Cork travel guide

County Cork is located on the southern coast of Ireland and is named after its principal city, which is also the third most populous urban centre in the country.

Like many parts of Ireland, the region is rich in culture and history, which visitors have plenty of opportunities to learn about during their break. Popular attractions in the county include the Blarney Stone and the port of Cobh, which was the final stopping point of the Titanic before it set off on its fateful journey.

The range of Ireland ferry services now in operation means that a visit to Cork is an easily achievable and highly fulfilling experience for travellers.

Getting there

One of the ports closest to the region of Cork is Rosslare. Stena Line provides ferries to Rosslare from Fishguard, while Irish Ferries operates a Pembroke to Rosslare ferry service. There is also a route linking Rosslare to Cherbourg in France, which is served by Celtic Link and Irish Ferries.

Ferries to Dublin - which is a fairly short drive away from Cork - are available from Liverpool with P&O Ferries and Norfolkline Irish Sea. Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route and Stena Line also offers ferries to Dun Laoghaire, just outside Dublin.

Cork is also a ferry port in itself, which is linked to Roscoff in France by Brittany Ferries.

Ferries to Ireland timetablesThings to do

County Cork offers a range of activities for travellers to try, from the exciting and adventurous to the laid-back and relaxing. People looking for something they have never tried before may be interested in going whale watching, with the season running from June to January. It is also possible to see dolphins and porpoises in the waters around Cork all year round. The coastline of southern Ireland also offers facilities to go fishing or try kayaking, sailing and other watersports. Those who would prefer to stay on dry land can hit a few balls at golf clubs such as Charleville at the foot of the Ballyhoura mountains and Bantry Bay on the south-west coast.

There is also plenty to do in the city of Cork, which boasts a modern and vibrant atmosphere and was named European Capital of Culture in 2005. Visitors interested in absorbing some of this culture can head to the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, which is located in an impressive building in the city centre. More than 200,000 people visit the gallery every year to browse through its collection, which comprises everything from 18th century European painting to contemporary video art. Sports fans may be interested in heading to Turners Cross Stadium to see Cork City FC in action, while those who are more excited by the prospect of shopping can visit the market on Grand Parade.

Cork will be hosting a number of events for tourists to attend over the coming months. One of the highlights for music fans will be the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, which is one of Ireland's most successful arts events and is due to run from October 23rd to 27th this year. The Art Trail will take place between November 13th and 22nd, introducing visitors to the work of contemporary artists based in Cork. People with a passion for cinema can visit the city between November 1st and 8th for the Corona Cork Film Festival, which was founded more than 50 years ago to bring the latest movie premieres to Ireland.

Things to see

One of Cork's most attractive features is its proximity to some stunning natural spectacles. The Beara peninsula encompasses everything from rivers and bays to mountain ranges, making it one of Ireland's most scenic and exciting areas for exploration. As well as its natural attributes, the peninsula boasts a number of man-made attractions such as the ruins of Dunboy Castle, which was once a stronghold of a Gaelic clan leader. Also located nearby are the Copper Mines Museum and Derreen Gardens.

People who enjoy seeing historical sights during their holidays can visit Blarney Castle in Cork, which is located a few miles outside the county's capital city. This medieval stronghold was first constructed in the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 1400s after being destroyed. The castle is arguably most famous for the Blarney Stone, a bluestone block that is built into its battlements. Legend has it that any person who kisses the stone will be endowed with the 'gift of the gab'. After observing the tradition, visitors can take a walk around Blarney Castle's gardens to take in sights such as the natural rock formations Druid's Circle and Witch's Cave.

There are many sights to see in the city of Cork, such as St Fin Barre's Cathedral, which is located on a site that dates back to the seventh century. Located within easy walking distance of the city centre, the cathedral is an impressive example of gothic architecture and is home to a collection of marble mosaics from the Pyrenees. Also worth a visit is Fitzgerald Park, which extends over an area of 18 acres and encompasses the Cork Museum. Those interested in seeing the whole of the city during a leisurely stroll can take the Marina walk, which starts in the suburbs of Blackrock and heads towards the centre of Cork alongside the river.

Places to stay

The Cork region is home to a wide range of hotels, such as the three-star Jury's Inn in Anderson's Quay, which is located near the Lee river and the main thoroughfare of Patrick Street. Other three-star accommodation options include the Commons Inn on New Mallow Road and Vienna Woods in Glanmire.

Holidaymakers planning to treat themselves may be interested in visiting four-star properties such as Montenotte, which is located 15 minutes' walk away from Cork city centre, and Silversprings Moran in Tivol, which provides facilities including a swimming pool, a gym and tennis courts.

The five-star Sheraton on Fota island is one of the region's top luxury offerings, with a scenic setting close to the centre of Cork, three restaurants to choose from and access to a golf course.

Written by Andrew Smith