Hello everyone! I hope you’re all having a great week so far. I’ve spent the last couple of days writing up this post for this of you who might be planning a sneaky weekend away in Ireland. Last weekend I was in Cork with my other half and we had the nicest time sightseeing, soaking up the culture and of course eating steak and drinking wine.
In this post I cover a number of areas such as how to get to Cork, where I stayed and things to do and see. We didn’t get to do and see everything this time but I’ve included everything we did do below. Have a read and let me know if you have any questions.
ACCOMMODATION
We stayed in the Kingsley Hotel which is located in the heart of Cork City. Overlooking the River Lee, this luxe hotel is across the road from Cork County Hall and it is a 15 minute walk from University College Cork. Our room was both spacious and cosy and I LOVED the decor. The staff were so helpful and there was a lovely atmosphere about the place.
If you want to pamper yourself then make sure you check out there spa. They also have complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking. Finally, their breakfast was delish! I went for the omelet. One word…yum!
EAT | DRINK
We came across so many foodie spots over the weekend and we really were spoilt for choice. Top of my list would have to be Market Lane for three reasons – the steak, the wine and the service. The staff were such a friendly bunch. This place is definitely a must for lunch or dinner. Click here for their menu.
10 Best Restaurants in Cork – click here.
10 Best Bars an Pubs in Cork – click here.
COFFEE
I am forever on the hunt for nice coffee spots in any city I visit. Brown Thomas in Cork has the nicest restaurant on the top floor – beautiful decor and delicious coffee. We also split a chocolate chip cookie – it would have been rude not to! #Yum
– THINGS TO DO AND SEE –
COBH
Cobh is a tourist seaport town on the south coast of County Cork. It is on the south side of Great Island in Cork Harbour and is home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise terminal. It is only about a 35-40 minute drive from Cork city – definitely worth a visit!
Things to do and see in Cork – click here.
TITANIC EXPERIENCE COBH
Cobh is home to the original White Star Line Ticket Office. A building dating back to the early 19th century and the departure point for thousands of White Star Line passengers. When you arrive, check-in at reception, you are then given your Ticket to board the Titianic and you’re given a tour by a member of staff.I learnt a lot in a short space of time and found it very interesting so if you’re a histiry nut or just curious this is definitely a must. It is only about a 35 minute drive from Cork city.
Adult tickets are €9.50 – click here for more.
BALLYMALOE HOUSE
The Allen’s opened Ballymaloe House, their home, to the public as a restaurant in 1964 and later as a guesthouse. It is located in East Cork and is still managed by the Allen family and continues to be celebrated internationally as the home of Irish Country cuisine.
We stopped off at Ballymaloe House on the way back to Dublin. The house really is beautiful and I treated myself to a few jars of my favourite relish. I am only obsessed!
SHOPPING
Cork is a compact walking city with narrow criss-crossing streets built on a number of islands. If you’re planning on shopping then you will be spoilt for choice. All the usual international fashion brands can be found sitting side by side with local designers too. See below for just a few of the shopping centres and shopping areas I came across.
Shopping Centres – Merchants Quay, Mahon Point, North Main Street
Shopping Streets – St Patrick’s street, Oliver Plunkett Street
(Image credit: www.cork-guide.ie)
GALLERIES | MUSEUMS
Are you a fan of history, art, or culture? If so, Cork has a museum for you. Whether it is the Cork Public Museum, Cork Butter Museum, Cork City Gaol, Crawford Art Gallery, Lifetime Lab, or Military Museum, there is something for everyone.
We visited the Crawford Art Gallery before we headed back to Dublin. It is a National Cultural Institution and regional art museum for Munster and it is dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary. Free admission – click here for more.
The 10 best museums in Cork – click here.
More things to do and see in Cork – click here.
TRANSPORT
Cork is simple to get to just like pretty much every other county in Ireland. Here are your options:
Drive – Journey Time – (approx.) 3 hours
Bus – Bus Éireann | Journey Time – 3H45M
Train – Irish Rail | Journey Time – 2H30M
Note: you can also catch a flight! I’ve flown to Cork from Dublin and it only took about 45 minutes.
There you have it – my latest travel diary. Cork – I will be back again soon. Hopefully this has given you some city break inspiration. My next travel diary will be about my trip to Singapore. If there is anything in particular you’d like me to blog about next let me know. You can catch me on Snapchat (duffyloikes), Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
Thanks for reading!
Until next time…