Schmap Cork A Trip to Cobh

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Cork - A Trip to Cobh
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Cork Home

This tour starts at the Cork City Gaol situated on Convent Avenue, off Sunday's Well Road. It was still functional in the nineteenth century as a prison. Today furnished cells, models, and sound effects all combine to create an exciting exhibition exploring daily life as experienced by both prisoners and gaolers. Take the quickest route to University College Cork, down the hill from the gaol and across the Daly Bridge, and down the Ferry Walk. Keep straight and cross Western Road. Follow Western Road on the left until you come to the gates of the college. The university was established in 1845 as one of the three Queen's Colleges in Ireland (the others were at Belfast and Galway). Start with the Quadrangle Buildings built in 1849, and the Stone Corridor, which houses a good collection of Ogham Stones. The Honan Chapel possesses stained glass by Harry Clarke and a mosaic floor featuring the twelve signs of the zodiac; an unusual feature for a Catholic church.

Walk back down Western Road towards the city centre. On the Grand Parade you'll find two entrances to the English Market. This old market sells all types of foods and provides an insight into the culinary culture of the city. Once you have finished feasting your eyes, follow Patrick's Street to MacCurtain Street and keep going until you reach Kent Railway Station.

The train to Cobh leaves at 25 minutes past the hour (except on Sundays), and takes about 25 minutes. Cobh is a beautiful harbour town; it's situated on The Great Island, one of three islands in Cork Harbour. The tiny windy streets (built for a horse and carriage only) are reminiscent of the back streets of Cork. The Queenstown Exhibition is in the railway station and will tell you all you need to know about the town and its history.

There is a lot to do in Cobh for the afternoon. The Blarney Woollen Mills in the station is a great place for picking up gifts for loved ones. The Sirius Arts Centre is located nearby and if you are interested in modern art you are sure to find much of interest. The Maritime Museum is another popular place to visit. St Colman's Cathedral dominates the whole town. This cathedral took 47 years to build and was constructed between 1868 and 1915. It has a carillon of 49 bells, the largest one weighing 3400kg. If you're feeling a bit tired from all this activity, why not enjoy a relaxing harbour cruise?

The return trains leave at five minutes to the hour. It is worth noting that this train also passes through Fota Wildlife Park, another of the islands. A visit here takes up a whole day, but is well worth it.

If you're wondering where to dine, try The Ivory Tower on Prince's Street. This is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Cork. The chef, Seamus O'Connell, is a culinary alchemist. If the idea of guinea fowl braised in Beamish Stout or a Bloody Mary Oyster appeals, this could be just the place for you!

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City Centre

Cork
Ireland

St. Patrick's Street runs through the heart of the city. It offers a host of shopping opportunities and boasts some of Europe's largest retail chains. Oliver Plunkett Street, which runs partly parallel to Patrick's Street, bustles with smaller shops, life and colour. Second-hand books, hand-made chocolates, an infinite array of surprises can be found in the alleyways and lanes around this central shopping district. Heading west, one comes to the English Market, the culinary heart of Cork, boasting a huge array of fresh local produce, and tantalising international delicacies. Following St. Patrick's Street eastwards leads to the statue of Father Mathew, much respected founding father of the Irish Temperance Movement. Tucked off to the left, one finds the Cork Opera House, venue for national and international theatre, opera, and concerts.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Cork City Gaol

Restored jail complete with furnished cells Convent Avenue
Sunday's Well
Cork, Co.Cork
Ireland
+353 21 430 5022
http://www.corkcitygaol.com/ A twenty-minute walk west of the city center will take you up to the restored and atmospheric City Gaol, complete with furnished cells. Both the exhibition and multimedia display trace the lives of individual inmates imprisoned here during the 19th and 20th centuries. Conditions were miserable: as one punishment, for example, prisoners were made to run on a human treadmill that was used to grind grain. There is also a cafe in the Gaol which employs a somewhat amusing gimmick: visitors are "free" to choose between sampling a Victorian prisoner's fare or the prison governor's menu. Which one would you choose?

Review © 2007, Wcities

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English Market

Unique, sensory experience Grand Parade
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 492 4334 The English Market is one of Cork's greatest assets, with an array of butchers selling traditional Cork meats, fruit and veggie shops selling at discount prices, fishmongers, Italian and French cheese stalls, fresh bread stands and more. Early in the morning, chefs from various restaurants and cafes drop in to buy their supplies. During the day, many residents of the city pass through to do their own shopping. It is also popular with visitors as it is a unique shopping experience that really should not to be missed.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Ivory Tower

Inspirational organic food The Exchange Buildings
35 Princes Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 4665 If you feel that you deserve a real treat, then The Ivory Tower is the place to go. The menu is inspired, changes daily, and includes seafood, game, and vegetarian specialities. There is a strong emphasis on wild and organic food, while smoked shrimp and sushi have been known to appear as surprise tasters. Blackened swordfish with banana ketchup, venison served with spinach in a bitter chocolate sauce, and organic fillet steak are among the dishes served here. It's also very refreshing to be able to enjoy this marvellous culinary experience in the comfort of a comparatively casual atmosphere.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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University College

Seat of learning College Road
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 490 3000
http://www.ucc.ie/ The elegant campus of University College Cork lies a little to the west of the city centre. The College was founded as Queen's College in 1845 and today is a constituent college of the National University of Ireland. The main buildings were ranged about three sides of a quadrangle, with the lecture rooms in the West Wing, the towered entrance, examination hall and library in the North Wing, and the residents of the President and Vice-President in the East Wing. Some vestiges of this scheme remain today. The president's garden behind the East Wing was originally walled off but is now open to students. The College is also home to the Boole Library and the Granary Theatre.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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