live music. Clonakilty is the self-proclaimed ‘Guitar Town’ of Ireland, and home to some of the country’s finest music bars, notably De Barra’s Folk Club, where, over the years, everyone from Jimi Hendrix to David Bowie to Sharon Shannon have graced the stage, and it’s now home to the best Irish and international musical talent. Shanley’s Bar, the family-owned music bar, can be heard belting out rock, jazz, folk and more every weekend. Or, for a truly authentic trad session, head to the little thatched cottage with whitewashed walls that is An Teach Beag (The Small House), where musicians play together every night of the week.
Further west-along is Bantry and its roaring live-music scene. The Bantry Bay, a traditional Irish bar, is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Hosting everything from solo artists to traditional music sessions, there’s live music seven nights a week during the summer, and during the rest of the year, there is live music on
If you find yourself hankering after the arts, then Cork offers a huge amount of evening options. With award-winning plays taking to the stage at Cork Opera House and Everyman Theatre throughout the year, as well as performances and talks at Cork Arts Centre and Triskel Arts Centre (don’t forget to check out the underground crypt here, built in 1718-20), and dance performances of all kinds at the Firkin Crane, there is something for everyone.
Cinema lovers can seek out the latest releases at Omniplex Cinema at Mahon Point Shopping Centre, offering screenings in 2D, 3D and OmniplexMAXX. The Gate Cinema, in the city centre, and The Reel Picture, in Blackpool, are smaller, but equally great places to while away an hour or two. Arthouse cinema is catered for in the beautiful surroundings of the Triskel Arts Centre.
For those who want to better themselves, then consider attending an evening public lecture at University College Cork across the wide-ranging campus, where talks on subjects as diverse as climate change and a journey inside the mind of an entrepreneur will get the juices flowing.
Throughout the year, Cork City Council runs free evening events based around celebrating the culture and heritage of the city, and it is well worth checking out their website to see what’s going on during your visit.
With so much happening after dark right across the city and county, you’ll be spoilt for ideas of places to go and things to do. ■
Although County Cork has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
The cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, Wexford is steeped in heritage and history. It is famous for its golden beaches that stretch for miles along a coast that few counties in Ireland can compare. Almost the entire shoreline of Wexford is a series of long sandy strands. The waters around the coast are generally calm and safe for swimmers compared to the Irish west coast. There are six Blue Flag beaches and many smaller, less crowded and fantastic ones. The most famous beach of all is Curracloe where they filmed D-Day landings for the blockbuster movie, Saving Private Ryan.
Hook Lighthouse is on the Hook Peninsula and is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. The lighthouse offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower all year round, and is this is one of the top things to do in Wexford. Climb 115 steps to the spectacular view from the balcony above, or enjoy one of many festivals taking place throughout the year.
The Saltee Islands are a haven for sea birds, and boast an impressive array from puffins to gannets and gulls. The islands comprising the Great and Little Saltee are approximately five kilometres off the coast of Kilmore Quay in southern Wexford. They are privately owned, but day trips to and from the islands run from Kilmore Quay throughout the year.
A trip to Tipp is never a bad idea, but as one of the most popular stopover points of Ireland’s Ancient East, it’s gaining momentum as a must-visit destination. Located just off the motorway, which is very handy when on a road trip, the Rock of Cashel sets an imposing shadow onto the hill on which
it sits. Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, the site also features a round tower, high cross and a Romanesque chapel. While in Cashel be sure to check out the Cashel Heritage Centre, Cashel Folk Park and Hore Abbey.
Tipperary is home to lots and lots of historic abbeys. Holy Cross Abbey dates back to medieval times and is named after a relic of the True Cross, a fragment of which was brought to Ireland by Queen Isabella of Angoulême around 1233. It has taken in pilgrims and visitors from all over the world over 10 centuries and today is a peaceful landmark, which attracts visitors who are looking for a place to enjoy quiet contemplation.
For the active among us, then look no further than The Munster Vales. Incorporating the Comeragh, Knockmealdown, Galtee, Ballyhoura and Nagles Mountain, this route is ideal for walking, cycling and angling, and has routes to suit all fitness levels and age profiles. This is an opportunity to see the largely unseen Tipperary, and explore the stunning trails of the vales.
With iconic scenery and a wildness unique to this part of Ireland, it’s no wonder that Kerry offers respite to those seeking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors during their staycation. Here’s our pick of what to do while holidaying in The Kingdom.
There is no better way to see the ever-changing landscape of County Kerry than by driving over its ridges. The Ring of Kerry and Skellig Drive takes in Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Valentia Island, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Kenmare and returning to Killarney
Hook Lighthouse is on the Hook Peninsula and is the oldest operational lighthouse
for a well-earned rest. Over a distance of 252km, you’ll have a chance to stop at the Kerry Bog Village, check out where Star Wars was filmed, check out Ballinskelligs Gaeltacht village and go for a swim at Derrynane Beach.
Sprawling over 10,236 hectares, Killarney’s National Park is an incredible expanse of mountainous terrain. Taking in the famous McGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest peaks, and an incredible array of lakes, woods and waterfalls, it would be easy to spend your entire
holiday exploring this gorgeous space. A host of native oak and yew trees grow in the park, which is also home to herds of red deer, and this, along with the unique flora and fauna which grow in the area, led to the park being named a Biosphere Reserve in 1981.
Inspired by County Cork’s surrounding areas? For further inspiration visit kingfishervisitorguides.com for comprehensive guides to over 70 leading cities and regions in the UK and Ireland. ■
Hook Lighthouse, Wexford
PHOTO-FINISH
Charles Fort was built in 1682 and stands on Summer Cove, Kinsale Harbour
