Cork City and coastline
Cork has a wide variety of delights to offer, from locally-sourced dishes to Ireland’s most famous whiskey to beautiful coastline views.
The Island of Ireland offers an incredible blend of stunning landscapes and rich culture. Its culinary scene features everything from traditional dishes to innovative fine dining cuisine. The friendliness of the locals enhances every visit, inviting you to connect with their stories and traditions. Autumn and Winter are quieter times, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique experiences.
Flights from GB to Dublin, Galway, Cork and Belfast are regularly served by Aer Lingus, Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways. Popular departure airports include London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. Direct flights usually take between 1 and 1.5 hours and there are great deals to be found during the off-season.
Witness the Island of Ireland’s emerald hues transform into vivid gold and red from the comfort of a historic pub, bustling with friendly locals. Or, spend an afternoon tracing the footsteps of literary greats along twisting cobbled paths. Ireland’s great cities have much to offer at any time of year, but this is a nation made for colder climes. Warming up in a cosy nook after an afternoon of adventure is a rite of passage for any holiday to Ireland, as well as exploring vibrant markets, museums and galleries that reflect the island’s rich history and culture.
Dublin, Ireland’s charming capital, is the perfect getaway. Here you’ll find the stalwarts of Irish identity—wander around ornate Trinity College and marvel at the Book of Kells, a masterpiece of medieval literature. Of course, a trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a dram at the Jameson Distillery. Don’t miss the equally iconic Guinness Storehouse, where the famous stout is brewed, and enjoy a pint direct from the source with panoramic views of the city. With the beautiful Dublin coast just a stone’s throw away, you’ll easily escape the urban bustle if you fancy a change of pace.
Galway is a labyrinth of quaint independent businesses that curve around its picturesque bay. Its windswept location directly on the Atlantic Coast makes it a culinary hub—foodies shouldn’t miss the annual Oyster Festival in September which celebrates the region’s myriad culinary offerings. Given its energetic student crowd and increasingly bohemian population, Galway is a hip and vibrant city with a full calendar of events. Nearby, Connemara showcases breathtaking landscapes of rugged, rolling hills. Galway is also the perfect vantage point for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, possibly the most prominent example of Ireland’s natural beauty.
Cork is a quaint concoction of both old and new. There’s a notable hipster scene, and you’ll find more artisanal coffee shops than you could ever need in a short break. However, the heart of Cork is still proudly traditional. Longer nights mean live music every night in cosy pubs serving renowned local produce. The Butter Museum and English Market are foodie highlights which showcase the region’s flavours. Head out to nearby Cobh for a pinch of Titanic history. Additionally, Cork is an excellent starting point for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Belfast is on the up. After all, this is the hometown of CS Lewis, George Best and Van Morrison, where impressive political street art sits alongside traditional bars, modern music venues, historic monuments and hip restaurants showcasing local and international flavours. History lovers will enjoy The Titanic Belfast, a well-curated museum telling the story of the ill-fated ship. Thrill seekers should take a walk along The Gobbins, a wild and dramatic cliff-side walk, and just a short drive away, the Giant’s Causeway captivates with its unique basalt columns and breathtaking coastal scenery.