Cork Midsummer Festival
  • What's On
  • Artists & Projects
  • News, Like
  • More

    About

    About Team Governance & Policies Previous Festivals

    Support Us

    Support Us Our Supporters Become a Friend Corporate Support Donate

    Your Festival

    Your Festival How To Book Accessibility An Essential Guide To Cork Volunteer
  • What's On
  • Artists & Projects
  • News, Like
  • About
    • Overview
    • Team
    • Governance & Policies
    • Previous Festivals
  • Support Us
    • Overview
    • Our Supporters
    • Become a Friend
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
  • Your Festival
    • Overview
    • How To Book
    • Accessibility
    • An Essential Guide To Cork
    • Volunteer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Explore an essential guide to cork

An Essential Guide To Cork

Rich in history and tradition yet increasingly urbane and sophisticated, the ever-evolving city of Cork is a vibrant place with a unique blend of contemporary style and old world charm. The fiercely proud and independent locals like to claim Cork is "the real capital" of Ireland.

History & Culture

Since Cork was founded by St. Finbarr over 1000 years ago it has grown from a trading merchant city to a cosmopolitan vibrant 21st century city of today.

Set on an island in the River Lee, Cork's streets expand up the river banks on either side to the ornate French Gothic spires of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral and the soaring tower of the Church of St. Anne's where you can ring the famous Shandon Bells.  Many fine buildings line the city streets, from the imposing City Hall to its poignant 19th-century City Gaol.

Pedestrian laneways and narrow streets, small boutiques, gourmet food shops, top-notch restaurants and a host of interesting pubs and clubs fan out across the city centre, as well as a wide selection of contemporary galleries, acclaimed museums and cutting-edge theatres hosting the best from the national and international arts scene.

Live music spills out the doors of the city's traditional watering holes and modern bars, and a strong festival program attracts the best of film, jazz, folk, literary and musical talent year round. Renowned for their friendliness and enthusiasm, the people of Cork create a buzzing atmosphere in the city. The numerous city parks are popular for outdoor games and gourmet picnics sourced at the central and celebrated English Market, a covered system of stalls selling everything from fine cheeses to exotic home-baked breads. Elsewhere the Coal Quay market is the place to unearth hidden treasures, rummage through the bric-a-brac and find the ultimate souvenir of the city.

Find out more about what awaits you in Cork on the Discover Ireland website: click here to visit!

  • Eat
  • See & Do
  • Stay
Montenotte hotel
  • Stay

The Montenotte Hotel

Discover this vibrant family-owned destination city hotel, a 4-star, design-led hotel with an eclectic vibe a strong sense of fun with spectacular unrivalled views overlooking Cork City and a new stylish Rooftop Bar & Terrace.
River Lee
  • Stay

River Lee Hotel

The perfect place from which to savour the city of Cork, and everything that it has to offer - centrally located, with superb Fitness Centre and Urban Escape Spa, you’ll find it all at The River Lee Hotel.
The Address
  • Stay

The Address

Housed in a grand Victorian redbrick building overlooking Cork city centre, and just a short stroll from convenient transport options, featuring relaxed rooms, some available with balconies and stunning city views.
Clayton Hotel Cork City
  • Stay

Clayton Hotel Cork City

Superbly located overlooking Cork’s famous River Lee featuring superb leisure and dining facilities, and just a 5 minute stroll from Cork’s shopping, entertainment and premier business districts.
The Imperial
  • Eat
  • Stay

The Imperial

Luxury 4 star hotel, built in 1813 and magnificently restored, located in the heart of Cork City. Explore the home-grown boutiques on Oliver Plunkett St. and sample the gourmet delights on offer at the English Market, all in a “stones throw” of the Imperial Hotel.
Maldron Hotel Shandon
  • Stay

Maldron Hotel Shandon

Situated in the heart of Cork’s historic cultural quarter, nestled by the famous Shandon Bells and on the doorstep of Cork’s premier shopping district, this Cork City Hotel is perfect for both business and leisure visitors.
Maldron Hotel South Mall
  • Stay

Maldron Hotel South Mall

Cork’s newest 4 star hotel located right in the heart of Cork city centre, making it the perfect place for a break in the rebel county.
UCC Campus Accommodation
  • Stay

UCC Campus Accommodation

Conveniently located and offering excellent accommodation rates for all festivals, concert and sports events, UCC Campus Accommodation is also ideal for Language School Students, Families, Conferences and Study Abroad Groups.
The Dean
  • Stay

The Dean

A slice of boutique bliss in the heart of one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Bespoke rooms that will make you smile and a roof-top restaurant with a view like no other.
In this section
  • Your Festival
  • How To Book
  • Accessibility
  • An Essential Guide To Cork
  • Volunteer

Sign up to our Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to get our latest news and events sent straight to your inbox.

Cork Midsummer Festival
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cork Midsummer Festival
  • Civic Trust House,
    50 Popes Quay, Cork, Ireland
  • info@corkmidsummer.com
Generously Funded by
The Arts Council funding festivals logo
Cork Arts Office logo
Failte Ireland logo
Ireland's Ancient East logo

© 2023 Cork Midsummer Festival CLG. Registered in Ireland No 290323. Charity Registration No 20075514, CHY 19295

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookie & Privacy Policy
website by path