In the south west of Ireland on an island in the River Lee, lovely Cork is made up of a collection of cool cafes, dynamic galleries, unusual museums and outrageously good pubs. Even though it is Ireland's second largest city, the friendly atmosphere is more suited to a small town. Life here is relaxed, without much hassle. The versatile city and the county of the same name is rich in culture and nature. In addition, the region is known as a gastronomic center. Traveling to Cork? These are five must-sees or must-dos that you don't want to miss.
1. Friendly Cork Ireland's second largest city, Cork is located on an island on the River Lee and lives at a different pace from the capital Dublin. The compact center with its colorful architecture combines a collection of cool cafes, dynamic galleries, unusual museums such as the Butter Museum and of course good pubs where the music is never far away. The atmosphere is friendly. The downtown area is easily explored on foot, sample the local beer from Franciscan Well Brewery and stroll the grounds of University College Cork. For a nice view, climb the tower of St. Anne's Cathedral. 
2. Wild Atlantic Way
Cork is the gateway to the jagged southwest coast. Drive part of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route by car and enjoy the ever-changing, dramatic panorama of rugged cliffs, peninsulas, hidden coves and old fishing villages. Be sure to visit the town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic before embarking on its journey across the Atlantic. From April to November is the season for spotting dolphins and whales. 
3. Gourmet Cork
An absolute 'must see' for anyone who enjoys good food is the English Market, often described as the best covered market in the UK and Ireland. This is the heart of Cork's culinary scene, with 55 stalls offering many local products including fruit, vegetables, regional specialties and of course fish and shellfish. No fewer than three restaurants in Cork carry a Michelin star, namely restaurant Mews, Restaurant Ichigo Ichie and Restaurant Chestnut. In addition, the restaurants Paradiso X Gortnanain and Ballymaloe House have been awarded by The World Restaurant Awards 2019. The entire region is a culinary highlight with numerous renowned restaurants. 
4. Versatile festivals
Music lovers should check Cork's cultural calendar as the festival calendar is well worth checking out. October is the month for the Guinness Jazz Festival, one of the city's most famous events. The Midsummer Festival is in June, with music, dance and visual arts, the Cork Pride is in August and the Cork Film Festival in November. During the Arts Trail Festival (Nov-Dec) empty buildings and spaces are used for international art. Finally, a tasty event for foodies:'A tast of West Cork Food Festival' which takes place every September.
5. County Cork, cliffs and castles
The Cork area is rich in castles and charming villages. Just outside the town is Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold with dungeons, castle gardens and caves. The rolling countryside of County Cork is known for its beautiful mostly rugged nature, with elongated peninsulas such as Mizen Head, Sheep's Head Peninsula and Beara. Take the cable car here to secluded Dursey Island in the Atlantic Ocean and you'll enter a different world. Another must:Spike's Island, which is dominated by a 6th century monastery and a gigantic Fort Michael. It is not for nothing that this island is the winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction 2017 during the World Travel Awards.
