Cork City
Ireland’s second city has always had an unshakeable self-confidence and innate sense of pride, despite, or perhaps because of its (inaccurate) perception as Dublin’s pushy, clothes-borrowing, style-imitating younger sister. The stock of the so-called ‘Rebel County’ has been on the rise even more since it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2005: modern glass-and-steel offices and apartment buildings adorn the banks of the River Lee; new galleries, arts festivals, bars and shops have added to the city’s cache; and restaurants and local food producers have come into their own to make Cork a foodie paradise.
While Cork has some of Ireland’s most traditional and historical towns and villages dotted along its vast harbour and throughout its countryside, its city centre crackles with youthful energy. That’s thanks in large part to award-winning University College Cork (UCC), which each year pumps out new graduates – and therefore new life, enthusiasm and ideas – into the city. The cumulative effect of all these influences means Cork is at the top of its game right now: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse, while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit.
While Cork has some of Ireland’s most traditional and historical towns and villages dotted along its vast harbour and throughout its countryside, its city centre crackles with youthful energy. That’s thanks in large part to award-winning University College Cork (UCC), which each year pumps out new graduates – and therefore new life, enthusiasm and ideas – into the city. The cumulative effect of all these influences means Cork is at the top of its game right now: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse, while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit.
Transport connections to Cork
Cork is very well connected both nationally and internationally.
If visiting from abroad, check out the flight destination map from Cork Airport at http://www.corkairport.com/.
There are cheap flights to Cork Airport from many parts of Europe. Just check out the following websites for Ireland's national carriers:
www.aerlingus.com
www.ryanair.com
Dublin Airport is very well connected to all of Europe. Passengers travelling to Cork Tango Festival via Dublin can connect with buses departing from the airport terminus every hour and travelling direct to Cork City centre, a journey of approx. two and a half to three hours.
Check out:
www.aircoach.ie
www.gobe.ie
If planning to travel by train, check out http://www.irishrail.ie/. Train travel from Dublin is efficient and runs every hour, but book early for the best fares.
Taxis are available at Cork Airport which is 15 minutes from the city centre; and also from the railway station and bus terminus which are less than five minutes' walk from the Metropole hotel.
If visiting from abroad, check out the flight destination map from Cork Airport at http://www.corkairport.com/.
There are cheap flights to Cork Airport from many parts of Europe. Just check out the following websites for Ireland's national carriers:
www.aerlingus.com
www.ryanair.com
Dublin Airport is very well connected to all of Europe. Passengers travelling to Cork Tango Festival via Dublin can connect with buses departing from the airport terminus every hour and travelling direct to Cork City centre, a journey of approx. two and a half to three hours.
Check out:
www.aircoach.ie
www.gobe.ie
If planning to travel by train, check out http://www.irishrail.ie/. Train travel from Dublin is efficient and runs every hour, but book early for the best fares.
Taxis are available at Cork Airport which is 15 minutes from the city centre; and also from the railway station and bus terminus which are less than five minutes' walk from the Metropole hotel.
Getting information about other events in Cork
Whazon.com is an excellent site listing entertainment, events and accommodation. Cork City Council has comprehensive information about the geography, history and culture of Cork in the About Cork section of their website. Well worth checking out.
