On a scale of size, Cork City falls into line in third place behind Dublin and Belfast while on the other hand Cork County is the largest county in the country by a mile. The Rebel County or to give it official title, “The Peoples Republic of Cork”.

The people are bubbly, friendly, musical and generally very good natured and always make visitors very welcome to their part of the world.

While life in Cork in the 21st Century has all the vibrancy, industry and buzz of a modern European City, just beneath the surface you will find all the signs of its ancient culture and traditions alive and well. Traditional Irish music with its distinctive instruments- bodhran, uilleann pipes, harp, flute, fiddle and accordion rings out of the city pubs today much as it did from the great halls of ancient times.

Music, theatre, stories, song and dance have always a central part in the everyday life of Cork. And it is with much pride that Corkonians regard their region as the cultural capital of Ireland. Indeed, in 2005, Cork was nominated European capital of culture, and that culture festival is still going on.

Per head of the population, Cork has more theatres, concert halls, galleries and art centres than any other Irish city. The Cork region has over 2000 protected structures and the City is known as the City of the Steps and Steeples a reference to all the churches and monasteries spread right across the city centre and the hilly north side.

For those on a culture trip you could not come to a more exciting city with its marvellous architecture and imposing churches. The two most famous are St. Finbarre's Cathedral and Shandon Church with its 4 face clock, known locally as the four faced liar.

In the bustling city centre a visit to the old English Market is an absolute joy as you observe the locals buying from the maze of indoor stalls in the ancient and beautifully renovated market. While browsing you will also have the opportunity to purchase from some of the quaint outlets and relax over lunch or a coffee as you soak up the atmosphere.

The city centre is alive with options from designer outlets, to opulent stores, bargain shops and big brand outlets. Also in the centre which is within easy reach of everything, is the main bus station connecting the city to all the urban, rural and national centres. The railway station is only 10 minutes walk from the centre of the city. There are other sights to see and things to do as this area is packed with shops, art galleries, marvellous restaurants with all kinds of traditional, contemporary, classical, seafood and mediterranean menus. The choice of top class hotels with swimming pools, spa treatments and leisure facilities is superb while those sparing the cash for the night life will find plenty of economic alternatives.

Cork has a great range of traditional and modern pubs, many of them providing music and food.
Henparty girls will be spoilt for choice when it comes to nightclubs.

For options while visiting Cork, please refer to our directory of services.

Old English Market
Blackrock Castle Observatory
City Centre Boutiques and Designer Outlets
Ring the Bells at Shandon
Visit the Butter Museum
Crawford Art Gallery
St Finbarre's Cathedral
Cork City Gaol
Life time Lab
City Museum located in Fitzgerald's Park
UCC and Gluckmans Gallery
Theatres
Opera House
Cork Art Galleries
Blarney Castle & Gardens

Bowling
Snooker and Pool
Greyhound Racing
Cork Gigs www.corkgigs.com
Cork Live Performances www.peoplesrepublicofcork.com
Cork Orchestral Music www.cosmusic@mac.com
City Bus Tours
Fota Wildlife Park
Horse Racing near the city
Angling
Heritage Centres
Kayaking on the River Lee
High Speed Boat Trips on Cork Harbour.
Walking Tours www.discoverireland.ie/southwest/cork
Shopping
Pubs
Restaurants
Nightclubs
Spa Treatment
Leisure Centres
Horse Riding near the city
 

Accommodation
East Village - www.eastvillage.ie
Oriel House Hotel – www.orielhousehotel.ie
Ambassador Hotel - www.ambassadorhotel.ie
Cork International Airport Hotel - www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com
Charleville Park Hotel & Leisure Club – www.charlevilleparkhotel.com
Blarney Golf Resort Cork www.blarneygolfresort.com

Bars/Nightclubs
Club Classic - www.clubclassic.ie

Restaurants
Soho Bar and Restaurant - www.soho.ie
Luigi Malones Cork – www.luigimalones.com
Moonduster Inn -  www.moondusterinn.com


Activities
Irish Greyhound Board Cork – www.igb.ie
Bridgefield Buggies Ltd – www.quadbikesafari.ie
Sam McCauleys Day Spas and Beauty Salons -  http://www.henparty.ie/Business-Directory.aspx?category=Spa/Pamper&location=Cork
Atlantic Charters - www.atlanticcharters.ie