Cork

The second largest city on the island, Cork, offers travelers on an Ireland vacation a taste of Irish culture and excitement. This city is famed for some of the most traditional Irish cuisine - brave travelers may try: crubeens, tripe and drisheen - but you may want to wait to ask your waiter what it is until you've finished your meal.

Cork

• Situated in the southwest corner of Ireland, is one of the counties on the island to see the most sunlight each year, and Cork City is uniquely located on an island between two channels of the Lee River.

• One of the most conveniently designed cities means tourists can take advantage of the many pedestrian streets to get around - St. Patrick's Street is most famous for its line of shops, each brightly painted in a different color.

• Quenches its visitors thirst with Murphy's Irish Red, Cork's hometown Irish brew, found in every Irish pub you'll find.

• Is the only city in Ireland to rival Dublin's restaurant scene and vivacious nightlife - with stylish new clubs to offset the traditional Irish pubs.

• Hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Cork Midsummer Festival, which has locals and tourists alike partying through the streets into the early morning hours.

• Offers those looking for the most famous Ireland highlights the opportunity to view the tallest building in Ireland - County Hall (a skyscraper surrounded almost entirely by fields), and the longest building in Ireland - Atkins Hall (built in the Victorian times is now residential housing).

Bring your appetite and expect to be entertained on your Ireland vacation stop in Cork.  Never again may you be tempted to try the exotic Irish cuisine, nor have the opportunity to take in so much culture and enthusiasm in one day as you will in Cork.

Attractions

Countrywide Pub Crawl (Countrywide)

We've planned an event that will surely challenge even the most loyal pub patrons! Visit our hand-picked selection of 20+ of the best pubs across Ireland! Don't worry...you have seven full days to do this, so pace yourself and remember it's a marathon, not a race. Visit all 20 and you'll be rewarded!

*AVAILABLE IN 2009!

Blarney Castle and Stone

The Blarney Castle, located northwest of Cork in Blarney Village, was built by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, almost 600 years ago and still stands as a partial ruin today. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is also home to the Stone of Eloquence, also called the Blarney Stone. Kiss it and gain the gift the eloquence!

Hotels

Clarion Hotel

This contemporary, picturesque property overlooking the River Lee is located in the heart of Cork City Quarter.  The Clarion Hotel in Cork will be a charming fit you’ll call home during your stay in this bustling cosmopolitan city.  Not only does the Clarion Hotel offer guests a modern environment with the most spectacular views of the city, this hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, indoor heated pool, hot tub, gym and is only walking distance to some of the city’s most impressive tourist hot-spots.