Breakfast at the Farmgate in The English Market– serving from 8.30am in this historic location. Grab a seat at the counter to watch the hustle and bustle of Cork's famous food market below.
After breakfast, explore Crawford Art Gallery , home to a collection of national importance combining an intriguing mix of classical, period and contemporary art (and see if you can discover why Corkonians once Whipped The Herring Out of Town). Enjoy works by much loved Irish artists and a vibrant and dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions in this significant heritage building once the cities customs house.
Early Evening Glass of Wine and Tapas – Drop into Meade’s Wine Bar on Oliver Plunkett Street, cosy, understated Georgian rooms with a great wine list and small bites with locally sourced ingredients. Or, you could go nearby to Orso , offering vibrant, North African influenced dishes and salads in a small space. Orso is a firm favourite with the locals, so you may have a short wait for a table. Just put your name and number on the list and go next door to Arthur Mayne’s Pharmacy. It looks just like an old Chemist or Drugstore, the surprise comes when you push open the door.
Or – for fine dining – try critically acclaimed Paradiso on Lancaster Quay. One of the stars of the Cork restaurant scene, this award winning vegetarian restaurant mixes international influences with the best of locally sourced, organic and artisan produce.
A Pint & Some Trad – Wind down your day with a pint of the local stout (Beamish or Murphy’s) in a nearby pub such the famous traditional Irish music bar, Sin É on Coburg Street, The Corner House right next door, or An Spailpín Fánach .
To find out about some of Cork’s best-loved, old-fashioned pubs – and get listings for nightly music sessions – visit our What's On section.
Something Different In A Pub? – If you like a pint in a setting that’s lively and quirky – The Mutton Lane Inn , hidden down a tiny lane off Patrick Street, is well worth a visit.
Once the quiet haunt of farmers and carters delivering produce to the English market, it’s now a friendly, busy pub with great local craft beers and eclectic crowds and sounds. The Mutton can be busy (especially at the weekends) and little hard to locate, so just ask a local. They will be happy to direct you.
