Visiting Cork
Cork City is the second-largest city in Ireland. The city is located in the southwestern area of Ireland. The population in 2016 was 542,868. The city has a rich history. There is a huge amount of stuff to do and see in Cork and the surrounding areas. We have compiled a list of great attractions to visit and enjoy. Cork is also known as the rebel county. There are many things to do in cork, the English market is an old market with a beautiful selection of Irish foods, meats, bread and pastries. Queen Elizabeth went to visit the English market on her state visit to Ireland in 2011. The area of Kinsale outside the city is a beautiful coastal town. The town has a really cool old fort called Charles Fort that dates back to 1670.
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Things To See In Cork
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is an old medieval Irish castle. The Castle holds the Blarney stone in its walls, and this stone has magic power. When you kiss the Blarney the stone, you give the gift of the gab or a silver tongue. A huge amount of people visit the castle and gardens each year to kiss the stone. Many famous people have kissed the stone that is known as the most hygienic tourist attraction in the world. There is also a great shopping area next to Blarney Castle. After kissing the Blarney Stone you can head for the Blarney woollen mills has a huge range of Irish products, from hand-knitted scarf to Aran sweaters. The Blarney Woollen mills are the place to pick up some nice gifts for friends or family.
The Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery
Cork is home to one of Ireland’s great whiskey, Jameson whiskey. The Jameson distillery is located in Midleton Co Cork. The largest-ever whiskey gallon pot sill measuring 31,618 gallons is on display at the Jameson Experience Midleton. The Jameson brand dates back to 1780, John Jameson purchased and took over the business in 1805. The visitor centre is a great day out for everyone, you can learn about the history of Jameson whiskey in Cork. There is also a tasting if you like whiskey. Great food is also available, you can purchase different types of Jameson whiskeys to take home with you. It great visitor experience and we highly recommend it.
The English Market Cork City
The English market date back to 1788, and the market has seen many problems in Cork over the year. The market has supplied the people with great food, meats, vegetables and great quality food down through the years. It’s a truly cool place to visit and soak up the atmosphere, and smell of fresh food. The market is home to many street traders, fishmongers, and artisan producers. The different selections of Irish food on display in the English market are second to none. There is a huge section of wines also in the market offering many different types. The English market is also a great place for breakfast or lunch.
Kinsale
The town of Kinsale is located 25 kilometres from Cork city, Kinsale is a fishing town and has a rich military history. The town has many great restaurants including the Bastion which has a Michelin star. The town is full of colourful shopfronts and Irish pubs. If you like seafood, Kinsale is the place to go and try the fish and chips. The area has a really interesting old fort that dates back to 1677. Charles Fort was built to protect the whole area and the harbour from the French and Spanish. Charles fort is open to the public, it’s a very interesting building. The fort is a perfect example of a 17-century star-shaped fort. The fort played a part in the Willamette war between 1689 to 1691. the fort was connected to the civil war also between 1922 to 1923.
The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a coastal route around Ireland covering some fantastic coastline, beautiful beaches and cool towns. The cork part of the Wild Atlantic Way route includes the great mizen head which is Ireland’s most southwest point. It will blow your socks off, the views are just amazing, and the route is truly a great road trip. The area is full of stunning scenery, if you are lucky you will see some whales on the route. Travelling along the route, there are also some great walking trails if you need to get out and about, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs.
Titanic Experience Cobh
Cobh is a beautiful little town outside Cork city, it’s known for being the last port the famous Titanic ship left in 1912. This town is just another perfect example of great things to see in Cork. The Titanic Experience is a great place to visit. The harbour town is a wonderful place to visit and has many things to see and do. The titanic ship left Cobh on April 1912 with 1308 passengers on board and 898 crew, the ship never arrived in New York hitting an iceberg and shrinking. The visitor centre is full of information about the Titanic, and lots of interesting items related to the Titanic ship. Cobh also has a large connection with Irish immigration during the famine period in Ireland.
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