Short Breaks in Cork, Ireland
June 4, 2009 by Craig Walker
Filed under Flights
Getting to Cork for a short break is easy as there are direct flights with Jet 2 Airlines who operate a regular service from Newcastle to Cork and a great fares. When you get there you have a great selection of accommodation to choose from. There are Bed and breakfast properties to five star luxury in the Hayfield Manor Hotel located a short walk from the centre of Cork.
Cork got its name from the Irish work corcach which when translated means marshy place. Cork today is very different and is now the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The Rive Lee flows through the city and joins the Lough Mahon and helps create one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Cork is still a major seaport and has lots of quays and docks
Originally founded by St Finbarr some time in the sixth century its charter was granted in 1185 by King John. Cork became an important trading port with the Scandinavians however this also attracted unwanted visitors such as Vikings and Norsemen who attacked Cork. The city was once fully walled and some of the wall remains today.
Weather in Cork is generally mild all year with no excessive extremes in Winter or in Summer. The climate is generally mild, moist and can be changeable. Cork has a lot of foggy days and despite this is still the sunniest city in Ireland with an average of almost four hours of sunshine in the summer months.
Whilst visiting Cork for your short break you will find lots of things to do and see. The architecture in Cork is particularly impressive and you can see many of the beautiful buildings if you take a tour bus around the city. The most famous building is probably the Church Tower of Shandon, which dominates the north side of Cork. St Patrick’s Street is a pedestrian friendly route through the main shopping area. Make sure you visit Blarney Castle, Charles Fort and you could even visit the Greyhound Stadium one evening
Cork has the usual quota of fast food restaurants you would see in most cities around the world. There is also a good selection of mid price family owned ones offering good value food at a good price. For those wanting something a bit more special you will not be disappointed with the choice. There are plenty of pubs and bars and nightlife to keep anyone happy.