It’s home to countless places to satiate your appetite, from tiny seaside cafés to award-winning restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find the English Market, one of the best markets in the country and beloved by chefs like Rachel Allen and Rick Stein.

But Cork isn’t only a place where you can eat amazing food – it’s a place where amazing food is made. We’ve rounded up a hot list of 5 things you have to try when you’re next in the rebel county.

Toonsbridge Mozarrella

If you think of Mozzarella as a bland, watery cheese, useful only when melted on pizza, then a taste of the Cork-made version will blow your mind. Made from the milk of buffalo, which roam the Irish fields, the mozzarella is full of delicate flavour, with a meaty texture you simply can’t find in the supermarkets. It’s perfect eaten as is, in a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, a drizzle of excellent olive oil and a sprinkling of pepper. Their Halloumi is also a game-changer.

Franciscan Well Ale

Irish craft ale has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and Franciscan Well Ale is one of the finest on offer. It’s also one of the best known in the business, having been brewed since 1998. Combining traditional brewing techniques with modern methods, the beers are made using the finest natural ingredients. Try the Blarney Blonde for a lighter, pale ale.

Scúp ice cream

Who doesn’t love ice cream? Nothing beats a scoop of gelato when you fancy a treat. But when it’s made with Irish dairy, it’s surely some of the best in the world. Creamy, rich and unbelievably smooth, Scúp gelato is the ultimate sweet treat. Try the salted caramel flavour – you won’t look at a Mr Whippy the same way again. 

Gubbeen Smokehouse Chorizo

We’ve long been known as a nation unbeatable at smoked products. Salmon, cheese, kippers… it’s a technique that’s unmatched. A relatively recent addition to the scene is Spanish-style smoked meats, like the chorizo produced in Gubbeen. The best thing about the smoky, spicy cured sausage is the philosophy behind the production. The pigs are all reared in a biodynamic environment, in an ethical manner. Be sure to try the Gubbeen smoked cheese, too.   

Clonakilty Black Pudding

It’s one of the most famous Cork products, known and loved around the world. Clonakilty black pudding might not be to everyone’s taste, but you have to give it a try before you make up your mind. No Full Irish breakfast is complete without it! Our tip? If you find the black pudding too strong of a flavour, give the white pudding a try – it’s a little more subtle.

You can try all of the foods above at The River Lee, who has a great package for foodies available until the end of March. ‘A Slice of the City: A Taste of Cork’ includes…

• Overnight Accommodation for two nights
• Full Irish Breakfast
• Pint of Franciscan Well Craft Beer per person
• ‘Taste of Cork’ sharing platter (a selection of our favourites from the best local producers; delicious cheeses and meats, rustic bread and date chutney)
• Complementary upgrade to a Deluxe King Room
• 20% of all spa treatments at Vanilla Browns Spa
• Complementary entry to NRG Health and Fitness Centre
• Complementary parking 

Rates start from €145pps. See more on the site.