Cork is a place I had wanted to visit for a very long time.
After three hours of cruising through beautiful green pastures and mountains (albeit the gloomy weather), my bus finally arrived in Cork city centre, at the main bus terminal called Parnell Place. I was amazed by how this little city was built - clusters of brightly coloured houses lined streets, some of which ran along the slopes of hills.
After three hours of cruising through beautiful green pastures and mountains (albeit the gloomy weather), my bus finally arrived in Cork city centre, at the main bus terminal called Parnell Place. I was amazed by how this little city was built - clusters of brightly coloured houses lined streets, some of which ran along the slopes of hills.
Cork city centre boasts of a variety of shopping options - from malls like Merchant's Quay Shopping Centre to small shops along the streets. The streets are wide with musicians and buskers playing lively tunes. And the best part is - we can visit the various interesting things in Cork by foot. No need for buses.
Just like many, I decided to visit the English Market. It is a historic market, set up in the nineteenth century, and it was then distinguished from an adjacent Irish market. Today, this market sells local produce, from meat to vegetables to - believe it or not - Indian herbs and spices. Being a staunch vegetarian, the smell of meat was asphyxiating, but I did manage to walk around the market and surveyed the variety of stalls there. Oh, there are a couple of bakeries, cafes and juice bars within the market too. Here is a shot of the entrance I took to enter the market:
Just like many, I decided to visit the English Market. It is a historic market, set up in the nineteenth century, and it was then distinguished from an adjacent Irish market. Today, this market sells local produce, from meat to vegetables to - believe it or not - Indian herbs and spices. Being a staunch vegetarian, the smell of meat was asphyxiating, but I did manage to walk around the market and surveyed the variety of stalls there. Oh, there are a couple of bakeries, cafes and juice bars within the market too. Here is a shot of the entrance I took to enter the market:
Following this I went to visit St. Finbarr's Cathedral. It's a majestic beauty, with its grand architecture and towering spires. I almost entered the cathedral which requires a minimal entry fee, but I remembered that I had a train to catch (to Cobh) and couldn't spend too long. Nevertheless, if you do get a chance to enter the cathedral, do.
The main train station in Cork city is Kent Station, which is a 5-7 minute walk from the Parnell Place bus terminal. I will elaborate on my exploration of Cobh in the Cobh segment.
P.S. Cork, I'm coming back!!
P.S. Cork, I'm coming back!!
October 2017