What do I do now?
Parks and Walks
Fitzgerald's Park: Relax on the grass of the largest public park in the city. Packed with people the second the sun comes out, there's winding paths, a rose garden, and cafe - all against the backdrop of the River Lee. Cork's Public Museum is at the entrance also, if you fancy a stroll around an exhibition!
Bell's Field at the top of Patrick's Hill: Get your heart pumping by walking up Cork's steepest hill. The short hike to the top is worth it - a panoramic view of the city that is not to be missed is waiting for you.
Cinemas
The Gate Cinema Multiplex: Your standard cinema that does a student ticket, so be sure to bring your CIT card with you.
Triskel Arts Centre: An artsy cinema that screens two films a week (mostly Irish or independent films; foreign language films are common here). There's also live music here every Saturday. The auditorium (used for both cinema and concert) is set in a neo-classical Georgian church; going to a film or listening to some music here is no ordinary experience.
Art Galleries
The Crawford Art Gallery and the Glucksman Gallery are two galleries that are free, open all week except on Sundays, and have versatile cafés if you want to make a day of it ☕
Go to the Crawford if you've been shopping in the city centre and would like to see some Greek and Roman sculpture casts, (and more contemporary exhibitions also).
Head to the Glucksman if you've been out strolling in Fitzgerald's Park and you're in the mood for some purely contemporary art.
Thrift Stores
Cork is home to dozens of charity shops where you are bound to find a bargain! Then, if you're looking for more of a vintage feel, try Miss Daisy Blue or Records and Relics for clothes only. If you decide to try Mother Jones' Flea Market or Village Hall Market, you could find anything and everything!
Food and Drink
Getting out and about is a great chance to meet new people or catch up with friends! Below is a list of places in Cork which we think include great places for you to check out while you’re studying and staying in Cork!
Coffee Spots ☕
Three Fools Coffee- Grand Parade
The Bookshelf Coffee House- 78 South Mall
Myo Café- 34 Pope’s Quay
Breakfast/ Brunch places
Liberty Grill- 32 Washington Street
The SpitJack Cork- 34 Washington Street
Idaho Café- Caroline Street
Nash 19 – 19 Princes Street
Lunch Places
Market Lane- 5 Oliver Plunkett Street
Farmgate Café- The English Market
Good Day Deli – Nano Nagle Place, Douglas Street
Dinner Spots
Electric – 41 South Mall
Cask – 48 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter
Café Paradiso – 16 Lancaster Quay, Mardyke
Captain Americas Cookhouse & Bar – 5 South Main Street, City Centre
Grocery Shopping
“Okay, but where do I actually get my food?”, I hear you ask. You know how to get anywhere you want, you know how to act when you get there but still the question of where to get your groceries still might elude you. When it comes to grocery shopping there are 4 main options: Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Centra. Right off the bat, Centra can be located right next to CIT campus and can be really useful for picking up lunch in a hurry or something you forgot to get for tonight’s dinner but generally speaking is going to be more expensive in the long run if you try to do your full shop there. Your next bet is probably one of the other 3. All of which can be found near the Bishopstown campus via bus or a cross-town walk from Cork School of Music or the Crawford campus. Lidl and Aldi are usually going to have the edge in terms of price on Tesco, but Tesco typically wins in terms of the variety of items available. All are good options and all are near you. It hasn’t been announced yet for this year but typically in past years there has been a weekly free shuttle bus from the Bishopstown campus to these shops so that you don’t have to worry about getting to and from. Happy shopping!
Travelling
Travelling within Ireland is 100% recommended by all of our Good Start Ambassadors to really experience your new home!
Cork's bus service is the main mode of transport for students! But don't forget to buy yourself a leap card for discounted fares! Cork's Bus Station is located at Parnell Place in the city centre.
If the bus isn't for you Cork's railway service is located at Kent Train Station. (You can also use your leap card for the train!) As students you can avail of cheaper tickets but make sure you have your student card handy!
Finally, if you're feeling adventurous and also want to exercise, maybe renting a bike is for you! Cork offers a rental service of Coca Cola bikes. Keep an eye out for them in the city centre! Cycling is a great way to get around the city while getting in your workout!
For inspiration on where to go in Cork and Ireland please follow the links below!
We look forward to hearing about your adventures!
Travel.
https://www.leapcard.ie/Home/index.html
Bus- https://www.buseireann.ie/
Train- https://www.irishrail.ie/
Bicycle- https://www.bikeshare.ie/
Tourism- https://www.failteireland.ie/Wild-Atlantic-Way.aspx
https://www.discoverireland.ie/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland
Covid 19 is an ever changing situation in Ireland. To stay up to date on Ireland's most recent safety measures please follow the link below!
( For Ireland's latest Covid 19 updates)
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/
(Covid 19 information)
https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/