You've decided it's finally time to visit the real capital of Ireland and see what all the fuss is about. And it turns out all that fuss about Cork was warranted.
There's a Cork for everyone. It's traditional, and it's modern. It's the best of 'old-school' Ireland, but it's got plenty of hip elements, too. The city centre is awash with good shopping, great cafes and amazing pubs. It has a thriving art and music scene and has enough cosmopolitan beauty to ensure many the pleasant jaunt.
Where to stay
The Montenotte Hotel is currently the place to stay in Cork according to Instagram. Hayfield Manor, though, is the wish list place to stay. It's the definition of a hidden gem, located directly in the city centre, but still private and secluded at the same time. Cork, it really is a city of two halves.
Surrounding area
Cork is the biggest county in Ireland and there is lots to do outside its capital city. West Cork is often lauded as being one of the most beautiful areas in the entire country; in summer, it's one of the only places that actually acts like its summer. Cobh is one of the best seaside villages in the county, country. World!
Friday
After you check into your lodgings on Friday afternoon, get your bearings with a walk through the city. If you feel like stretching your leg muscles after a long week of desk sitting, walk all the walk up St Patrick's Hill, Ireland's steepest road. Then run down it and head for a casual dinner and some cocktails in Bar Pigalle.
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Saturday
Cork prides itself on being the 'food capital of Ireland'; go to the English Market and the reputation will be proven. Spend the morning browsing and sampling its wares. When you're full of artisnal sausage and other nice things, head over to the Franciscan Wells brewery for some craft beer in its always lively beer garden.
For the cultural part of the trip, take a tour of the gorgeous campus of UCC. While you're there, drop into the Glucksman Gallery, for some world-standard art. (The Crawford Art Gallery is another fine source for art.) If you can squeeze it in, or as an alternative, Blackrock Castle in CIT is another Cork cultural joy; you can go from exploring a dungeon on to looking at and learning about the sky!
When your cultural traipsing is over, it will be high time for a pint of the black stuff - Murphy's, of course - in the Hi-B bar. This landmark watering hole is unique in that there's a strict no phones policy, so make sure you have plenty of witty bon mots up your sleeve, the people of Cork expect them.
Cork's Japanese eatery Ichigo Ichie recently earned itself a well-deserved Michelin star, so if you're looking for somewhere 'good' to eat, this is a very good bet.
Cork has plenty of iconic pubs - I love Arthur Maynes on Pembroke Street - but the night has to end in Cork institution, Crane Lane.
Sunday
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If you're only capable of one tourist attraction on the Sunday before you head back to where you came from, the Church of St. Anne's is only proper on the day of the Lord. Climb the 132 steps of the tower and you can ring the bells famed due to the song 'The Bells of Shandon' by Francis Sylvester Mahony. Drop into the newly remodelled Butler's in Cork on Oliver Plunkett Street for a hot drink before the journey home.
Would you like a Beaut guide to a particular place in Ireland? Let us know in the comments!
