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Guides  >>  Ireland  >>  Cork

Cork Holidays

 Cork Travel Guide

Situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic; it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions.

There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theatre and film all playing a major role in city life, while world-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, making it the European Capital of Culture 2005. Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top class restaurants in the country, while nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.

Located in the southwest, County Cork is the largest county, noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges; Cork harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.


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Money :
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques, are widely accepted.
Time :
GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Electricity :
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin and round three-pin plugs are in use.
Language :
English, Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some Western areas.
Passport & Visa :
    
Entry Requirements
Country CodeRequirements Details
usUnited States nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
ukBritish citizens travelling from Great Britain to Ireland only require proof of nationality. Otherwise British travellers coming from another country require a passport. No visa is required if the passport is endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required.
caCanadian nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
auAustralians require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for visits of up to three months.
zaSouth African nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for visits of up to three months.
nzNew Zealanders require a passport valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is needed for a visit of up to three months.
Embassies in Other Country
Country CodeRequirements Details
usIrish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939.
ukIrish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 2171.
caIrish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6281.
auIrish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3022.
zaIrish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5062.
nzConsulate-General of Ireland, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 977 2252.
Embassies
Country CodeRequirements Details
usIrish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939.
ukIrish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 2171.
caIrish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6281.
auIrish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3022.
zaIrish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5062.
nzConsulate-General of Ireland, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 977 2252.
Please note: Passport, Visa and Entry Requirement information is for guidance only. Co-op Travel advises all customers to check for up to date information at www.fco.gov.uk.
Getting Around :
Health :
There are no special health requirements for visitors to Ireland. Health insurance is advisable unless from the UK or other EU countries, most of which have reciprocal agreements with Ireland. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be obtained before departing for travel to Ireland. Medical facilities are good, and payment for treatment is usually required in cash.
Tipping :
A 10% tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, but tipping is not usual in bars and pubs. Tipping is not common for other services.
Safety :
Most visitors enjoy a fairly high level of personal safety however travellers should take sensible precautions against petty theft. Terrorism is no more a threat than in other Western countries.
Customs :
Smoking in pubs, cafes and restaurants, is illegal.
Business :
The Irish are very sociable and although the usual elements of business etiquette apply (punctuality, formal wear, a courteous manner), expect good conversation and a rather relaxed air. Handshakes are customary on introduction, and take the lead from the host with regards to using first names or surnames. Business hours are usually from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm.
Duty Free :
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with more than 22% alcohol volume, or 2 litres dessert wine with a maximum 22% alcohol content, or a proportional mix of these products, and 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal consumption to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include meat or dairy products or raw vegetables.
Communications :
The international access code for Ireland is +353 (do not dial the first zero of the area code). The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 1 for Dublin. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.
History :
Contacts :
Emergencies: 112/999
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