Well I don't really know where to start when it comes to this brilliant place! I've only been to Cork city centre a few times as when we go every year we stay in Youghal, a small seaside resort on the east coast of Cork county.
Cork is the second biggest city in Southern Ireland, only behind the country's capital Dublin. There are 127, 253 people in Cork city and 283,116 in the county.
The shopping is great, there is some really great scenery and the nightlife is brilliant! What more could you want? I think this is the city for everyone!
I'll start with the shopping, there are some well known shops like Boots, Tesco, Argos, Laura Ashley and Marks and Spencers. There's also about 10 shopping centres or malls around the city. There in an English market in Cork which sells local and exotic food. This is a good place to visit if you're around the city. Mahon point is a mall in Cork city, it has plenty of good shops, cafes, a cinema and bars. Aswell as food shops, there are jewellers, chemists, charity shops, the usual naff souvenir shops, beauty salons, sports shops, entertainment and music shops e.g hmv and virgin megastores. There are also a couple of tattoo parlours. Not that you would go to Ireland for a tattoo but we just popped into tattoo zoo and I came out with a bellybutton piercing, a friend a nose piercing and another friend a tattoo. All were really good so if you fancy it do go in!
Anyway I don't like shopping too much but it has got hundreds of great places.
There are plenty of pubs clubs and bars to visit, this would be a fantastic place to visit for an easy weekend boozing session! Quite expensive though, probably the only downfall of Ireland altogether.
The City Hall is an absolutely beautiful building to see, it sits right on the side of the river and the reflections of the building on the water is spectacular! There are lots and lots of churches all over the county of COrk which are great to see, be sure to take some time out to have a wander round a few of them. There is also an old jail history museum, a few art galleries, a wildlife park , Firkin Cran centre where ballet is on and plenty more.
St Fin Barre's cathedral is a lovely building too, the one I like the most anyway! It is a french gothic building which cost over £100, 000 to build. It was built in 1735 to replace a cathedral which was demolished at the same site. I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that there is a door in the church that is from the 1220's.
I have only ever been to Cork city itself on day trips, so cannot comment on any accomodation, but there are some recommendations on www.cork-guide.ie of places to stay. Before I end I shall have to tell all about the wonderful town of Youghal. I have been here 5 times now and would never dream of going to Ireland without going here. There isn't much to do once you've been there a couple of days but you meet so many people and make so many friends, we just have to go back and see them!
Firstly there is the water, it is beautiful. There is Harvey's dock - we stayed at the apartments here twice - they are very good, although in high season quite pricey. You see all the little fishing boats tied up here and people just sit out watching the water for hours. Then by the Quays pub there is another bit of water where you see all the kids jumping off the jetty into the sea in summer, and men fishing and selling crabs. Then there is the strand beach. This is a very clean and pretty beach great for swimming in and sunbathing in summer (yes they do get sun in Ireland sonetimes!)
At one end of town there is Perks amusement centre which kids love, you can bowl, play arcade games or just sit and eat junk food. There is Clancy's bar which serves very nice food and drinks. The staff here are all very friendly and like most of the pubs in Youghal are very welcoming to children. You can sit outside in the beer garden too which is nice. There used to be the Station nightclub here but I'm not sure whether or not it is still up and running as last time I was there there was talk of closing. The lighthouse on your way back into town is very pretty too. There is a picture of it above. There is a grey hound racing track in Youghal which is always a good night out on a Friday, a golf course, and tennis courts.
The second best thing about Youghal is the pubs, which is where you meet the best thing - the people. There are about 30 pubs around the town I think. My favourites are The Point - a very small cosy and welcoming pub. The Nook - this is a pub and off license, quite old fashioned with nice wooden beams and flooring. THe Quays - this is a nice pub aswell, a bit bigger than the other and right near the waterfront which is nice - nice food, staff and locals! The Coach house is a must visit pub - actually I'll give up visit all the pubs! They're all great! The clock gate is another famous part of youghal, there are steps next to it leading to different parts of town and a pub right next to it which is great but I can't remember the name of it!
Green Park is one of the best places, there are plenty of places to stay nearby, The Devonshire Arms is a good hotel to stay in. This is just a memorial park, near the water - you can walk all the way around the outside and side overlooking the sea, or sit on the grass all day and kick a ball around or have a picnic.
My favourite place of all time I have been to in Youghal is quite far out from the main centre - a friend showed me The Springs one day and I was amazed - such a simple thing , grass, water, cliff thingy and drinking water and a little cave kinda thing but I will never forget it. A must see!
There is a take away called Roma Grill which most things from are pretty crappy - but do the nicest pizzas ever! Doyles is the place to go for fish and chips - best curry sauce ever too! There is a lovely chinese restaurant - over the road it has a take away too! A good seafood restaurant ( I hear it is but I didn't go because I'm not much of a seafood fan). Apart from that I've only ever eaten food from the supermarket and pub meals - not had a bad one though!
There are a few newsagent shops, a spar, a couple of little clothes shops, an electrical goods shop, a photo shop, a couple of shoe shops. That's about it - it's a small quiet town really but it wouldn't be the same any other way!
I have been to Youghal over Christmas, in the middle of summer and in March, all were great but summer is definitely best so you can make the most of the parks, sea and sand!
I would say for a first visit about 2 weeks would be best for COrk city - and hire a car - there are so many other beautiful city's around Cork that you'll have to explore and choose your own favourite! The Irish are safe drivers too.
Again, like Cork City Youghal is an expensive place -this of course depends on how much alcohol you like to consume and the sort of places you'd like to eat - but worth every penny and minute you spend there! Fantastic place - might see yas there!
I'll finish with some silly things that may come in useful.
*Ireland are now using the Euro currency, this changed from the Irish pound only a couple of years ago.
*The plug sockets are the three pin ones like in England (may seem obvious but silly me took loads of them adapter things the first time I went!
*The film Moby Dick was set at the Moby Dick pub in Youghal.
*Sir Walter Raleigh was the first mayor in the town, there is The Walter Raleigh hotel in Youghal today.
* Cork airport is a nice hassle free airport, a little way from the centre of Cork- but has no Macdonalds!
The pictures were taken from various websites but I shall add a few of my own when my bloody scanner starts functioning properly!!!!! x
very helpful
very helpful
helpful
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
