12 Step Planet: Cork

Where exactly is it?
The largest county and second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Cork is located in the south-west, around 220 km from the capital. 

How do I get there?  
Being well connected by bus, car and Inter City train routes, Cork is easy to reach. Motorways like the N8 from Dublin, N25 from Waterford and N20 from Limerick connect to all major cities while Bus Éireann and Irish Rail operate from the centre of town. Bus Éireann’s Dublin to Cork Expressway bus leaves Parnell Place bus station every two hours while both the Galway (via Limerick) and Tralee to Cork Expressway routes operate hourly. Trains to Limerick, Galway, Dublin and Waterford run out of Kent Station.

What language do they speak?
The same English as the rest of the country, but the Cork accent is a thing unto itself! 

What’s the local beer like?
Recent years have seen the growth of craft breweries in the county with the well-established Franciscan Well leading the charge. Their Shandon Century Extra Stout was named ‘Beer of the Year’ by members of beoir.org. Their Rebel Red ale is also recommended. Mitchelstown-based Eight Degrees Brewing is another growing presence. It produces Howling Gale Ale, Knockmealdown Porter and Sunburnt Irish Red ale. And of course Murphy’s and Beamish are popular stouts of long standing.

Other drinks?
With the Jameson Heritage Centre in Midleton visitors can learn the history of Jameson Irish Whiskey before going to the bar for some Irish whiskey tasting. 

What’s the transport like?
The area is served by 18 Bus Éireann suburban routes while suburban train routes link the city with the outer areas of Midleton, Fota and Cobh.

What’s the food like?
Traditional Cork fare includes Drisheen, a type of pudding made from sheep’s intestines filled with meal and sheeps’ blood, often served with tripe. You can sample it at Farmgate Café, the gallery restaurant of the famed English Market. For those who fancy something a little less traditional (and intestinal) the renowned eaterie boasts a lunch menu sourced from the fresh produce the market stalls have to offer. At Lancaster Quay, critically-acclaimed vegetarian restaurant Café Paradiso is a popular haunt and should please both veggies and meat-lovers alike with their focus on good food that just happens to be vegetarian. 
Outside the city, Midleton’s Farmgate Restaurant and Country Store, the Farmgate Café’s sister restaurant, champions regionally-sourced food. It was awarded Food & Wine Magazine’s ‘Good Cooking Award 2011’. Plus the ‘gourmet capital of Ireland’ Kinsale is home to the Kinsale Good Food Circle, 11 restaurants that have banded together to offer a diverse range of high-quality dining. The group also hosts the Kinsale Gourmet festival every October.

What’s the nightlife like?
With two colleges in the city (UCC and CIT), nightlife is vibrant. One of the most popular clubs is Freakscene, the city’s longest-running alternative night. It recently moved to a new venue, The Roxy, and takes place every Thursday. Cubins on Hanover St. and Gorbys on Oliver Plunkett Street are popular student spots while the long-established An Brog, another Oliver Plunkett St. venue, is popular. Open until 2am every night, admission is free and prices reasonable. Live music is a regular feature.
The Pavillion in Cork’s Huguenot Quarter offers live gigs, regular club nights and a late bar Thursday to Saturday. Caroline Street’s Cyprus Avenue is another great spot to catch live acts. During the summer Live at the Marquee in the Docklands hosts big name touring acts. Cork Opera House also has a range of theatre, comedy, concerts and of course, opera.
When it comes to beer gardens, the aforementioned Franciscan Well Brewery has one at North Mall. Both covered and heated it’s an excellent venue throughout the year.  

Why should I go?
Cork’s profile has risen since it was named ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2005. It was listed as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2010’. With so many students, the city has a young, vibrant feel.

What are the touristy things to do?
Tradition says that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be rewarded with the gift of eloquence, or the ‘gift of the gab’. Set in stone beneath the battlements of Blarney Castle, visitors have to lean backwards from the paparet (holding an iron railing) and lay a smacker on the granite. A steady stream of tourists visit each year Afterwards, a visit to St. Anne’s Church to ring the eight Shandon Bells, weighing over six tonnes, is worth considering.
Further afield, a trip to the Titanic’s last port of call, harbour town Cobh, is particularly fitting as this year marks the centenary of the ship’s sinking. Cobh is also the home of the ‘Deck of Cards’, the steepest hill in Ireland.  
For all animal lovers, Fota Wildlife Park is a must. Set on Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour, the park is very different to a zoo, as the animals can range freely in natural-style habitats.

Anything else?
Coastal resort Youghal’s three blue flag beaches, 18-hole golf course and packed events calendar are just a taste of what awaits visitors to the scenic seaside town. Named a Heritage Town by Bord Fáilte, Youghal is on the mouth of Ireland’s best salmon fishing river and is a great destination for families and watersports enthusiasts. 

Anything to avoid?
The traditional rivalry between Dublin and Cork means the so-called capital can be a touchy subject for some Corkonians.

What should I bring home?
A Cork City jersey, available from the club store on St Patrick’s Street. Back in the Premier Division, City are once again the country’s best supported soccer team.

When should I go?
There’s something happening throughout the year. But best to go in summer if you want the finest weather.

What’s my challenge?
The regional slang can be a challenge for visitors. But if you don’t act the langer, you’ll soon get the hang of it.  

What’s the currency?
Like the rest of the country, Cork adopted the Euro back in 2002.