Weekender: Cork, Ireland

As well as being an interesting city in its own right, Cork makes a great base for exploring Ireland’s south coast..

Headline attraction
The Cork Gaol, which was used from 1823 to 1923, is a vivid reminder of Ireland’s difficult past. The cells and cell blocks do a great job in recreating the hellish living conditions in prison. Despite this, things were so bad during the potato famine of 1846-49 that people committed crimes so they’d at least get food and shelter inside.

Best of the rest
Cork Harbour is the second biggest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney), and it’s well worth exploring. There are picturesque villages dotted along the shore, while the harbour itself is great for fishing and dolphin spotting.

Chow down
The strangely named English Market is a great place to stock up on fresh, quality food. It’s also home to the Farmgate Restaurant, which serves up authentic Irish meals.

Try the local tipple
Murphy’s and Beamish are the beers of choice in southern Ireland. Both taste similar to Guinness – Murphy's is a little darker, and Beamish a little lighter.

For a genuine Irish pub or three without the crowds of Dublin, Cork is the place to be. There’s a mix of drinking holes, from trendy to grungy. Try Sin é and Dan Lowrey’s north of the river, or the many bars along Oliver Plunkett and St Patrick’s Streets.

Out of town
Just 8km north of Cork is Blarney Castle, an impressive 500-year-old fort. But this isn’t the main attraction here. Tourists arrive in droves to kiss the Blarney Stone so they can get the gift of eloquence. Blarney Castle is half an hour by bus from Cork.

A bit of history
The tranquil scenic harbourside town of Cobh (half an hour by train from Cork) was where millions of poor Irish emigrants sailed from in search of a better life in the new world. Cobb was also the last port of call for the Titanic before she sank.

Need to know

When to go: All year round but be prepared for the elements

Getting there: Flights from £58

Money: Euro - Check out Currency Converter for the latest rates

Getting around: A hire car or group tour is best unless you’re taking it slowly. Most of the attractions in Cork itself are within walking distance

Accommodation: Hotels from £69