Holidays to Cork

Cork is a gem of southern Ireland. Set amid beautiful waterways, this historic and picturesque city has a famous past and a booming cultural scene. A Cork flight and hotel package offers the chance to explore this charming city, the beautiful coastline nearby and countryside beyond. Only a short flight from London or Manchester, Cork makes for a great getaway.

Cork Airport (ORK) is only 6km from the city centre. Several bus services are available, and there is a taxi rank outside the airport terminal. If you're using the bus, never forget to thank the driver when you get off – not doing so is a cardinal sin! The currency of Ireland is the euro. While it’s wise to stock up with a little cash when arranging your flight, cash machines are easy to find in Cork.

As Ireland is in the same time zone as the UK, you won't have to reset your watch for your weekend in Cork. Also, although the Irish language, Gaelic, is a long and fiercely proud tradition, you won't have to worry about learning it – almost the entire population speaks English.

Whereas the summer months are undoubtedly the best time for package holidays to Cork, the throbbing cultural scene and rich history of the city and its surroundings make it a special place year round. The summer offers the opportunity to explore the city’s fascinating waterways, stroll along the riverside and visit the many cafés, bars and restaurants, and package holidays in Cork in the winter months offer their own pleasures. The dramatic coastline can be especially beautiful in the winter light, and the cold weather always gives you an excuse to nip into one of Cork’s many famous bars to warm up.

• Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is worth a visit – check out its stunning stained glass windows and organ with over 4,500 pipes.
• Cork package holidays offer the chance to spend a day walking along the embankments of Cork’s curious waterways.
• Foodies will get their fill in Cork’s English Market. Boasting 19th-century architecture, this indoor market offers artisanal cuisine from the area as well as delicacies from around the world.
• Explore the beautiful scenery and winding woodland paths of Ballincollig Regional Park.
• St Paul's Street, Cork's main shopping avenue, is lined with bars, cafés and shops. It's a great place to pick up a coffee or a souvenir.

While Cork city breaks offer plenty to see and do, the surrounding area is also full of exciting attractions. Just a few miles outside the city you’ll find Blarney Castle, of Blarney Stone fame. Legend has it that anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone (a chunk of limestone set in the castle’s walls) will be given the ‘gift of the gab’ – the gift of charm and eloquence.

Those with a taste for the dark side might want to risk a visit to Cork City Jail. This creepy trip back in time within the 19th-century prison's walls is positively bone chilling. A truly captivating experience in every sense, this fascinating museum is filled with macabre cells, spooky figures and eerie sounds.

Award-winning Fota Wildlife Park offers an entertaining day out for the whole family. Set amid acres of beautiful countryside, the park is home to all sorts of animals, including kangaroos, lemurs, bison and tigers.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Cork.

Where to eat in Cork

City breaks in Cork are ideal for those with a taste for seafood. While there are scores of restaurants offering the very best of the day's catch, the pick of the bunch may be The Liberty Grill on Washington Street. Featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced produce from the nearby English Market, this charming restaurant offers a real taste of Cork.

Bring a drop of Cork home with you

There's no better souvenir of a weekend in Cork than a drop of whiskey from a local distillery. West Cork Distillers produces handcrafted whiskey that is pure triple-distilled magic. The distillery also offers tours, so you can follow every step of your bottle's journey, from grain to gift bag.