What is Cork like? Any ideas on what to do and see there?

Question

I'm going to Cork on Sunday, and will be staying there for five weeks. I'll be working there, but will have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off, so there'll be time to travel around the country. Any ideas on what to do and see while I'm there? Anything I must try, and do while I'm there? What is an absolute must-see?

How easy / difficult is it to get around the country, with and without car?

Answer 1

http://www.corkcorp.ie/aboutcork/

http://www.cork-guide.ie/corkcity.htm

http://www.cork-guide.ie/guestbook/sign....

http://www.corkcorp.ie/tourism/transport...

Answer 2

Cork is beatiful, in January I have been four days to visit my friend. It is worth to see. Go and see Blarney Castle is tipicaly irish. And apsolutly try irish beer.

Answer 3

Do let me know how you like it there, my fiancee and I may be going to Cork for our honeymoon in September.

Answer 4

Oh I'm so jealous! I lived in Cork for 2 years (I'm American) and it was the best time of my life! I feel like Cork represents more of the "real" Ireland...Dublin is much more inundated with foreigners, although more are coming into Cork as well.

One of my favorite spots on the weekends there was City Limits Comedy Club off of McCurtain Street. They always have great Irish comedians there and you can really get a sense of Irish culture by seeing them. They have no problem "taking the p**s" out of themselves. Good fun!

The English Market off Grand Parade is also worth seeing. All kinds of different foods there and you can often get meat and produce for reasonable prices.

You can also take a bus to Blarney, which only takes 15-20 minutes. Blarney Castle is a huge tourist draw and it's definitely worth a look. The grounds are so pretty! It's kind of bizarre being there though because it seems like every time I was there there were more Americans than Irish!

Since you have time on the weekends, take the train or bus out to Killarney. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL and there's so much to do in Killarney National Park. You could also go to Galway and the Aran Islands...a bit farther away but still worth a look. Then there is Youghal, a seaside town in Eastern County Cork. Beautiful there too. If you stay in the Walter Raleigh Hotel you can get a room that looks right out onto the ocean.  

And back to Cork, some of my other favorite night spots...

Cubins Night Club

Clancy's

Canty's (smaller pub but definitely has its charm)

The Wilton Pub (a bit out from the city centre but lovely)

Bishopstown Bar (if you go to the Wilton, you may as well check this place out!)

South's Bar in The Imperial Hotel

Reidy's Wine Vault (often slow service but it's a charming place and not usually too crowded).;

Honestly, I could go on and on. Cork is one of my favorite places in the world!