Short Breaks in Cork

Posted on | December 4, 2008 |

Cork is a great place to visit and has ample accommodation from the more basic family owned bed and breakfast to the more luxurious five star Hayfield Manor Hotel which is only a ten minutes stroll into the city centre. Getting direct flights from Newcastle to Cork is easy by simply booking with Jet2 airlines who operate regular flights from Newcastle to Cork.

Cork got its name from the Irish work corcach which when translated means marshy place. Cork today is very different and is now the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The Rive Lee flows through the city and joins the Lough Mahon and helps create one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Cork is still a major seaport and has lots of quays and docks

Thanks to St. Finbarr who founded the City way back in the sixth century and then got recognition as a city in 1185 when it received its charter by King John. Due to its natural harbour Cork became a major trading port particularly with its trade with Scandinavian merchants. However not all of the visitors to Cork came looking for trade and Cork was regularly attacked by the Vikings and Norsemen.

Weather in Cork is generally mild all year with no excessive extremes in Winter or in Summer. The climate is generally mild, moist and can be changeable. Cork has a lot of foggy days and despite this is still the sunniest city in Ireland with an average of almost four hours of sunshine in the summer months.

There are lots of places to visit whilst visiting Cork and a lot of architectural buildings of note. The most famous building in Cork is the church tower of Shandon, which dominates the northern side of the city. St Patrick’s Street is a main street, which has been renovated and is now a pedestrian friendly route through the main shopping area. Don’t forget to visit Blarney Castle, Charles Fort and perhaps a visit to the greyhound Stadium.

Shops ranging from market stalls to boutiques offering the latest fashion from famous designer labels. There are lots of different shopping centres and areas including the most popular St Patrick’s Street, which is a pedestrian area. The restaurants range from the usual fast food restaurants as seen anywhere in the world to some of the more specialized ones offering excellent cuisine.

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