The Basic Guide What Can Families Do On A Holiday In Cork
Cork is Ireland’s second-biggest city but if you ask the locals, they will cheekily tell you it is the ‘real capital’ of the country. And with plenty of attractions, landmarks, and things to see and do, they may just be right. What can families do on a holiday in Cork?
What Can Families Do On A Holiday In Cork:
When planning a family holiday, it is important to get the right balance and keep everyone happy, and Cork’s rich cultural heritage, sandy beaches. And wide range of restaurants and bars should ensure nobody goes home wanting to!
Beaches:
Cork is a seaport and so benefits from long stretches of top-quality beach. Which is bound to be popular with the kids on a sunny day. Barleycove Beach, a Special Area of Conversation, is probably the most well-known and is famed for its large dunes.
Other favored locations include Garretstown Beach, which is a short drive from Kinsale town. Along with Warren Beach in Rosscarbery and Owenahincha Beach near Clonakilty.
Shandon Bells:
One of Cork’s most iconic buildings is St Anne’s Church Shandon, which is home to the Shandon Bells. Reaching the top of the steeple rewards anyone with the opportunity to select a tune and play it on the bells at the summit.
Its incorrectly timed clock on all sides has earned the steeple itself the nickname “Four-Faced Liar”.
Fota Wildlife Park:
Always popular with children, Fota Wildlife Park is a fantastic day out for the entire family. Many of the exotic animals, not commonly seen in Europe, inhabit the park situated 20 minutes outside of Cork. Lions, squirrel monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, giraffes, and Colombian black spider monkeys are just some of the exciting creatures taking up residence, lots of which get to roam freely around the park.
An excellent education center, specializing in teaching primary and secondary school students the benefits of conservation methods, is also well-known there. Moreover, they teach the importance of wildlife preservation through activities, courses, and a summer camp held over the school holidays.
The Blarney Stone:
While technically not in Cork, the Blarney Stone is one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. Having drawn millions of holidaymakers over the years. Located at Blarney Castle, a 5-mile journey from Cork, it is said to impart the ‘gift of the gab’ to those who kiss it – in other words, eloquence in speech.
Made from bluestone (the same material as Stonehenge) it is situated at the top of the castle and visitors must dangle off a parapet backward to lock their lips on the famous landmark. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of safety measures and an assistant on hand to ensure you are completely at ease when doing this!
The English Market:
Cork takes pride in its English Market and with its wide selection of top-quality fresh produce, local delicacies, and international spices and flavors, it is not difficult to see why.
An enclosed market area, it is the perfect place to buy ingredients for your meals (if you’re going self-catering in Cork, that is!) and pick up some souvenirs for friends and family, as well as enjoy a quiet coffee and some retail therapy.
Based out of Princes Street, the market specializes in meat and fish, but also has cheeses from nearby dairies, fruit and veg, Cork specialty tripe and drisheen, and much, much more.
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