Page 36 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

34 BACK ROADS IRELAND

1 Cork City
Co Cork
Cork is a compact city with a lively atmosphere and plenty of
historic sights. There are museums and churches to explore, and
a church steeple to climb with bells to ring. Whether it’s the
impressive architecture of Cork Opera House, the bustling
atmosphere and great local produce of the indoor English Market,
or the little shops and cafés of the Huguenot Quarter, there’s
something for everyone to love in this friendly city.

A half-day walking tour Sun), with local and national
From the car park on Grand Parade exhibitions. Leaving here, turn left
by the Tourist Office 1, turn right. and, at the River Lee, turn right along
The Cork City Library 2 (closed Sun) the quays to Cork Opera House 8
is across Grand Parade and further and the Crawford Art Gallery 9 (open
along on the same side is Bishop Mon–Sat), with works by Jack B Yeats,
Lucey Park 3, which has remains of Louis le Brocquy and Paul Henry.
Above The elegant English Market in Cork City a 13th-century city wall. Cross the river here, turn
Cross Grand Parade left, then immediately
again for the bustling right along Upper John
indoor English Market Street, taking the first
4. At the end of Grand left onto Dominick
Parade, turn right into Street for the historic
St Patrick Street. The Shandon area. Over to
pedestrianized streets of the right is the landmark
the Huguenot Quarter St Ann’s Church 0. The
5, running between bells in its 36-m (120-ft)
VISITING CORK CITY St Patrick Street and steeple, which is open to
Paul Street, are worth Giraffes at Fota climb, are famous and,
Parking exploring, with lots of small Wildlife Park for anyone who ascends to
There are plenty of multi-storey car
parks in the city. Try the covered, shops, cafés and galleries. the top, it is possible to try
multi-storey Grand Parade car park Turn left on Paul Street, then right their hand at ringing them, and
close to the Tourist Office, or park on into Cornmarket Street 6 where admire the views. Around the corner
the streets around Grand Parade, there is an outdoor market, especially on O’Connell Square is the Cork
Patrick Street and South Mall, with good on a Saturday. Turn left into Butter Museum q (open daily), in
a disk which can be purchased at
newsagents or convenience stores. Kyle Street, then right into North what was the world’s largest butter
Main Street and across the road to market, telling the story of Ireland’s
Tourist Information
42 Grand Parade; 021 425 5100; reach St Peter’s Cork 7 (open Tue– most important food export.
www.discoverireland.ie./cork
Below Tall, pastel-shaded buildings add character to the sweep of Popes Quay, Cork City

WHERE TO STAY IN CORK CITY
Hotel Isaacs moderate
This is a pleasant hotel in a restored
Victorian building, with plenty of
character. There’s a good restaurant,
and the city centre is just minutes
away on foot.
48 MacCurtain Street; 021 450 0011;
www.hotelisaacscork.com
Hayfield Manor expensive
This luxurious and intimate five-star
hotel is very near the city centre but
set on its own secluded grounds. The
drawing room or library are charming
for morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Perrott Avenue, College Road; 021 484
5900; www.hayfieldmanor.ie
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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