There's plenty to see in and around Cork while enjoying the dining, the shopping and the green, cheery scenery (on sunny days).
Here's a list of some attractions and museums:
- The Old English Market : this market is one of the top attractions in Cork for locals and tourists alike. This is primarily a food market but it is still a fantastic place to taste local culture and investigate culinary traditions. Even if you aren't hungry, pick up some fresh herbs or teas to bring back home. You can access the covered market through one of the many iron gates off of the Grand Parade, or from the alleyways off of Patrick's Street or Oliver Plunkett Street. This market is open everyday from 8:30am to 5pm, except on Sundays.
- University College, Cork: a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture in Cork. You can take a tour or just stroll through the grounds. Call 021-490-2371 for more information.
- Royal Gunpowder Mills: Gunpowder production was Cork's main industry in the nineteenth century. They were strategically significant for Ireland because of their proximity to the port - the mills attracted the attention of the British. This industrial complex has been restored to give a good representation of what manufacturing looked like in Ballincollig, just outside Cory city. However the visitor centre is now closed, however you can walk through the Ballincollig Regional Park and still see some ruins of the mills, hidden within the woods.
- Cobh - The Queenstown Story To learn about the emigration in the 18th and 19th centuries a visit to this musuem is a must, see link www.cobhheritage.com/