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Visit My Ireland in Cork
A visit to Ireland would not be complete without going to Cork. The city
kept me mesmerised with its beautiful beaches and scenery. It is something
which I would treasure my whole life.
 Even author John Fitzgerald in describing Cork once wrote “I have sought to
discover a haven of rest, where the sun sinks by night in the land of the
West”. Certainly, it is the perfect place to spend your time off after
working hard the whole week or month.
Several days there has left me revitalised. The city is also a natural port.
At just an hour’s flight from Heathrow, I was able to admire the spectacular
coastal line on board the plane.
Like most European cities, Cork enjoys the four seasons. Its winter is
however mild due to its closeness to the Irish Sea. Hence, winter is
moderate unlike any other place.
The city derives its name from the Irish phrase `Corcach Mor Mumhan’ meaning
'Great Marsh of Munster’. Beautiful trees decorated the landscape and with
more than 20 bridges it makes an evening stroll enjoyable and fun.
From outdoor cafe’s to lovely boulevards
Cork is also a fabulous place to dine with its outdoor cafes and lovely
boulevards. It is also a haven for shopping and there is little wonder why
the city was chosen to host the European Capital of Culture in 2007.
Gifted with beautiful beaches and coves, in fact nine of them, the locals
and tourists throng there to unwind and relax while admiring the Irish Sea
and breeze. Most of the beaches in the city have acquired world class
standards with its ample parking space, amenities, cleanliness and
environmental management.
Another popular spot is St Anne’s Church where you will have to climb up a
hill. However, on reaching the place you will discover it was worth the
effort as it offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea. If you have a
sweet tooth, why not stop by Exchange Toffee Works, which is the oldest
sweet shop on John Redmond Street.
As with most European cities, Cork also has several prominent art galleries
and museums to display local art work and its collection. They include the
Crawford Art Gallery on Emmet Place which houses a collection of local works
by James Scanlon, sculptor Seamus Murphy and James Barry.
A recent addition is the Lewis Glucksman Gallery that features an award
winning architecture of timber and steel, hosting various contemporary art
exhibitions, and films.
If you are a shopaholic like me then you can go to St Patrick’s Street and
Oliver Plunket Street where you will be spoilt for choice. Visitors in Cork
may be surprised to know there is a plastic tax imposed as part of the
environmental protection initiative adopted by the local council.
Having a fun time
Like any Irish cities, Cork is well known for its pubs and bars, offering
good food and beverages which formed a part of the culture of the locals
there. Offering seafood, stout brewery and `drisheen’ , tourists are
certainly spoilt for choice.
You can also take a boat ride to Kinsale where you can view some of the most
expensive yachts. This locality also boasts several well known restaurants.
It is not known as the `Culinary Capital of Ireland’ for nothing.
The month of October seems to be the busiest month in Cork as there are
festivals galore to feast your eyes, ears and mouth on . There is the Cork’s
Film festival, the annual jazz festival and the International Gourmet
Festival.
The Blarney castle estate is another popular place where it is reputed that
those who kiss the famous Blarney Stone will receive the gift of eloquence.
Other places include Charles Fort Kinsale, Cobh Heritage Centre, Cork City
Gaol, the city’s vision centre, Desmond Castle, the Donerale Wildlife Park,
the Fota Wildlife Park, and the Michael Collins Centre, a facility dedicated
to the freedom fighter.
There are many places to go where you will certainly be spoilt for choice.
Cork is certainly a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
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