THE historic city of Cork is the second city in the Republic, but
is usually referred to good-naturedly by locals as "the real capital!"
The city contains a university, two cathedrals - one Anglican and
one Catholic - a municipal art gallery and municipal museum, along
with an Opera House.
Cork is now an attractive modern European city, and boasts many
architectural, historical and cultural treasures. The city's downtown
area is a very compact one, so most attractions are easily accessible
to the visitor.
Shandon Bells
THE celebrated Bells of Shandon are housed in St. Anne's Church
in the Shandon area of the city. The church itself was built in
1722 with the bell tower added in 1750. The tower has a clock on
each face, and the unreliability of the timepieces has earned the
tower the local nickname of "The Four-faced Liar."
St. Fin Barre's
ON the other side of the city lies the city's Anglican cathedral,
St. Fin Barre's, named for the city's patron saint. The cathedral
was completed in 1876 and draws heavily on early French Gothic architecture.
It boasts significant carved stonework and woodwork, both inside
and outside. It's regarded by many as the finest building in the
city.
Markets
THERE are two lively and colorful markets in the center of Cork.
The Coal Quay on Cornmarket Street is an outdoor market with dozens
of traders selling everything from footwear to hardware, and from
bric-a-brac to fruit and vegetables. Nearby, the indoor English
Market is undoubtedly the best source of fresh foods in Cork. The
market contains over 50 stalls, selling everything from fresh fish
to locally produced cheeses and vegetables to imported olives, pastas
and even Champagnes!
Blarney Stone
THE world-famous Blarney Castle lies just four miles to the northeast
of the city. The castle is home to the Blarney Stone, which is said
to imbue the "gift of the gab" on anybody who kisses it. The castle
itself is thought to date back to 1446, and was probably built by
Cormac Láidir (the Strong) MacCarthy, but additions were made to
it over the centuries. The view of the surrounding pastoral countryside
from the battlements is breathtaking. A tip - during the peak season,
you could be in-line for an hour or more, so get there early in
the day. And make the best of your visit to Blarney Castle by paying
a visit to the nearby Blarney Woolen Mills.
Entertainment & The Arts
THE arts are well served in Cork. The Crawford Municipal Art Gallery
has recently been extended and is now one of the finest galleries
in the country. Housed in a building that was built in 1724 as a
custom house, the gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings
and sculpture from the top Irish and European artists.
The
nearby Opera House was built in 1965 to replace its predecessor
that had burnt down 10 years previously. Long criticized as being
without architectural merit, the Opera House completed a facelift
in October 2000 which has improved the appearance of the building
in the eyes of most Corkonians. The Opera House presents a program
of drama and music and has wide appeal.
The Cork Public Museum in Fitzgerald's Park contains many items
of interest, including the correspondence of assassinated Irish
leader Michael Collins and his long-time love, Kitty Kiernan.
Other arts facilities in the city include the Triskel Arts Center,
the Everyman Theater, Corcadorca Theater Company, Meridian Theater
Company, The Fenton Gallery and the Firkin Crane Dance Center.
Eating & Drinking
YOU'LL never be short of places to eat or drink in Cork. The city
has a myriad of drinking holes and eateries.
Whatever your poison, you could do worse than sample a pint in
The Long Valley on Winthrop Street, where they serve door-stop size
sandwiches at lunchtime. The Lobby Bar on Angelsea Street is probably
Cork's best known traditional music pub, while for sheer fun and
conversation, you'll find it hard to beat the Spailpín Fanach, (pronounced
Spolpeen Fawnock), on South Main Street Or for a more continental
atmosphere, try the trendy(ish) Bodega Bar on Cornmarket Street.
Oh and by the way, Corkonians love to boast that while Dublin
can produce but one quality stout, Guinness, Cork is home to two,
Murphy's and Beamish. (Dubliners love to boast that Guinness is,
nonetheless, the most popular stout in Cork!)
When it comes to eating out, Cork caters for a whole range of
palates. The Farm Gate Restaurant, serving good quality home-style
food, is located within the English Market where they say they buy
fresh ingredients each morning.
For a laid-back bistro atmosphere, check out the Supper Rooms
in the rejuvenated North Main Street, offering a stylish menu at
very affordable prices.
For those looking for a non-meat alternative, or for anybody
looking for huge portions of great food, the truly excellent Café
Paradiso on Western Road will fit the bill. Paradiso has a certain
Italian feel about it, and the deserts are without peer!
City of Festivals
CORK is often referred to as Ireland's City of Festivals, and with
good reason. The city plays host to some of the country's top events
such as the Cork Jazz Festival. Running for four days each fall,
the jazz festival attracts an estimated 40,000 visitors annually
from all over Ireland, Europe and the U.S. Many come for the top
quality jazz lineup, but most come for the buzz and exuberance.
The city is also home to the Cork International Film Festival,
one of Europe's premier events. Taking place for a full week each
October, the film festival runs a program that showcases the talent
of Ireland's emerging movie making talent. You'll like the films,
but you'll love rubbing shoulders with the celebs at the post-show
parties!
The
nearby Opera House was built in 1965 to replace its predecessor
that had burnt down 10 years previously. Long criticized as being
without architectural merit, the Opera House completed a facelift
in October 2000 which has improved the appearance of the building
in the eyes of most Corkonians. The Opera House presents a program
of drama and music and has wide appeal.