Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Cork

"Cork's public gallery houses a small but excellent permanent collection covering the 17th century through to the modern day, though the works on display change from year to year. Highlights include paintings by... Top ChoiceMarket in Cork City"

"St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the first major work of Victorian architect William Burges, was completed in 1879. Details such as the gilded “resurrection angel” perched atop the roof may not have come cheap, but the result is an exemplar of ecclesiastical architecture. The cathedral has excellent acoustics, so consider it a bonus if your trip coincides with one of their regular concerts."

"The incredible three-spire St Finn Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879, its location on a site where Christian use dates back to the 7th century when there was a monastery on site. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork and lived in the 6th century. Legend has it, his remains were brought to the city and enclosed on a shrine located on the site of the cathedral."

"You’ll find Fitzgerald Park a handy stroll from University College Cork. This is the perfect place for those of you looking to escape the city for a while. Those that head for a wander here can expect gorgeous, tree-lined avenues, finely-manicured flower beds, a number of statues and a large fountain."

"Ashley recommended Fitzgerald Park in Cork, she says, “The playground is phenomenal. Lots of sensory things and a huge wooden castle structure with ladders, bridges and slides. Its location is beautiful and the park has a cafe."

"Christopher E O'Leary has produced something special in the back room of Coughlans. While the open mics are taking a summer break, the first Tuesday of every month typically sees no fewer than a dozen comics sign up for the chance to spout new material in one of the most intimate venues in Ireland. For the rest of the month, you'll have booked headliners and themed shows such as Best of Irish or Pure Cork but Chris very kindly intends to stage Edinburgh previews for established comics between now and August."

"A pub that opened almost two centuries ago, Coughlan’s is one of several award-winning bars in Cork City. Having been in the same family since it opened, it’s one of the city’s longest running pubs. It offers an intimate night out with a variety of live music each night, from rising stars to household names."

"In its tiny room up old creaking stairs, the Hi-B bar attracts locals and visitors alike. Enjoy old-fashioned craic and good conversation - the bar bans cell phones and there's no TV to distract you from mingling."

"Newly open to visitors, Elizabeth Fort straddles the River Lee, next to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. The fort’s been active in one way or another from 1601 to 2013 and claims an incredibly textured history. Built to defend the city walls against artillery, it was fortified by Cromwell in 1649 and later came under siege from the Williamites, battling for the Dutch prince William of Orange."

"Many people that I chat with that are planning to visit Cork tend to miss out on Elizabeth Fort for some reason. Elizabeth Fort is a 17th-century star fort in Cork City that was built to act as a defensive fortification outside of the city walls. Over time, as the city expanded, it started to grow around the fort, making it redundant."

"Stands tall and proud at the end of Mallow, close to the castle. Renovated recently and now home to offices. It is of the same Tudor style as the Hibernian Hotel and has a fully working clock that chimes on the hour."

"Discover Ireland’s Captain’s and Convicts, Rebels and Rioters, Sinners and Saints at Spike Island. The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork Harbour and has over 1300 years of Irish history."

"In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 6th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times"

"Maldron Hotel Shandon is located in the heart of Corks historic cultural quarter, nestled by the famous Shandon Bells and on the doorstep of Cork newest premier shopping district, Opera Lane and Corks main thoroughfare St Patrick's Street."

"Corks most historic hotel centrally located nestled beneath the Shandon Bells in Corks historical quarter. Recently refurbished soon to be 4*hotel. Address: John Redmond Street, Shandon, Cork"

"22/07/2021: Went to eat here with the family on our staycation this past week. The food was delicious however the atmosphere was very uncomfortable. You could notice that the staff were working very hard to meet customer needs with one being visibly upset at the managers treatment of their work."

"For those with a sweet tooth, Lab 82 is the place for you when visiting Cork city. With six different types of pancakes on their menu, ranging from American style pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup to kinder bueno pancakes stacked with chocolatey goodness, there is something for all pancake lovers!. As if that is not enough, since opening in 2018 they have gone on to win awards for the Best Coffee in the Best of Cork Awards 2019."