The city was designated European Capital of Culture for 2005. Visitors to Cork City can avail of numerous activities including golf, dining and language learning. The Cork City Museum is directly beside the Hostel so make sure you pop in and have a look at what is on show! Also worth checking out is UCC – University College of Cork – beside the hostel and a beautiful campus in the middle of city!
ATTRACTIONS – cultural and historic
There’s plenty to see in Cork and its surrounding area – here are just a few suggestions:
Cork English Market
Follow in the footsteps of the Queen (Queen Elizabeth popped in to the market during her state visit in 2011) and haggle for some of the large range of fresh and organic produce! It is one of the oldest of its kind. Trading as a market since 1788, it pre-dates most of the other markets like it, surviving the Famine, revolutions, wars, fire and economic decline!
Cork City Gaol
On the north side of the city, separated by the river Lee and over the famous “shaky bridge” (!), is Cork City Gaol (Jail). You can take a tour through the gaol and the radio museum which is housed there. Audio tours are available in 8 languages.
Shandon Street (St. Anne’s Church)
A Cork institution, St. Anne’s Church on Shandon Street is but a short walk from the main shopping district. Climb the 120 ft steeple and ring the bells of Shandon and admire the panoramic views of the city. Not advisable for those with a fear of heights!
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Combine castle and dungeon and then turn your eyes towards the stars, Meteors & Meteorites in the Planetarium. This is a very popular attraction in Cork City with the Cosmos at the Castle exhibition teaching you all about the universe and the Comet Chaser interactive theatre where you have to save the earth!
Lifetime Lab
Based at the old Cork Waterworks, Lifetime Lab looks at waterworks through the years with modern interactive exhibition, steam plant, beautifully restored buildings, children's playground and marvellous views over the River Lee. A popular attraction and only a five minute walk from Cork International Hostel.
Jameson Distillery Midleton
The Jameson Old Midleton Distillery in East Cork is a worthwhile visit. You get to tour the distillery and learn how the world famous Irish Whiskey is made. And, of course, the tour wouldn’t be complete without a whiskey tasting for those keen to sample an uisce beo (the water of life)!
Cobh Heritage Centre
The pretty harbour town of Cobh is a popular tourist destination and is only a short journey from Cork city if you use the regular bus and train service. Cobh was the last port of call of the ill-fated Titanic and also for many emigrants from Ireland. Cobh Heritage Centre pays homage to the 2.5 million Irish who emigrated throughout the history of Ireland.
The town also hosts various restaurants for refueling before you visit the Cathedral high on the hill overlooking the town.
Fota Wildlife Park
In Fota Wildlife Park animals roam free, mingling among themselves and you too! More like a safari, you may see playful monkey swinging above, giraffes reaching for a snack in the tall branches or a kangeroo bouncing by! You can also visit the playground for some fun and dine outdoors where the peacocks will put on a colourful show right beside your table.
Blarney Castle
Blarney village is a must-see for visitors to Cork who are keen to view Blarney Castle and its stunning garden but especially to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone! Kissing the Blarney Stone gives you the “gift of the gab” (making you a charming speaker!) and so many have kissed it now, it’s a wonder it hasn’t been completely worn down!
With plenty of Irish gifts and souvenirs, a visit at the Blarney Woolen Mills will solve that problem of bringing a gift back home for your loved one! Finally the village green is surrounded by many pubs and restaurants where you can sample some Irish cuisine and a drink or two!
Use your Hostelling International Membership card to receive discounts in the following attractions in the area:
1. Jameson Experience Midleton
4. Perks Family Entertainment Centre
5. Charles Fort
ACTIVITIES
Nightlife and Eating out:
Scoozi: For homemade pizza, burgers, pastas, chickens, steaks and salads. Full breakfast served from 9am to 12 noon, or tea, coffee, cappuccino, scones. Open 9am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday; 12 noon to 10pm Sundays.
Address: Wintrop Lane, Wintrop Street, Tel: 00353 (0)21 4275077
An Bróg: Traditional Irish Pub. Upstairs at An Bróg every Sunday Guinness present: Irish Traditional Sessions with Jeremy & friends.
Address: 72-73 Oliver Plunket Street, Cork Tel: 00353 (0) 21-4270074 E-mail: niall@budweiser.com
Cork International Hostel is situated close to some of the best pubs in the City! But don't worry, not close enough to disturb your sleep! The main pubs that you might want to try out are:
• Rearden's of Washington St which is a great sports bar!
• The Washington Inn on Washington Street is a very popular spot so you might want to get there early!
• For night owls and dancing divas Havana Brown's nightclub is a hotspot in the City!
