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.

Great town. Well worth the visit. Take day trips to Kinsale, Blarney or Clonakilty. Great base for a lot of other great places

again another way to escape Ireland!

Go to Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney stone. It gives you the gift of the gab. Not that i needed it.

if traveling form the UK i would highly advise you took the ferry or made provisions to hire a car. There is so much land to cover. especially going into Ireland there is so many amazing places you will want to see. and Cork is one of my favorites along with Knnockerrgannon in Erril.

Stay at Garnish House, nice rooms and huge breakfasts meaning you often don't need lunch.

It's a gorgeous city, and the pace of life is so much slower and more relaxed than the North. There's a few beautiful cathedrals, such as the Protestant Finn Barre's and the Catholic St Peter Paul's. Finn Barre's is about 10 mins walk from Ptrick Street in the city centre, and there's a 3 Euro entrance fee- although this does include a pamphlet and the help of the nice man at the door.

St. Peter Paul's is free to enter, and is situated right in the centre. If you're going out, I recommend the Franciscan Well Micro-Brewery, which does a great beer called Rebel Red.

Other than that I can't say much.... I was fairly skint when I went!

The County of Cork situated in the South West of Ireland is the largest of all the Irish counties and in many ways the most varied. This is territory which is relatively undiscovered, and completely unspoilt.

If you go to get your gift of the gab, don't miss out on a walk around the castle grounds, it's beautiful!

a great city
you will never be bored
crazy drivers
wonderful people especially the boys of Fairhill