Destination Spotlight - County Cork, Ireland

Ireland is certainly in the spotlight this autumn. Following the success of the 2006 Ryder Cup comes the 50th International Cork Film Festival and the annual Guinness Jazz Festival. It seems appropriate, therefore, to take a closer look at the Emerald Isle this month and whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, you are sure to appreciate the warm hospitality and unique charms of County Cork.

How To Get There

Flights from the UK to Cork are available from BMI baby (from Durham, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff), Ryanair (from Liverpool, Manchester, Stansted and Gatwick), Jet2.com (from Newcastle), Aer Lingus (from Manchester, Birmingham and Heathrow) and Aer Arann (from Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds/Bradford, Newquay, Edinburgh and Southampton)

Car hire in Ireland starts from just £13 per day and pick-up points include Cork Airport and Cork City.

A quick tour of Cork City

Cork (from the Irish word Corcaigh meaning "marshy place") was founded in the 17th century by St Finbarr on an island in the River Lee. The settlement was invaded by both Vikings and Normans but, thanks to the continual development of waterborne trade, the city has flourished over the years, expanding onto the surrounding hills. The city remains an important sea port and today the river flows in two main channels through the city, with a multitude of bridges to help you get around. 

St Finbarr's Cathedral - this striking gothic cathedral stands on the site where St Finbarr originally founded an abbey and school.  It boasts three spires, mosaic pavements and elaborate carvings.

Shandon Church - offering wonderful views, the church tower of St Anne's dominates the north side of the city and is most famous for its bells, which tourists are welcome to ring themselves, and its weathervane (a rather large fish!). 

Cork Vision Centre - converted from a parish church, this arts and heritage museum offers a variety of exhibitions and a unique model of the city.

The Grand Parade - part of the modern commercial centre where you will find a good selection of modern shops as well as more traditional businesses.  Close by are The National Monument, the Berwick Fountain and Bishop Lucey Park.

Beamish & Crawford Brewery - guided tours are available, including an opportunity to taste its world-famous stout.

The Old Gaol - situated in the Sunday's Well area of the city, the Cork City Gaol has now been restored as a visitor attraction with an audio visual tour, providing an insight into everyday life inside a 19th century prison.

The Butter Museum - a reminder of Cork's importance as a European port for dairy products, this museum tells the story of the butter trade and its effects on the city.

The Crawford Municipal Art Gallery - has a permanent collection of Irish art as well as temporary international exhibits.

Travelling to Ireland this year? Don't forget, Car Hire 3000 offer car hire from locations across Ireland, including car hire Dublin, car hire Knock, car hire Cork and car hire Shannon - as well as 4000 other locations across the world!