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Cork
City (4miles 7km)
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A short drive through rolling countryside takes you to Cork city.
It is Ireland's second city and is well known for the warmth and
friendliness of the local people. The best way to capture the excitement
of any city is to walk about in the streets, see the buildings,
meet the people and sample the flavour of life.
Cork City Trail
This is a do-it-yourself walking tour through some of the more interesting
and historical parts of the city. Tourist Trail information booklets
are available at Blarney Tourist Office or, if you prefer a guided
walking tour of the city contact Valerie Fleury at Tel +353 021
- 293873 May to August.
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Bus Tour
Take the lazy way out! Enjoy Cork from the pleasant Open Top Bus Tour
of Cork. A most enjoyable experience. Contact Cork Tourist Office at Tel
+353 021-273251
Cork City Gaol
Despite its majestic appearance, this prison housed 19th century prisoners
in wretched conditions. Furnished cells, amazing lifelike characters,
sound effects and a spectacular sound and image presentation showing contrasting
lifestyles in 19th century Cork showing why people turned to crime. An
experience not to be missed. Open 7 days. Tel +353 021 - 305022
Radio Museum Experience, Cork City Gaol
Spectacular radio exhibition situated in the original broadcasting studio
(6CK) at Cork City Gaol. Magical artefacts of early broadcasting, interactive
exhibition dealing with Marconi, Birth of Radio, Notable Irish and World
events and personalities. Open 7 days. Tel +353 021 - 305022
St. Anne's Church, Shandon
Built in 1720 the Pepper Pot Top of the Steeple is unusual in that two
sides of the Tower are in limestone and two are in sandstone. The Tower
contains the famous Shandon Bells which visitors may ring. The view from
the top of the 120 foot Steeple is well worth the effort to get there.
The Butter Exchange
This is near Shandon Church. Opened in 1770 it was the largest Butter
Exchange in the world. By 1892 the Butter Market was exporting 500,000
casks of butter all over the world. Today it houses the Shandon Craft
Centre
Firkin Crane Centre
Converted from its former use as a cooperage to a centre for the Arts
and Live Theatrical Performances. Tel +353 021 - 507487
The Lough
The Lough, on the outskirts of Cork city is a noted centre for wildlife
especially Canada Geese, Swans and many other breeds of birds. Don't forget
the bag of bread!
University College Cork (click
here)
'Where Finbarr taught, let Munster learn'. Enjoy a ramble through
the gardens taking time to visit the Honan Chapel, the main feature of
which is a series of stained glass windows designed by Harry Clarke and
Sarah Purser. Guided Tours available. Tel Cork Tourist Office at +353
021 - 273251
Fitzgerald's Park
Situated off the Western Road, this is a pleasant place to relax. The
Municipal Museum in the Park contains a most interesting collection of
exhibits, which trace the history of Cork from the earliest times to the
present day.
St. Finbarr's Cathedral
(click
here)
This is a splendid triple-spire example of French Gothic Architecture.
It stands where St. Finbarr established his Monastic school around 650AD.
Among its most striking features are the fine rose window, the Mosaic
pavements and the elaborate carving throughout. St. Finbarr's Cathedral
is the Diocesan Seat of the Church of Ireland in Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
Christchurch Archive Centre
Situated in South Main Street, this former church has been converted into
an archives centre for the city. If you are searching for Cork roots,
a visit to the centre may prove most informative. Open Monday to Friday
(by appointment). Tel +353 021 - 277809.
Cork Heritage Centre, Bessboro, Blackrock (click
here)
This centre offers the visitor a varied and fascinating introduction to
different aspects of Cork's rich heritage ranging from the story of the
Pike family (who lived on the estate from 1820 - 1921) to local ecology,
Cork's Archaeological Heritage, Cork's Maritime Heritage, the history
of Cork's Fire Service and to the story of Cork's Transport. Open April
- September, 10.30am - 5.00pm. Tel +353 021 - 358851.
Red Abbey
Located off Sullivan's Quay, this is the oldest piece of Architecture
surviving in the city. A late Medieval Abbey of the Canons of St. Augustine.
Elizabeth Fort
Situated off Barrack Street, this was built in the late 16th century and
converted into a prison in 1835. Open to the public, the Fort commands
fine views of the city from its walls.
The Crawford Art Gallery (click
here)
Located at Emmet Place, the was originally built in 1724 as the Customs
House. It houses an active Gallery with frequently-changing exhibitions.
LEISURE IN CORK
Theatre
For the theatre-goer, there is a wide selection of theatres to choose
from: The Opera House Tel +353 021 - 270022 The Everyman Palace Tel +353
021 - 501673 The Triskel Arts Centre Tel +353 021 - 272002 UCC's Granary
Theatre Tel +353 021 - 904272 Cork Arts and Theatres Club Tel +353 021
- 508398
Cinemas (click
here)
There are 5 cinemas within easy reach of Blarney: Capital Cineplex, Grand
Parade; Cinema World, Douglas; The Gate Multiplex, North Gate Bridge;
The Reel Picture, Ballincollig. The Kino Cinema on Washington Street screens
Irish and foreign films. See local press for details.
Night Clubs
It would be impossible to list all of the Night Clubs in Cork city. These
clubs cater for a wide variety of age groups and music preferences. Ask
in the local pubs for information on the clubs best suited to you.
Mardyke Centre
Take the children to Advertureland and to ten pin bowling of enjoy a game
of snooker. Open 7 days. Tel +353 021 - 270276
The Victoria Sporting Club
Enjoy snooker. Tel +353 021 - 503344
Colliseum Sportsbowl/Leisureplex
Enjoy a game of quasar or ten pin bowling. Open 7 days. Tel +353 021 -
508700
Go Kart Racing
Located at the Sunbeam Centre, Commons Road. Experience the thrill of
speed one inch off the ground. Daytona Karting. Tel +353 021 - 398122/315715.
Open 7 days, 12 midday to 11pm.
Swimming
Be as relaxed or competitive as you wish in the new Bishopstown Leisure
Complex. Swimming Pool, Gymnasium and Steam Room. Open to the public 7
days. Tel +353 021 - 346505
Tennis Village
Located on the Model Farm Road. Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Booking required. Tel +353 021 - 342727
Cork Harbour Cruises
Enjoy a trip around the second largest natural harbour in the world. Tel
+353 021 - 277085
Dunsland Gardens
Glanmire Dunslands Gardens is a private estate dating back to 1872. In
its hey-day, it was a unique example of woodland garden complete with
glen, stream, waterfall and natural rockery. The gardens are currently
being restored by Peter Dowdall and are now open to the public. Tel +353
021 - 354949
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