BUSKERS
by DAO
What is a Busker? It’s a name for street musicians. The traditions of Buskers working in Cork probably goes back hundreds of years. Although sometimes the word ‘Musician’ can be misleading. These guys are proper Romany Gypsies and are actually very talented. They operate in 2-3 groups and will play some excellent tunes for you on accordions and other varied instruments. Always happy and entertaining, stop for a listen and give them a donation. They are truly talented and worth a few coins. You will find them in the ‘pedestrian’ areas of the centre most days and early evenings.
Things to pack for Cork in October
by suvanki
A case on wheels or Rucksac etc for your main load plus a day sac to carry camera equipment, guide book etc In October come prepared for rain-soft rain or wet rain!
During the weekend I was here it rained-so waterproof jacket or umbrella is advised.
If intending to walk arouind Cork- comfy shoes are a must! It's quite a compact city to walk around, but you can come across some steep streets and Church towers to climb!
Also, the pavements can become quite slippery when it's raining. Plenty of pharmacies in Cork, but bring prescription medicines. Consider cold remedies etc.
Oh and hangover cures in case of overindulging in 'The Black Stuff'! As much as you can carry- Cork and the surrounding areas are very photogenic! There are photography shops here too
The Area Around Shandon Church
by Ekaterinburg
The area around Shandon Church is one of the oldest and most atmospheric parts of Cork. Though within 10 minutes walk of Patrick Street it's a different world altogehter. This is very much 'old Cork'and the people who live here are mostly people whose families have lived here for generations. High up on the hill, with narrow streets and lanes running back down to the river, it's like a little kingdom unto itself. In the very centre is the rotunda-like performing arts centre, the Firkin Crane, facing onto a large piazza-like space. Diagonally across is the huge neo-classical facade of the Craft Centre and next door to that, the Butter Museum. The Church and famous Bells of Shandon look down on this little scene and the whole effect is about as picturesque and continental looking as you are going to get in Cork. There is one restaurant here but no cafes or shops. There are several local pubs in the surrounding streets though and calling into any one of them for a drink should add to your enjoyment of the visit. The church is certainly worth a visit but unless you have a specific interest in Butter, then I'd skip the museum. The best way to enjoy Shandon is to just wander in and out the lanes and alleys and make your own discoveries.
For more Shandon pictures, see my travelogue on the Inro page.
Blarney Woollen Mills
by evaanna about Blarney Woollen Mills
This shop or rather a whole complex is housed in one of Ireland's oldest woollen mills just a short distance from Blarney Castle. The complex consists of a shop, a hotel and a restaurant with a real millstone inside and it's as much of a tourist attraction as the castle itself.
They deal in all kinds of luxury and souvenir-type items, like china, chocolate, liqueurs, local craft, to mention just a few. But their main merchandise are clothes, especially knitwear - traditional aran sweaters and cardigans, gorgeous woollen scarves and hats. I didn't have much time to browse as the shop was about to close when I came, but I noticed quite a few items that I liked. Unfortunately, I always like the most expensive ones, not that the others were cheap by my standards. Traditional Irish knitwear, souvenirs of all sorts You will be tempted to spend a lot here, be prepared.
Bus Eireann
by evaanna
Bus Eireann coaches will take you not only around the city but also to many places all over Ireland. The fares are lower than on trains and you can get special tourist rates. You can get the Open Road Pass valid for 6 - 30 days on all Eireann buses across the country, or the Irish Explorer ticket valid on buses as well as trains. And you don't have to make your journeys every day - the tickets are valid for example for 3 days of travel out of 6 consecutive days. This particular pass - the cheapest - costs EUR 45.
Bus Eireann organise also day tours and I went on two - to the Ring of Kerry and around West Cork. The prices are reasonable, e.g. EUR 27 for a twelve-hour trip, cheaper if you book it on the Internet. Mind, your confirmation of payment printed from the computer will not do. You still have to queue at the desk at the bus station to get your ticket, so be in time to do that.
The coaches are comfortable but I haven't come across one with a toilet. The driver is also the guide on the tours. Ours was really doing his best but of course he had to do the driving first of all, especially on the narrow winding roads of Kerry.
More information on those trips can be found on my pages on County Cork and County Kerry.
The bus station is in Parnell Place in the town centre. Tour tickets can be bought there too.
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another view of the port of Cork
The Quadrangle
Tripack Royslaven Songlines and Sachara
Royslaven and Sachara in conversation
