Cork

Ireland’s second city and the gateway to the south-west of the country, Cork is a historic harbour town, home to elegant Georgian architecture, charming traditional pubs, thriving restaurants and the famous English Market – a wonderful cornucopia of the best local produce. To the north of Cork is the famous Blarney Castle, whilst to the south is the fishing village of Kinsale, renowned for its excellent local restaurants and annual food festival. Just outside the city is Ballymaloe House – one of Ireland’s most famous restaurants and cooking schools, and an elegant country hotel – as well as the town of Cobh, famous as the last port of call of the Titanic, and home to an excellent museum housed in the former White Star Line ticket office.