This really is one of the best places to see in Ireland and somewhere to add to your itinerary if you are planning a road trip or have a few weeks to explore the highlights of the country.
Cork is the food capitol of Ireland so foodies and gluttons alike will find joy in discovering the lesser known food and drink joints in Cork.
These are some of the best cafes, restaurants, pubs and places to go for culinary and drink delights.
1. The Fransiscan Well Brewery
- Address: 14 N Mall, Sunday's Well, Cork, T23 P264
The Fransiscan Well brews its own ales and serves steamy and crispy wood fire pizzas.
Its one of the coziest for meeting with locals, listening to live music and enjoying a pint or two of their famous Rebel Red.
After the third pint you won’t want to leave, either because you’re having so much fun or because you’re as fuzzy as a peach.
2. The Half Door Café
- Address: 4 French Church St, Centre, Cork, T12 AE4X
Fresh scones and homemade sandwiches combined with the charm of the owners makes this little place one of the best for a lunch stop or afternoon break.
It can be a little hard to find, but not to worry they advertise their 2 euro take-away drinks just down the street from the Tesco grocery store in town.
The daily specials vary from soups and sandwiches to tea and scones, but you can’t go wrong as they are all made with fresh ingredients and love.
3. The English Market
- Address: Grand Parade, Centre, Cork
An indoor market with just about anything you could ask for is of course one of the best places for either a take-away sausage sandwich or 50 euro cent scone.
The Farmgate Café is located inside the market and offers a fun birds eye view of some of the meat and produce booths. The café serves traditional Irish dishes such as lamb stew as well as cutting edge recipes all made with ingredients sold inside the market.
4. O’Conaill’s Chocolate
- Address: 16B French Church St, Centre, Cork
Death by chocolate? O’Conaill’s Chocolate can deliver the best hot chocolate you will ever taste.
Their handmade chocolate is melted on the spot to form the perfect cup of liquid gold with the option to add unique flavors such as praline, white chocolate or orange oil.
Located on French Church Street, the cafe is perfect for an afternoon chocolate with a fresh baked chocolate cake or brownie.
5. An Spailpín Fánac
- Address: 29 S Main St, Centre, Cork
Despite the fact that you probably can’t pronounce the name of this pub, the local vibe and awesome beer make up for it. If you are looking for an authentic Irish pub experience, this is it.
Just a few minutes walk from Oliver Plunkett Street you’ll have the time of your life listening to the live music, drinking locally brewed ales and hanging out at this quirky joint.
After a few pints you’ll find yourself jamming right alongside the band to songs you don’t even know. It’s always a grand time at An Spailpín Fánac.
Plan a Trip to Cork
Whether you are looking for a weekend city break, are going to book an Ireland tour or fancy gap year in Ireland, you really need to include Cork in your itinerary. There are lots of other great places to eat and drink in the city, sometimes its great just to get lost and wander into one of the local pubs or cafes and chat with the friendly locals. Or if you like the idea of moving to Cork seach seasonal-jobs-working-holidays in Ireland.
By Stephanie Mork
