What to See & Do in Cork
Sights Patrick Street: This is the focal point of Cork. The major statue on this street is of Father Theobald Mathew, who led a nationwide temperance crusade. St. Anne’s Church: Located in the hilly part of the city, this church incorporates the famous Shandon Steeple, a bell tower shaped like a pepper pot, which houses the bells that were immortalised in the song "The Bells of Shandon". St. Mary’s Dominican Church: Located on Pope’s Quay. Inside is a 14th century Flemish figure of Our Lady of Graces. Mardyke: This is a popular riverside walk leading to Fitzgerald’s Park. The Georgian mansion in the park houses Cork’s public museum. Blackrock Castle: This fortification, built in the 16th century, is the dominant landmark overlooking the harbour area. It is believed that William Penn, who was born in Cork, stayed in the castle before sailing to America. Food & drink Cork is something of a food lover’s paradise, with many of its restaurants sourcing excellent raw ingredients from the large and growing community of artisan food suppliers in the surrounding area. Drisheen is a type of sausage or pudding made from sheep’s blood, breadcrumbs and spices and traditionally served with tripe in a thickened milk sauce. One of the best black puddings in Ireland is made to a secret recipe and features on many local restaurant menus. In more recent times a new tradition of cheese making has emerged and some world class cheeses are produced locally. The first stop for anyone with an interest in food has to be the famous English Market, where food has been sold for almost 400 years. Stalls crowded into the market sell both cooked food and deli-style takeaways, as well as raw ingredients. Cork Market is a treasure trove of both locally produced and imported food and an experience not to be missed. Back to Cork
