Plan a trip to Cork

As you might imagine, County Cork takes its name from the 2nd largest city in Ireland – Cork (Dublin, the capital, being the largest). In the past, County Cork was a maritime hub. Today, besides wild nature and a ragged coastline that make Ireland a haven for travelers, one can also discover and experience the country's history in many sites across the county.   All that being said, the slogan or moniker for Cork is “Ireland’s Foodie Capital”!  Traditional foods and gourmet restaurants abound – and Cork is very proud that now there are 4 restaurants that have been awarded a Michelin star. But don’t make that your goal - more important is not to miss out dinner in a local restaurant for traditional fare.
Secret: The Clonakilty Black Pudding from a secret recipe from the late 1800’s is a must, served at breakfast or of course any other time you want to give it a try! 

The huge covered food “English Market” is in the heart of town and is a great place to explore the fresh products of Irish farmers. You will be enveloped and enthralled by the smells, sights and tastes of this exciting market. It is recognized throughout Europe as one of the best food markets of high quality and symbolizes the heart of Cork’s gastronomy and culinary industry. This is where the County Cork chef’s first check out the produce. From the English Market they go back to their kitchens to create first-class gourmet meals. 

The small fisherman’s village of Kinsale is known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland! 
It is a charming colorful town and you will notice that overlooking the Bandon River are two 17th century fortresses: on the southeast side is Charles Fort, the larger of the two and James Fort is on the other side of the river. If you want to learn more about the history of Kinsale be sure to visit the Kinsale Regional Museum built in the 1590’s. 
Should you want to trek or bike, or even take your car along the West Atlantic Way, Kinsales is a great starting point from the south. Other small quaint, colorful small towns to visit are Skibbereen, Yougal, Bandon, Clonakilty and Cobh. 

The small seaport town of Cobh is on the south coast of County Cork and is known as an immigration port that took lots of emigrating Irish people out of Ireland.
Infamously, it was the last port of call for the Titanic before she sailed towards NY (1912). The pier from where the Titanic docked and departed is called “Heartbreak Pier”.  You can find out lots more at the Cobh Heritage Center housed in a Victorian Railway Station.
Note: Cobh formerly known as Cove of Cork was called Queenstown (in 1849) to honor a visit by Queen Victoria. Later on, around 1921-1922, when the Irish Free State was declared, the Irish changed the name back to Cobh.
Head straight to Midleton (so called because it is in the middle of the road between Cork and Youghal) for a taste of Irish Whiskey at the Jameson Distillery and visit the museum and visitor center. Visit the Blarney Castle and Gardens in all its charm and don’t forget to kiss the Blarney Stone and you will be “bestowed by the gift of gab”.