Cork

[greenrook]

Hello - my wife and I are going to Cork for a week from next Saturday the 16th. Anyone got any recommendations regarding 'don't miss' sights, good pubs and eateries etc? Also any dire warnings? Thanks in advance

[BrainMonkeys]

There's loads to see and do in Cork and the surrounding area. In Cork itself, you've got the old City Gaol, whic is worth a visit; St Finbarrs Cathedrals is gorgeous, and you can ring the bells of the Shandon church which is on a hill overlooking the city on the north bank of the river Lee.

Juts outside the city you've also got Blarney castle, the port of Cobh, and I thouroughly recommend Kinsale, site of a major battle during Elizabethan times, and home of two very good castles.

You can get more info at www.corkcity.ie/corkcity.htm

[Octavius]

A great place. Enjoy. Agree with all the above, some suggestions here also.

http://www.cork2005.ie/cork/default.asp?id=410

[greenrook]

Thank you BrainMonkeys and Octavian, we're looking forward to it more than ever now. One of my grandfathers was a Corkonian, not that it makes any difference but it will be interesting to see his birthplace

[waiglet]

Do try and take in Cobh (pronounced Cove). It is steeped in history as the place millions of Irish emigrants left for a new life in the US. It was also the last port of call of the Titanic and the liner Lusitania was sunk off Cobh.

If you go � and it's easy to get there driving or by train from Cork � I'd receommend taking the local history tour which leaves daily from the town's Commodore Hotel. Fascinating stuff which ends in a visit to a real Irish pub � none of your theme pub nonsense here!!!.

I'd also thoroughly recommend a visit to Blarney castle and, if you have kids with you, Fota Wildlife Park (on Fota island between Cork and Cobh) is a must.

Good places to eat include The Quays at Cobh and The Lemon Tree at Blarney.

Hope you enjoy your visit. I was last there in July and am going back in four weeks time. I can't wait.

[greenrook]

Thanks waiglet - I have so many recommendations now I reckon I'm going to need another week's stay!