Popular Gardens in Cork

"A 19th-century estate surrounded by pristine gardens and a fragrant arboretum, the handsome Fota House provides one of County Cork’s most splendid attractions. There’s a small fee to enter Fota Gardens, but it’s well worth the outlay; there are acres of tropical gardens to explore. You’ll also discover a unique walled garden, an Italian arboretum, a fernery and a lavish orangery."

"The guided house tour will take you on a journey through the grand décor of the principle rooms and behind the scenes to the exquisite boudoir and charming Victorian nursery."

"A two-mile-long (3km) riverside walk that winds its way around the River Lee, this trail ends with panoramic views of Cork’s centre. The path runs parallel to the Twopot River and past the scattered ruins of Bishopstown House, which includes an ornamental lake and a crumbling limestone hut. Across the river, there’s a stone-encircled grassy field – a rural, out-of-the-way park that’s blissfully close to the city centre."

"143V is not in the city center, you’ll have to walk for 10-15 minutes towards the train station to find it, but it worths a visit. The brunch menu offers toasts, porridge, chia pudding, tofu scramble, pancakes… The breakfast bagel (see picture above) is the best option if you’re in the mood for Irish breakfast. Do you need a boost of vitamins?"

"143V is the only all-vegan restaurant I visited while in Cork. That’s because it was the only one. I was so pleased with this adorable little spot."

"Cafe Gusto is another spot that’s said to dish out some of the best brunch Cork has to offer. It was established in 1999 and was once the famous O’Brien coffee shop that operated since 1941. The creative force behind the cafe, Marianne, had travelled extensively around the world before returning to Cork in1998."