Cheap flights to Cork depart from Manchester Airport, and Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow airports near London. Some cheap flights to Cork may be available from regional airports around the UK. Flights to Cork will arrive at Cork Airport. Bus Eireann and Citylink operate bus services that connect the airport to Cork city centre and neighbouring areas. Taxis can be hired from the taxi ranks outside the terminal building.
Cork’s compact city centre is great for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Taxis are readily available throughout the city; they are easily hired from taxi ranks and can often be recognised by the ‘TAXI’ sign on top of the vehicle. Bus Eireann operates a number of bus routes serving Cork city centre and surrounding suburbs. Most buses depart from the main bus station on Parnell Place. Check the Bus Eireann website for more details about routes and timetables.
Cork has a large number of attractions packed into its small centre. Start with a visit to the Cork Vision Centre at St. Peter’s Church for a look at the large-scale model of the city and its surrounds. The restored church also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions throughout the year. St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral boasts a striking Gothic façade, stained glass windows and marble mosaics. The graceful, classical exterior of St. Mary’s Dominican Church houses a statue of Our Lady of Graces that is reputed to have miraculous properties. Visit the Church of St. Anne and climb up its iconic Bell Tower for panoramic views around Cork. Discover the city’s grim side at the Cork City Gaol. Lifelike wax models and intricate dioramas provide a glimpse in the building’s past. The Gaol also has an interesting Radio Museum located in the Governor’s House. Tongue-tied tourists may also want to visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of the gab on anyone who plants their lips on it. Those with a fear of heights may want to think twice, as kissing the stone requires one to lean perilously backwards and upside down.
Locals and visitors alike flock to the English Market to pick up freshly fruits and vegetables, poultry, meat and other edibles such as cakes and preserves. The Salad and Sandwich Bar at the market features an impressive menu of freshly made sandwiches and salads, as well as a number of dips and sweets. Fashionistas will enjoy a visit to Brown Thomas, an upmarket department store stocking a range of high-end designer brands. Opera Lane is lined with many high street favourites such as Topshop and Next. Café Paradiso is one of Cork’s most popular vegetarian restaurants. It’s menu contains intriguing items such as lime-grilled halloumi, black bean, chocolate and chilli soup, and a blood orange polenta cake. The Hi-B pub is adored by many for its distinctive atmosphere and eccentric owner, who is renowned for kicking out any customers who do not adhere to his idiosyncratic rules.