10 Things To Do In Cork

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If you have already been in Dublin and fallen in love with Ireland, then you should definitely visit Cork too, the second biggest city in the country.

With its lively atmosphere, small and cozy environment, Cork will make you feel like home and give you the flavor of authentic Ireland.

Here, the 10 top things you can do while visiting Cork!

1. Pubs, pubs, pubs

You can’t say you have seen Cork, if you haven’t been to a few pubs. Drink local beers such as Chieftain, Red Rebel or Murphy (the Corkonian version of Guinness)and listen to some traditional Irish music. Pubs are also the perfect places to meet locals: Irish people are notoriously very chatty and fun, especially in Cork!

Irish pub

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Pubs that you must check out: Oliver Plunkett, Crane Lane, Franciscan Well Brewery, Friary, Reardens, Fionbarra Bar, Gallaghers, Tom Barry’s, Led Zeppelin, Sin E’, Sober Lane.

Most of the night life, at the weekends, takes place along Oliver Plunkett street, which gets filled with hundreds of people, ready to party wild!

2. Stroll around green parks

Cork is a small green city, filled with a lot of natural sites. From the city center you might walk along the Mardyke Walk, just next to the river Lee and end up in Fritzerald Park. From there you can keep walking until you find a beautiful victorian bridge, called Daly’s Bridge.

Mardyke walk

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3. Climb Patrick’s hill

Looking for a nice view of Cork from the top? Then do some work out and get to Patrick’s hill, a street built on a steep hill which reminds a bit of San Francisco. Ready to climb?

4. Try the traditional chowder

If you ate enough fish and chips at Jackie Lennox Chipper, the most popular place in Cork which serves huge portions, then it is time to try something new.

Another traditional dish in Ireland is Chowder, a delicious and creamy fish soup. It is normally made with milk, seafood, vegetables, thickened with flour and served with soda bread and butter. A dainty meal, ideal during a rainy Irish day!

Chowder, picture from https://halifaxbloggers.ca

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5. Food shopping at the English Market

One of the milestone in Cork, local and touristy attraction, is the English Market, opened from mid-19th century.

This historical market offers all sort of products, local and imported, from fresh vegetables, meat and fish to wines, cheeses and spices. If you're keen to cook, the English Market is the right place to buy your groceries.

You can also find refined restaurants, food stalls and coffee shops. Don’t forget that the market is closed on Sunday!

6. Visit the University College Cork (UCC)

The University College Cork is very prestigious in Ireland: it was found in 1845 by Queen Victoria. Today you can still stroll around the beautiful old buildings and gardens and take part of the various events run by the students. It can be considered a small version of the famous Trinity Collage in Dublin.

7. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Another spot you can’t miss in Cork is the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a catholic church, built in 1832.

Marina Park

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8. Visit Crawford Art Gallery

If you want to feed yourself with art, you should stop by the Crawford Art Gallery, a small museum in the heart of Cork. Every month they run different events and exhibitions from local and international artists.

9. Walk around Shannon Neighborhood

As mentioned before, Cork is pretty small and you get around easily, on foot. So from the main center you can go and have a look at the historical neighborhood of Shandon.

Buildings on Shandon Street were constructed during the 18th century, so it feels like to be in a completely different area of the city.

Don’t forget to drop by St. Ann’s Church and ring the famous Shandon bells, from the top of the bell tower. They will bring you luck!

Patrick's Hill

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10. Try to spot the seal

Believe it or not, you might spot a seal swimming happily and undisturbed in the river Lee. In that case, just be careful!

There is a legend which says that if you spot the seal of Cork, you won’t ever leave the city!

So it is your choice, if looking at it or not.