Personally, I loved Cork.  Besides anything else, I'd have to say that it just has a really cool vibe to it.  Kicking back in a little Irish pub (what other type of pub are you going to find in Ireland right) and having a good hardy glass of Guinness is heavenly.  If no one has ever told ya; the Guinness in Ireland is better than anywhere else in the world (and that's no lie).

On the other hand, there is one place that really stands out in my memory of Cork.  Blarney Castle is an unreal sight.  The sheer sight of it is silencing and the rock close is serenely incredible.  Of course, you'll want to make the climb to the top of the castle just to see the fantastic view; while you're there take advantage of the chance to kiss the one and only Blarney Stone.  The gift of gab never hurt!

Again, I just got lucky on my visit to the Castle.  I actually ran into the grounds keeper.  He actually took the time to tell me about growing up around the castle and some of the history about the castle itself.  He was probably in his 60's and possibly 70's when I met him back in 1999, so I'm not sure if he's still around, but your day would definitely be enriched if you got a chance to spend a little time with him and his wife.