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Cork Journals

Pre-Christmas Cork

A December 2006 trip to Cork by fizzytom

Quote: A weekend trip to Cork City in the run up to Christmas - how and where to best take in the unique Corkonian spirit.
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Pre-Christmas Cork Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
Many local attractions are closed in the winter but it's great fun just to stroll the streets, stopping here and there to warm up in an Irish pub. Don't miss the opportunity to ring the Shandon bells before climbing the bell tower for sweeping views of the city. Take the bus (or drive) out to Blarney to see the castle and kiss the world famous Blarney Stone - reputed to give the person who kisses it the gift of the gab.Take a ride out to Cobh - not only stunning seaside scenery but of historical importance as the site from which many emigrants to America left Irish shores. Don't forget to try a drop of the local stout - Beamish - in one of the little back street bars preferably!Quick Tips:...Read More
Quote:
Run by husband and wife Paddy and Jane Howe, this lovely house has two guests bedrooms to let. As soon as you enter this comfortable and spacious townhouse you see all manner of lovely pieces of art - ceramics, paintings, wall hangings, and more. The guest rooms are on the first floor as is the small guest shower room/toilet. Hot water was available throughout our visit. Our room had two single beds, a wardrobe, dressing table, and easy chair. It also had a small washbasin. There were tea and coffee making facilities in the room and Paddy brought fresh milk and tea bags just after we arrived.The beds were warm and comfortable, the room clean and nicely furnished. The area was peaceful ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 28, 2006

Sunmount Bed and Breakfast
1 Sunmount, Military Hill
Cork, Ireland
+353 (0) 214 505 442

The Red Pepper Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
We initially dismissed The Red Pepper because it looked like a chain, but when we went back later and gave it a try, we were pleasantly surprised by the interesting menu. On the surface it looks like just another pizza joint, but look more closely at those menus and you'll find a wealth of surprises, including some local specialties like Clonakilty black pudding thoughtfully included as a pizza topping (on the West Cork Pizza), as well as Irish Cashel Blue cheese and locally produced meat.I had the delicious chicken, shiitake mushroom, and coriander pizza at 11.65 euro, and my partner had the "hot spinach," which had as its toppings tomato, chili, spinach, and goat cheese at €10.95. Both were ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 18, 2007

Woodford Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Woodford"

Quote:
The Woodford is a popular pub in the heart of Cork's central shopping area. It look tiny from the outside but is actually cavern-like inside with high ceilings and while it is essentially one space, there are quiet nooks here and there.You can go in just for a drink, but most people come in to eat. Service is at table, in winter you should try to get a table near the open fire as the big space and high ceilings mean it can be a bit draughty.We found service a little slow with staff taking their time to clear tables. And if you sit at a table that needs clearing, you don't get served because they think you've finished!My partner went for the chowder - a hearty fishy soup which w...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 20, 2007

Woodford
Paul Street
Cork, Ireland
0214253932

Dan Lowry's Tavern Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Dan Lowrey's"

Quote:
From the outside of this pub you can see at once that it is something special; a typical Irish city bar with a lovely frontage using Gothic style windows said to have come from Kilkenny Cathedral. Inside the bar's centrepiece is a gleaming mahogany bar and behind the bottles of spirits twinkle in front of the Victorian mirrors. The interior is otherwise a little shabby but characterful. However, the upholstery has seen better days and the seats aren't very comfortable. In winter head for the snug at the rear and sit next to the fire. If you're alone avail yourself of the big pile of books on the mantelpiece - on the subject of Ireland's role in WW2. The pub is named for the founder of the Everyman The...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 2, 2007

Dan Lowry's Tavern
13 MacCurtain Street
Cork, Ireland
+353 21 450 5071