Cork is the second largest city in Ireland. Strict and business working day, with the onset of twilight it suddenly changes, becoming the center of an active nightlife with a bunch of colorful clubs and pubs. In addition to seeing the sights of the city itself – the Protestant cathedral, numerous churches and breweries – tourists flock here to visit Blarney Castle and at the same time smack the stone there for good luck, such as bringing good luck and, as it were, bestowing it, like his… eloquence. See citypopulationreview.com for weather information.
How to get there
Cork International Airport is located 8 km south of the city center on the N27. Inside: ATMs, car rental offices, toilets. The airport receives flights from abroad Ryanair and Wizz all year round, as well as aircraft from Dublin.
The Kent railway station is located north of the Lee River on Lower Glanmire Rd. Bus number 205 will take tourists there from the city center for 2 EUR, a taxi – for 7-8 EUR. Trains arrive at the station from Dublin (66 EUR, 3 hours on the way), Limerick (13 EUR, 1.5 hours), Tralee (26 EUR, 2 hours), Killarney (28 EUR, 1.5 hours). Go to Waterford by bus: the train is very long and roundabout.
Eireann buses depart from the bus station (corner of Merchant’s Quay and Parnell Pl) to Dublin (EUR 16, 4 hours), Killarney (EUR 28, 2 hours), Waterford (EUR 24, 3 hours) and Kilkenny (EUR 22, 3 hours).
Transport
It is convenient to move around the city center on foot, but the bus is also available for tourists. The fare is 2 EUR. Taxis can be called by phone: Cork Taxi Co-op 427 2222 or Shandon Cabs 450 2255.
You can rent a bike at Rothar Cycles (55 Barrack St), rental price per day 10-15 EUR, per week 80 EUR. They also offer to pick up a bike from another city (for 30 EUR) and summer bike tours around the area.
Rented car owners will need the following information: to park on the streets, you will need a scratch card, which you can buy at the information office or newsstand (2 EUR per hour). There are also specially equipped parking lots, there are about 10 of them in the center, the cost per hour is from 1.30 EUR, per night – from 3 EUR.
Attractions and attractions in Cork
The architecture of the traditional Irish city of Cork cannot boast of ancient buildings. The oldest building with the poetic name of the Red Abbey, from which only the central bell tower has survived to this day, was created in the 14th century and served as a refuge for the Augustinian monks. The name is a tribute to the building material, reddish sandstone.
“Talking” names in Cork are not only for architectural monuments. The name of the city in translation from Irish means “swamp”. The fact is that the area in which Ireland’s second largest city is located today was a shaky swamp.
In addition, two more interesting religious buildings can be found in Cork, but of a later time: St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Finbarr’s Cathedral. The first one was built in 1808. Catholic masses are held in it. The temple of St. Finbarr, the patron saint of the city, is the cathedral church of all the Protestants of Cork, erected on the site of more ancient places of worship in the same 19th century. Both are works of neo-Gothic. If, after exploring these sights, interest in religious architecture has not been lost, then you can visit the Church of St. Anne and the Church of St. Patrick.
St. Patrick’s Street
St. Patrick’s Street is another tourist attraction. This is Cork’s main boulevard lined with numerous shops. A traditional meeting place among the inhabitants is the statue of the priest Theobald Matthew (19th century), who became famous for his fight against drunkenness. The sculpture is located in the place where the street passes into St. Patrick’s Bridge.
Saint Patrick is practically the national treasure of Ireland. Not only a huge number of cathedrals, churches and other buildings are dedicated to him, but even children’s fairy tales. This patron of a small but proud country is well known beyond its borders. In Russia, he became famous thanks to the growing popularity of St. Patrick’s Day.
Museums in Cork
Among the museums, it is worth highlighting the Crawford Art Gallery (website), located near St. Patrick’s Bridge. The basis of the exposition is the contemporary art of Ireland. Literally a few steps away is another attraction – the Opera House. Opening hours: every day except Sunday, the gallery is open from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Thursday the opening hours are extended until 20:00. The entrance is free.
The Cork Museum will be of interest to lovers of history and ethnography. It is in it that you can get acquainted with how this region developed. Working hours: from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 14:15 to 16:00.
Blarney castle
The surroundings of Cork are, first of all, castles. The most famous and most popular is Blarney Castle (website), located in the village of the same name and dating back to the 10th century. The current buildings date back to the 15th century and include a central citadel building and a dilapidated tower surrounded by fortified walls.
The castle is open all year round from Monday to Saturday. In May, the buildings are open from 9:00 to 18:30, from June to August – from 9:00 to 19:00, in September – from 9:00 to 18:30, from October to April – from 9:00 to sunset. Ticket sales end half an hour before closing. Cost 16 EUR, children from 8 to 16 years old – 7 EUR, children under 8 are free. A family of two adults and two children will pay 40 EUR for tickets.
The main celebrity of Blarney Castle is the Stone of Eloquence, built into one of the walls. Legend has it that this part of the Skoon Stone, famous for having crowned Scottish and English monarchs on it, bestows eloquence on whoever kisses it. In 2009, the pebble earned the eloquent title of “The most unhygienic landmark in Europe” – but the flow of those wishing to kiss its rough surface did not become shallower at all.
Other castles around Cork
Blackrock Castle, two kilometers from Cork, is also popular with tourists. It was built on the Li River to scare off pirates. There is now an observatory inside it (website). Working hours: from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, on weekends from 11:00 to 17:00. Cash desks are open until 16:00. Entrance ticket price 6.50 EUR, children from 5 to 14 years old – discount 4.50 EUR, children under 5 are free. A family of two adults and two children will pay 22 EUR per visit.
Other (and also interesting) castles in the neighborhood are Dunmanus, Desmond, Donovan, Kilbrithine, Connach, Macroom, Mallow, Salem and Freck.