Discover Cork

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Cork is Ireland's picture-postcard county and the spectacular scenery is undoubtedly its main attraction, whether explored by car, bicycle or on foot. Cork City is the artistic and cultural capital of the South West and the Republic's second largest city with all the attractions that implies. The county is fast gaining a reputation as the gourmet capital of Ireland and offers a wealth of exclusive dining experiences.

Self Catering Cork - Cork City

The central area of Cork City is in effect an island enclosed between the two arms of the River Lee, which is spanned by several bridges. With just one tenth of the population of Dublin, its character is that of a university city, with an abundance of lively pubs, quirky shops and off-beat cafes and plenty of good live music. Its turbulent history means that little of the city's architecture dates back further than the eighteenth century, but Cork City Gaol with its reenactments is a reminder of times happily past and it's worth a stroll through the grounds of University College Cork for the architecture alone. The legacy of being chosen as Europe's Capital of Culture in 2005 is evidenced in the wealth of galleries , theatres and exhibitions. Visit the Cork Opera House, Triskel Arts Centre, the Fenton and the Vanguard Gallery for the best of Irish art, the Everyman Palace Theatre, and The Granary Theatre on the college campus. Check out Cork's only art house cinema, Kino, An Bodhran, The Corner House and The Lobby are havens of the best in traditional music; for nightclubs, try Redz Bar, Club and the bar at the Metropole Hotel is celebrated for jazz as it was the founding base of the internationally famous Cork Jazz Festival.

Self Catering Cork - Fota Island, Blarney & Cobh

Families will enjoy time spent at the Fota Island Wildlife Park to the east of the city. It's a breeding ground for cheetahs and wallabies and home to ostriches, emus and kangaroos. Fota House beside it is a perfectly restored regency dwelling with splendid gardens. Stop off and sample home baking at its best in the tea room. Six miles north west of Cork is Blarney Castle - and who can resist the lure of descending its 127 steps to lean out and kiss the celebrated Blarney Stone to secure, legend has it, 'the gift of the gab.' Blarney Woollen Mills is the largest craft outlet in the area and well worth a shopping trip. Cobh Heritage Centre is excellent and tells the story of the thousands of Irish who emigrated from the port during and after the Famine. And the International Sailing Centre there is one of Ireland's most prestigious.

Self Catering Cork - Kinsale

Kinsale is the starting point for the 85 mile scenic coastal drive, stopping off where the fancy takes you. Or see the coastline from on board a cruise on the Spirit of Kinsale. The Spaniard Inn is a delightful stop-off point at the harbour. Home to the Desmond Castle and the International Museum of Wine, this charming town is at the heart of the foodie revolution in Ireland.

Self Catering Cork - Cuisine

Wonderful restaurants abound in County Cork. Search out Greenes for classic continental and Asian food in the cobbled pedestrian area of Cork City. Les Gourmandises combines the best of contemporary French and Irish cooking. The Allen family have made their rural retreat, Ballymaloe House Restaurant and Cookery School synonymous with the gourmet revival. This Georgian manor exudes country charm, is family friendly, surrounded by delightful walks and close to sandy beaches and is worth the advance booking. Nearby Ballyvolane House also offers good meals and fly- fishing lessons.

Self Catering Cork - Golf

The best international golf is to be found at Cork Golf Club, designed by the master architect of Augusta and Cypress Point, Alister MacKenzie. Set in Cork Harbour, the highlight is the par 4 6th where a broad fairway narrows towards the green that is nestled in a former quarry. The course is one of the best-kept secrets of Irish golf. The game doesn't get much more spectacular than that played at the Old Head Golf Links at Kinsale. It's set on a 215 acre peninsula jutting out into the wild Atlantic some 300 feet below and even if your golf is moderate, at best, the stunning views are guaranteed to set pulses racing.

Cork is a county where the discerning traveller is encouraged to indulge in a wealth of luxury experiences, from unforgettable gourmet meals, and a vibrant arts scene, to spectacular coastal drives, punctuated by a short cruise or a round of top-quality golf in stunning surroundings. Cork's message is simple. Enjoy. You deserve it. Isn't that what holidays are all about?

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Self Catering Ireland - Self Catering Cork