Staycation Special: "Few cities pack as much personality per square mile as Cork"

Cork City

Few cities pack as much personality per square mile as Cork. From the rich history that’s still felt in the streets, to modern-day innovations from proudly independent creatives and rebel-spirited entrepreneurs, the city has carved out a unique identity within Ireland – making it the perfect spot for a weekend escape.

You could dedicate an entire weekend to Cork’s markets alone – from the 235-year-old English Market (try a sausage sandwich from O’Flynn’s) in the heart of the city, to exciting spots like Marina Market, Cork’s largest indoor market, with over 35 full-time food vendors. From the latter, you can stroll along the River Lee, via the revamped Marina Promenade walk, all the way out to the Blackrock Village Sunday Market.

For delicious local produce, you should also check out the Coal Quay Market (Saturday mornings), or, for some unexpected vintage finds, Mother Jones Flea Market (2 York St).

Marina Market

Cork’s impact on the Irish music scene is also long-established – from legends like Rory Gallagher, to bright new acts like Cardinals and Cliffords. If you want to catch a gig while you’re in the city, you’re guaranteed a special night at the intimate Coughlan’s, or at the historic Live at St Luke’s, a BYOB spot inside a former church.

You’ll also find brilliant acts at Cyprus Avenue, Crane Lane Theatre, Cork Opera House, the newly reopened Savoy, or (for something a little louder) Fred Zeppelins – as well as major shows at Live at the Marquee and Virgin Media Park during the summer months.

Smithereens Live at St. Lukes on October 23rd, 2025. Copyright Trevor McGrath/ hotpress.com

After a wander around Fitzgerald’s Park the next day, and over the famous Shakey Bridge, you’ll probably deserve a pint – and thankfully, there’s no shortage of spots to sample the stout, whether you swear allegiance to Beamish or Murphy’s. There’s great pubs dotted throughout the city, including Dennehy’s (11 Cornmarket St), The Oval Bar (25 S Main St), Sin É (8 Coburg St), The Friary (62 Shandon St) and, of course, the no-phones-allowed Hi-B (108 Oliver Plunkett St).

Dennehy's

Where To Stay:

There’s a range of options, depending on your budget – from luxurious hotels like The Montenotte (Middle Glanmire Rd) and The River Lee (Western Rd), to somewhat more affordable spots like The Metropole Hotel (MacCurtain St) and The Lancaster Lodge (Western Rd), in addition to the familiar chains.

The Montenotte

Where To Eat:

For lunch, it’s hard to beat the colourful tasters mix – and all the other gorgeous Palestinian dishes – at the beloved Izz Café (13-14 George’s Quay). Later in the evening, put in your order at the authentic Japanese takeaway Miyazaki (1A Evergreen St) – the tori tatsuta don is delicious. Seating inside the takeaway is very limited, but you’re welcome to bring your food to the pub across the road, O’Sho (13 Barrack St).

Izz Cafe

Don’t Miss:

With its iconic gold salmon weathervane, Shandon Tower is one of the most well-known landmarks on the city’s skyline – and the 360-degree view from the top is exceptional. On the way up, you’ll get a chance to ring the tower’s famous bells, and see the inner-workings of the so-called ‘four-faced liar’ clock.

Shandon Tower

Read the full Staycation Special in the current issue of Hot Press: