Username:
Password:
	Register

Cork

The origins of this harbour date back to the early years of the 19th century, when it was sandwiched between the northern and southern channels of the River Lee. The ancient name of the harbour - Bealach Coullach (Way of the Tribes) - still has meaning today with its continuing influx of trade, traffic and tourism. Over the next 150 years the harbour expanded in an unruly way, until in 1972 when a development plan was drawn up, that was a blueprint for the future. Part of this was the development of the ferry terminal facilities at Ringaskiddy, which is some 20 kilometres from the city centre. Cruise ships now regularly visit from April to October, usually berthing at Cobh. On the eastern side of the harbour you will see Ireland's only Oil Refinery at Whitegate, built to latest specifications with terminal facilities to accommodate vessels up to 100,000 tons. Cork was the European City of Culture in 2005.

Ferry Guide

Brittany Ferries operate out of the Ringaskiddy ferry terminal, with Brittany Ferries offering weekly departures to Roscoff. It is planned that in 2010 that Fastnet Line will reopen the route between Swansea and Cork which will see them also serving Ringaskiddy.

Our Guide

Built on steep banks either side of the river, this is Ireland's third city that dates back to the 7th century AD when St. Finbarr built a monastery on the site. The best way to see the city is to walk, but get a guidebook from the Tourist Office in Grand Parade before you set off and please wear a good pair of walking shoes. You should note that you will be forever crossing bridges, and that there are a lot of fairly steep hills. Be sure to visit St. Finn Barre's Cathedral in Bishops Street, designed by the Victorian genius William Burges in a French-Gothic style with triple spires.

Make time to visit the Cork Vision Centre at the junction of North Main Street and Kyle Street, where you will find various exhibitions, admission is free but please make a donation.

Other places to visit are: Cork Heritage Park and Blackrock Castle (beware it's a steep climb up Patrick's Hill), City Hall on Anglesea Street, and the English Market with entrances on Princes Street, Patrick Street and Grand Parade. This is vaulted building that houses a fish, meat, fruit and vegetable market and dates back to the reign of James I in 1610.

We have left the best till last; no visit to Cork is complete without a visit to the Beamish & Crawford Brewery in South Main Street at the heart of the medieval city. Brewery Tours are available on Tuesdays & Thursday from June to September from 1030 to 1230.

Accommodation

Send us your recommendations.

Restaurants

Send us your recommendations.

Transport

By Bus: Eireann provides bus services between the port and Cork city centre.

By Rail: Regular rail services available from Cork-Kent station, which is reached by using the bus service between the port and city centre.

By Sea: Weekly sailings to Roscoff with Brittany Ferries. From 2010 Fastnet line will offer daily departures to Swansea.