Cork City Hotels
Historic, cultural Cork is one of Ireland’s top short break destinations, and it’s easy to see why must-do activities include kissing the Blarney Stone at gorgeous Blarney Castle, taking a tour of the Old Cork City Gaol, ringing the Shandon Bells at St Anne’s, and sampling the scrumptious local fare at the English Market. Come evening, visit the city’s fantastic pubs for live music and good craic, and settle into a cosy corner for a pint of the black stuff.
Getting to Cork couldn’t be easier with a variety of transport links. Cork Airport is just a short journey from the city. Flights from the UK take around an hour and depart from most major airports including Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh. Cork is also well connected to Dublin via the M8 and M7 motorways with a driving time of less than three hours. There are passenger ferry links into Dublin from Liverpool and Holyhead and also ferries into Rosslare from South Wales.
Cobh formerly known as Queenstown, was an important transatlantic port and is famous as the final calling point for the Titanic before it set out on its ill-fated journey to New York. The Cobh Heritage Centre tells the story of Irish emigration to the new world as well as liners such as the Titanic and Lusitania. The Titanic Experience visitor centre is even located next to the original pier where passengers boarded the doomed liner.
Blarney Castle lies just outside Cork and is world famous for the Blarney Stone. Visitors hang upside down over the edge of the castle battlements to kiss the stone which is said to give the gift of the gab! The castle dates back to the 13th century and also played an important role in William III’s war in Ireland. The English Market is at the heart of Cork’s shopping district and fresh produce from all over the world can be found here as well as local produce. The market also supplies local restaurants. While in Cork, if you’re feeling brave, try the local specialty of Drisheen, a fatty blood pudding usually served with tripe!
There’s lots more to see and do during your break in Cork, check out our travel guide for more inspiration.
