Discover Cork, a city renowned for its gastronomy and typical atmosphere

Nestling in the south ofIreland, Cork, capital of the county of the same name, is reinventing itself. Once a small, quiet university town, it is now a bustling city where art, culture and society rub shoulders on a daily basis. Cork is home to many trendy cafés, a number of must-see pubs, numerous art galleries such as the Crawford Art Gallery and the Triskel Arts Centre, as well as several unusual museums such as the Butter Museum.

The city is modernising, but it's in West Cork that you'll find one of the last bastions of "old Ireland". West Cork begins in Kinsale and ends on Dursey Island, at the tip of the Beara Peninsula. A handful of towns and a series of beaches make up this island landscape, which stretches westwards.

The feeling of being alone in the world is what you get when you find yourself in the heart of this rugged, wild landscape, quite different from the city atmosphere of central Cork. This popular coastline is the gateway to the county's coastline, with its dozens of small harbours, bays and coves. Ideal if you're looking for adventure, West Cork will give you a different view of Ireland.

But Cork also hides some impressive monuments, such as Cork City Gaol. Step back in time in this former prison and discover the city's prison fortress. Famous prisoners such as Brian Dillon, John Sarsfield Casey and James Mountaine were incarcerated here. This historic site, now a museum, is well worth a visit.

The Cork City Gaol has been very well restored, and an impressive period reconstruction lets you imagine the conditions in which former prisoners were incarcerated. It's like being back in the 19th century! If you're there for Halloween, it's the perfect opportunity to give yourself a few scares, thanks to the dark atmosphere that reigns here...

Autumn is definitely the perfect time to visit Cork: October sees the Cork Jazz Festival, a much-anticipated musical event for the Irish. Discover the city in a new light to the sound of jazz musicians from all over the country. Ireland's most famous festival, it has been held in Cork every year since 1978. Coinciding with the October Holiday long weekend, it attracts almost 40,000 visitors over four days!

Take a diversion to Cork city centre, where the festival programme takes place at venues including Triskel Christchurch, Triskel Auditorium, The Cork School of Jazz, The Festival Club at the Metropole Hotel and the Everyman Palace Theatre. The programme includes free concerts, street performances and music workshops for young musicians. We can't recommend it highly enough.

Cork, the Mecca of English gastronomy

Cork, with its trendy cafés, art galleries and unusual museums... Ireland's 2nd largest city has plenty to entertain its 210,000 inhabitants and the many tourists who visit every year. But while this pretty Irish city hides a wealth of pubs, it also boasts a famous food market, showcasing rich culinary traditions and avant-garde chefs. When it comes to gastronomy, Cork is at the top of its game.

Underneath its calm and tranquil exterior, the small university town comes alive: from Monday to Sunday, 8am to 6pm, the English Market has been taking place in Cork city centre since 1788! In this market, one of the oldest in the country, local specialities and handicrafts mingle to help passers-by discover Ireland's culinary diversity. A true Cork institution, the English Market is considered to be "the Mecca of English gastronomy" and is a must-see in the city. A must-see!

The little Irish town also boasts a number of restaurants. Some of them stand out, such as Café Paradiso. A favourite with vegetarian tourists and locals alike, the menu features seasonal fruit and vegetables. If you like good wine, Café Paradiso will charm you with its impressive selection.

The Liberty Grill is also a place not to be missed if you're looking for a brunch or a bite to eat. The food here is selected to respect local culture, and that's bound to please your taste buds!

At Electric, Irish cuisine is not to be outdone. Cocktails are served as well as typical, carefully prepared dishes. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed in these three Cork restaurants!

Kinsale, between sea and culture

In Kinsale, discovering the town begins with a stroll through the streets in search of the famous colourful houses for which the town is famous. A popular tourist resort for Irish and foreign visitors alike, Kinsale is known for its seafood restaurants and a wide variety of activities. From golf to angling, there's never a dull moment!

Just a 30-minute drive from Cork, this pretty little port town also boasts an impressive wealth of cultural attractions, not only in its art galleries but also in its monuments.

Charles Fort, a 17th-century fortification, has stood proudly at the entrance to the Bandon Estuary since its construction in 1670. This medieval Irish fort offers a unique view of the city and the bay that surrounds it. You can visit the fort to admire its ruined and restored buildings, taking you back to the heart of Ireland's medieval heritage.

If you're in the mood to learn more about the history of the country, we recommend a visit to Kinsale Museum.

The regional museum is the perfect place to learn all about the town's history, from the granting of its first Royal Charter in 1334 to the construction of James Fort in the 17th century, built to watch over Kinsale harbour. Nestling in the heart of the village, in an elegant 18th-century house, it offers a complete immersion in the origins of the town!

But Kinsale is also home to some renowned traditional cuisine, showcased during the autumn at the Kinsale Gourmet Festival. This event takes place in mid-October and consists of a gastronomic walking tour of the town. In various restaurants, local producers prepare a culinary presentation and delicious dishes for participants. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to take part in the next edition, which takes place in a few months' time!

But that's not all, as there's plenty to do in the harbour village. Not far from here is the Old Head, a steep area ideal for a jaunt along the cliffs that line the coast. Here you'll find an ancient castle dating back to the 3rd century and the Old Head Lighthouse, a 17th-century lighthouse. It's a great way to get away from it all and discover Ireland's heritage.

Cobh, the colourful little port town

A colourful visit is in store for you in Cobh: the houses with their typical coloured facades will charm you with their authenticity. To get to Cobh and take a breath of fresh air on the outskirts of its seaport, nothing could be easier: a train runs daily between Cork city and Cobh.

Not to be missed are a number of cultural centres, including the Titanic Experience Cobh. The Titanic made its last port of call in Cobh before crossing the Atlantic on its fatal voyage to New York. The Cobh Heritage Centre museum, dedicated to the history of Irish emigration and housed in Cobh's old Victorian railway station, and St Colman's Cathedral, the tallest building in the city and one of the highest in Ireland, are also not to be missed.

Before setting off again, make a stop near the Titanic Experience Cobh to admire the memorial to the ship Lusitania. Cobh is much more than just a pretty fishing port - it's a town steeped in history!

The Isle of Spike, Ireland's "Alactraz

Would you like to escape to the Irish seas for a day? Set sail for Spike Island, not far from Cobh in County Cork. Nicknamed "Ireland's Alcatraz" because of its prison past, this historic island, accessible by ferry from Cork, dates back more than 1,300 years.

From an island ravaged by Vikings in the 9th century, to an island prison from 1600 until 2004, via a period as a monastic village until the 16th century, the Isle of Spike has had an unusual and unique destiny in Ireland. If you'd like to find out more about its history, head to Fort Mitchel for a tour of the modern prison cells and an exhibition.