Cork

Cork is the largest city in southern Ireland. Most of the city is just sprawling suburbs and the city centre is very small, just a handful of streets. It is a very easy city to find your way around. We like to think of ourselves as really friendly, easy-going people and you will probably meet someone you know on the street every time you step outside. Be warned: Cork has a mild climate although it gets cold in January and it can rain at ANY time! Like I said, It's pretty friendly so if you're lost don't be afraid to ask people for help.

"Cork is the loveliest city in the world. Anybody who doesn't agree with me either was not born there or is prejudiced. The streets are wide, the quays are clean, the bridges are noble. ...It is such a friendly city too. People that you have never met in your life stop you in the street to say that they knew a relation of yours."

Robert Gibbings (1889–1958)

Stuff to Do

There are museums, municipal art galleries and tourist sites to see in the city. UCC is the university here. Cork was the European Capital of Culture for 2005. Cork is a great place to base yourself to see the attractions around County Cork because it is easy to get buses from here. Places like Kinsale, Fota Island Nature Reserve & Blarney Castle are all easy to get to. There are schedules available here.

A List of Tourist Spots

Finding Work and Accommodation

Monster is good for jobs. For bar work, more local jobs and accommodation buy a copy of the echo newspaper. Online use the People's Republic Forums or the Gumtree.

List of Cork Hostels:
Sheila’s Hostel
4 Belgrave place Wellington Road Cork
Tel: +353 21 450 5562 Fax: +353 21 450 0940 info@sheilashostel.ie http://www.sheilashostel.ie
Bru Bar and Hostel
57 MacCurtain Street Cork
Tel: +353 21 455 9667 info@bruhostel.com http://www.bruhostel.com/index.cfm?page=home
Kinlay House Hostel
Bob & Joan's Walk Shandon Cork
Tel: +353 21 45 08966 info@kinlayhousecork.ie http://www.kinlayhouse.ie
Cork International Youth Hostel (An Oige)
1/2 Redclyffe Western Road County Cork Cork
Tel: +353 21 4543289 Fax: +353 21 4343715 http://www.anoige.ie/hostels/cork-international
Aaran House Tourist Hostel
4 Woburn Lower Glanmire Road Cork
Tel: +353 21 455 1566 tracy_flynn3@hotmail.com http://www.aaranhouse.com

The Music Scene

At the moment there are a lot of very good metal/punk/alt bands playing around the city and there are some great pubs here. For listings go to Cork Gigs and Whazon Cork.

Wikipedia Page

This page has good information about Cork's history, language, culture and travel options. I recommend checking this page out: Cork Wiki

Also, if you are coming to cork get in contact with a couchsurfer here. Even if it's only for a cup of coffee at Tribes:) The reason city is great is becuase we love any excuse to socialise.