Cork is the closest big city to my family's house in Ireland. It's approximately 40 minutes away by bus from Killeagh (the village my host family lives in). It's also the second biggest city of the Republic of Ireland. You can't compare its size to French big cities because Ireland has less inhabitants than France. Anyway, I went there a lot as an au pair or tourist to both visit and travel because all the buses are leaving from Cork. So here's some information about my experiences that I hope you'll be able to learn from.

Tiny bio

Irish name: Corcaigh, from corcach, means "marsh"

County: County Cork

Inhabitants: approximately 125 000

History: The city sometimes calls itself the real capital city of Ireland and/or the rebel city because the citizens took Perkin Warbeck during the War of the Roses in the XVth century.

Economy: The two main places that employ people in Cork are Cork's hospital and Apple company.

Sport: Hurling and gaelic football are the most popular sports in Cork but you can also find some rugby supporters.

Favourite places

*TO EAT*

Without hesitation my favourite restaurant in Cork. I loved the atmosphere and all their dishes. Chicken is their specialty, but they also have burgers, pastas and pizzas in their menu. They are open all day and you can come for a snack or teatime and try their amazing dessert! I personally recommend chorizo and cheesy fries as well as their waffles!

Address: 5 French Church St, Centre, Cork

Open every day from 12pm to 9:30pm

A nice place for a coffee or a light lunch. They also make brunches that I didn't have the opportunity to try but it looks delicious. They make good mochas and pastries that you can enjoy in a well decorated interior.

Address: Perry St, Centre, Cork

Open every day from 8am to 5pm

A simple pizzeria but with delicious ingredients and you can make your own wood-fired pizzas (with a lot of vegetarian options). Good atmosphere and nice staff, nice place to relax.

Address: 29 Princes St, Centre, Cork

Open every day from 4pm to 9pm

Hidden place inside a museum and only for the one who knows, there is a tiny cute restaurant inside a square building with big windows on all its walls that serves ethical food, vegan and vegetarian friendly. The food looks amazing, pretty floral and is a 100% instagramable. When the sun is out, the view on the garden is also amazing. Kind of a secret place, usually away from the tourists.

Address: Nano Nagle Place, Douglas Street, Centre, Cork

Open every day (closed on Mondays) from 10am to 5pm

*TO SHOP*

Literally the nicest place in Cork to shop or just walk down all the groceries, cheese and gifts small shops inside. I've only been there twice because my free days time did not correspond to the market's opening days. But for French people who miss cheese and bread, it is the right place to go. Careful though, it is expensive.

Address: Princes St, Centre, Cork

Open every day except on Sunday, from 8 am to 6pm

The nicest bookstore I've visited in Ireland. You'll find almost all the books every book you want in that store. They also sell jigsaws and other goodies (perfect for Christmas presents). I recommend this place - in Cork's main street - to all the book lovers.

Address: 69 St Patrick's St, Centre, Cork

Open every day from 9am to 6pm (except on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm)

*TO PARTY*

 I'm kind of ashamed to say that I only tried one pub in Cork, the Old Oak. But still, it's kind of an institution there and there is a room upstairs with a rich programming, Cyprus Avenue. The pub seems small from the outside but is actually really big and typically Irish. Brown wood on the walls and many rooms with TVs and a scene to dance. I counted at least 3 counter bars to order drinks from and a lot of tables around. The place is usually very crowded during the weekends but also really busy all day long. Of course, I ordered Guinness every time because it is my favourite beer ever. I also really appreciated the Murphy's, a local beer made in County Cork. The pub is the one you want to try if you're looking for an a typical Irish pub atmosphere.

Address: 113 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork

Open every day from 11am to 2am

Accommodations

I only tried one accommodation in Cork, because since I was living 40 minutes away by bus, I didn't need to stay there much.

This hostel is really near the city center but up a very steep street. The kitchen was ok and the staff was nice. I stayed in a 6 beds room with my 2 friends and 3 other au pair like us that we didn't know. We had a good night sleep but there was no towels and no breakfast included. So not the best hostel I stayed at during my time in Ireland but still ok.

Address: 4 Ascaill Belgrave, Wellington Road, Victorian Quarter, Cork