Car Hire Cork - Mini guide to Cork

Cork is a vibrant, laid back city, dating back to the first millennium. Easily explored on foot, it is soaked in Irish charm and is well placed for exploring the lovely countryside of West Cork.

The city sits beneath a hilly ridge beside the river Lee and the main town is situated between two of its tributaries. A stroll along the river provides a few picturesque spots, notably beside Fitzgerald's Park. St Ann's Church in Shandon has a magnificent bell tower affording good views of the city. Other magnificent buildings include St Finn Barres Cathedral and remains of the old city walls in Elizabeth’s Fort.

The pedestrian streets in the small city centre are full of wonderful pubs and restaurants. Ireland is often wet and its real attraction can often be found inside the pubs, appreciating a smoothly poured pint of Guinness and the endless chatter of the Irish. Furthermore their music is legendary and the familiar ‘diddley aye’ sounds drift across the city every evening.

Popular attractions within the city include; the English market, the epic adventure exhibition of the 1796 Armada, the restored Cork City gaol, Cork visitors centre and Desmond Castle.

The major suburbs in Cork are: Blackrock, Churchfield, Douglas, Fairhill, Glasheen, Hollyhill, Hollymount, Lee, Shandon and The Lough.