With a city centre plonked proudly on an island surrounded by the River Lee, it is not hard to see why every visitor leaves Cork reluctantly.
At one stage fully walled, the third largest city on the island of Ireland grew to become what it is today thanks to its strategic location for global trade.
Even its Latin motto ‘Statio Bene Fida Carinis’ (‘A safe harbour for ships’) points to a place well-accustomed to welcoming weary travellers and wide-eyed explorers.
And even though it is officially designated a city, locals will tell you it has the friendly feel and laidback breeze of a vibrant town.
Main Attractions
There is plenty of historical interest packed into the southwestern outpost, with the Cork City Gaol a prime example of stunning architecture dripping with fascination.
More akin to a castle than a prison, the 19th century structure transports visitors back in time with interactive daily tours at 2pm.
Perhaps more popular than the neo-Gothic St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, but slightly less spectacular, St Anne’s Church is not your everyday worship site.
The clocks on each of its four sides tell different times, giving it the nickname the ‘four-faced liar’, and visitors are allowed to ring the church bells to whatever tune they like.
In addition, it is said that the red and white stone used to build the tower inspired Cork and Munster’s sporting colours.
But if you fancy something completely different, the Cork Butter Museum is a tribute to the rich and creamy history of the local dairy industry.
Food and Drink
Ireland’s culinary capital is awash with restaurants, cafes and eateries, but the city’s proudest foodie paradise is the English Market, founded in 1788.
Despite its name, the covered market – serenaded as the best in the UK and Ireland by Rick Stein – is the place of choice to pick up traditional specialities and local produce.
Farmhouse cheeses, black pudding, chocolate and duck are all on the menu in the English Market, but also in surrounding restaurants.
Café Paradiso and the Farmgate Café both stock Cork’s gastronomic smorgasbord and given the city’s compact size, you won’t be in short supply of establishments that cater for all tastes and diets.
For those who fancy a tipple, the Franciscan Well Brewery, located in an old Franciscan Monastery built in 1219, is the perfect place to sample the region’s diverse arsenal of beers.
The Venue
Musgrave Park’s initial development stuttered with the outbreak of World War II, but soon Dolphin RFC and Sundays Well RFC settled into the south-of-the-centre stadium and have been there ever since.
The ground was named after ex-IRFU president Jimmy Musgrave and was officially opened in 1940.
Along with Thomond Park in Limerick, Musgrave Park is the home to URC side Munster Rugby, but has hosted international sides too.
World champions Australia met their match against Munster in 1992 here, only a week after defeating Leinster 38-11.
An all-new seated West Stand was built in 2015, bringing the total capacity up to 8,008.
How do I get there?
By car from Cork City Centre, from outside the Bus Terminal on Merchants Quay, continue onto Anderson’s Quay, take right hand turn onto N27 heading South onto Custom House Street in the direction of the South Link Road (N27).
Follow signs for N27/ Airport. which becomes South Link Road for approximately 3km.
At the Kinsale Road Roundabout, take the third exit onto Kinsale Road. Continue North along Kinsale Road for approximately 700 meters.
To get to Musgrave Park turn left onto Tramore Road at junction where Woodie’s D.I.Y. is situated. The entrance to Musgrave Park is on the left hand side.
Alternatively, Musgrave Park is well serviced by the bus route 213 to Black Ash Park & Ride.
This bus departs approximately every 10 minutes from Lapp’s Quay, Monday to Saturday and terminates at the park and ride facility on Mick Barry Road.
Musgrave Park can be found by walking 200 meters along Mick Barry Road in a Westerly direction.
Bus Route 203 from Merchants Quay also services the venue, departing approximately every 20 minutes.
Exit the bus at the Pearse Road bus stop and travel in a southerly direction towards the southern entrance to Musgrave Park.
Fun Facts
Cork Harbour is thought to be the second largest natural harbour in the world, behind Sydney Harbour in Australia.
Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have planted the first potato in Ireland close to his home in nearby Youghal circa 1588.
Ford’s first factory outside the USA was in Cork, with founder Henry Ford’s father William born in the county.
