Cork is situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. The Republic of Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic. it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions, and is a charming and popular city to add to the itinerary.
There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theatre and film all playing a major role in city life. World-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, and in 2005 it was named the European Capital of Culture.
Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top-class restaurants in the country. Nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.
County Cork is located in the southwest, and it is the largest county in Ireland. It's noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges. Cork harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world.
Getting Around
Local and regional bus transport is provided by Bus Eireann, with routes covering the city and linking Cork to surrounding suburbs. The main regional bus terminal is at Parnell Place in the city centre, with buses departing to various destinations in Ireland throughout the day. Tickets can be bought online, at booking offices or from the bus driver. It's a good idea to consider getting a Leap card, which entitles travellers to a discount, and means they don't need to carry cash.
Kent Station acts as the city's primary railway hub, with local and regional lines provided by Irish Rail. Three local lines connect Cork with Mallow to the north, Cobh to the southeast and Middleton to the east. Long-distance rail connects Cork to other major Irish cities. Tickets can be purchased online or at station booking offices.
Private taxi services operate throughout the city and cabs can either be booked in advance or hailed at taxi ranks throughout the city. There are several cycle routes within the city and bicycles can be hired from several outlets.
Sightseeings
When deciding what to see in Cork, it is a good idea to keep itineraries flexible to compensate for the unpredictable Irish weather. However, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions. Popular things to see in Cork include the 19th-century Cork City Gaol, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, the Church Tower of Shandon, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role.The Old English Market is a foodies dream, with top-quality fresh produce of all kinds. There's also Patrick Street, a road full to bursting with restaurants and shops and with many quaint pedestrianised side streets.
Cork is a wonderful base for exploration in the south of Ireland. Blarney Castle, one of Ireland's most famous attractions, is just outside of the city and dates back to 1446. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale, a picturesque and interesting coastal village known for its culinary delights, and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.
Cork is known to have less traffic than Dublin and it is relatively easy to navigate. For this reason, and because visitors usually intend to explore the many wonders beyond the city, visitors often choose to hire a car. However, Cork has a decent public transport system and visitors won't struggle to get from attraction to attraction within the city.
Climate
Cork has a mild climate with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures are never too extreme and Cork often experiences a lot of fog, which is most common during mornings and during the winter months (November to February). Winter temperatures in Cork rarely drop below 32°F (0°C) and snow is rare in the city. There may be light snowfall occasionally during winter, but it is seldom thick enough to cover the ground. April is the driest month, and December is the wettest, but any visit to Cork may well involve rain.
Cork also experiences a lot of sunshine by Irish standards, and the summer months, between May and August, are the best time of year to visit Cork, just like they are the best time of year to visit any other Irish destination. Average summer temperatures in Cork range between 50°F (10°C) and 68°F (20°C). The peak tourist season is a bit more expensive than the off-season in Cork, so budget travellers may want to visit during autumn or winter. Visitors unfamiliar with the Irish climate should be warned that weather in Cork is extremely changeable and at any time of year they may experience four seasons in one day.
