24 HOURS IN CORK CITY
Cork City shares its name with the county that it resides in, and is one of the largest cities of Ireland. Cork City can be seen as a homebase as you bounce around to other gorgeous areas in close proximity (like Cobh and Kinsale). In addition, there are some gems that I would like to share with you below if you do find your way to this city!
First start by checking into the fabulous Hayfield Manor Hotel, a five-star hotel that is within walking distance from the city centre, while still being far enough removed from the congestion of the city. Hayfield Manor is situated in a lovely brick building with cascading ivy, and staff will surely give you a warm welcome. Once you drop off your bags, walk to the Shandon Bells and Tower of St. Anne’s Church (while passing the hotel’s little aviary on the way out to peep at chickens and doves)!
Hayfield Manor Hotel
The tower of St. Anne’s Church offers 360-degree views over Cork City after ascending 132 steps (with a pleasant number of opportunities to stop along the way). However, the real treat here is the chance to ring the Shandon Bells. This rare experience allows you to ring the bells of the tower, completely unaccompanied. You just grab the ropes and the bells will ring! There are even some songs laid out so that you can try your hand at playing tunes like Ode to Joy and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Note that you are given earmuffs that you must wear when you get to the third level. This is so when other people are playing the bells, you will not go deaf!! Once you reach the top of the tower and are outside looking over at the city, I found that you no longer needed the earmuffs.
CJ ringing the Shandon Bells
Next, walk to St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This Anglican cathedral is named after the person who originally founded the monastic settlement of Cork in the 6th century, Saint Finbarr. The church is absolutely gorgeous both inside and out, designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870. However, Christian worship on this site dates back even further to the seventh century!
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Just a stone’s throw away (or a cannonball’s throw away) from the cathedral is Elizabeth Fort. In fact, a cannonball was shot from Elizabeth Fort during the siege of Cork in 1690, and it can be seen suspended inside the church today! Elizabeth Fort was named after Queen Elizabeth I, and was built in 1601. Since then, it has been used as a military barracks and then a prison (notably a holding cell to transport criminals to Australia). Climb up the fort to see some lovely views of the city, and to see St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral from a different vantage point!
inside Elizabeth Fort
On your way back to the hotel, cut through the University College Cork campus (not just for students!) to enjoy the beautiful buildings. Then enjoy massages at the Hayfield Manor spa before indulging in dinner at Perrott’s Garden Bistro, a restaurant at the hotel with windows for walls to let the light in. The next day, you can drive 30 minutes to Kinsale, 25 minutes to Cobh, an hour to Killarney, or any other area you seek!
Fun fact: while Guinness and Ireland are synonymous, Murphy’s – like Guinness – is an Irish stout and it is specifically brewed in Cork. Be sure to grab a pint before you leave!
