Cork has a Cafe For Every Day
A QUIET CITY WITH SHORT, COLORFUL BUILDINGS
Cork is not an exciting tourist city bustling with once in a lifetime sights. I think it’s important to not go in with that expectation because you’ll be disappointed. Nonetheless, it has a quiet, relaxing charm that you can sink into for a chill few days.
Cork is the second largest city in the country of Ireland and the third largest on the island overall. That said, it’s a small city - about 220,000. What I’ll remember most is that every other shop seemed to be a local cafe and that the city was full of two-story colorful homes. While there’s not much particularly memorable about the city, I will remember the calm that stretched over me as I wandered through the streets. It’s a place that seems to offer a good lifestyle for the locals - quiet, cute, small houses within walking distance to a busy downtown. As a tourist, I wasn’t unwelcome - but I also certainly wasn’t catered to.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN
Downtown Cork, the section that nestles between two channels of the River Lee, is easily the city’s most exciting area. It’s South Ireland’s prime shopping district, centered by St. Patrick’s Street and splitting off into many smaller, charming lanes. I found it easy to spend hours wandering around because each street had its own flair and many of the local businesses were quite niche. I recommend stopping by the English Market to grab a bite to eat and to head to the north and south river channels for the views.
HEAD TO BLARNEY CASTLE
Blarney Castle is the area’s most famous attraction; you might know of the Blarney Stone, the rock you kiss to gain the gift of eloquence. It’s a medieval castle about 8 miles out of the city center. A $20 ticket will gain you access to both the grounds / gardens and the castle itself.
Admittedly, for both budget and energy reasons, I chose to skip the castle. I had just been to Edinburgh Castle so I didn’t feel particularly compelled to see another while there. I have heard and read good things about it, though.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
I don’t recommend treating Cork City itself as a tourist hotspot because the regular go-tos within the city bounds are not remarkable relative to more traversed tourist destinations. If you want to see something breathtaking, you’ll probably have to head out of the city.
Explore Cork City Gaol: This walled prison has a bit of a castle feel and is probably the most recommended tourist attraction within the city. It costs about $10 to enter, and I chose to just walk around the perimeter.
Ring the Bells at Shandon Tower: Probably the second most recommended tourist attraction in the city is to climb the Shandon Tower and ring the bells. I went to the church and found it underwhelming, so I chose not to pay the $5 to do this.
Relax at Fitzgerald Park: Cork City’s largest park is pretty and charming, including a small duck-filled pond and a rose garden. It’s not particularly remarkable, but it’s a nice spot to picnic and spend a few hours.
Take a Day Trip: If you have the time in Cork, you can head to Cobh for the candy-hued buildings around its harbor, Spike Island to see its enormous fort, Killarney National Park for some nature, Mizen Head for cliff and sea views, Inchydoney Beach for a beach day, or the Jameson Distillery for a tour and some whiskey.
Again, I would temper your expectations for Cork as a go-go-go American-style vacation tourist destination. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy what’s in front of you - but I think it’ll disappoint as a place to pack full of tourist looking points.