1. Cork Pride 2019

As the official accommodation partner of Cork Pride Festival, the River Lee Hotel is the ideal base for every event taking place during the city’s most colourful party.

With mindful art, Zumba, giant boardgames and a raucous dog show, The Cork Pride Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 28th (12pm-6pm) is a riot of laughter for kids.

Movie buffs will enjoy an evening of LGBT Irish shorts in the atmospheric surroundings of St Peter’s (Wednesday, July 31st, 6.30pm), while the annual Pride Parade begins at the Grand Parade Boardwalk on August 4th, 2019 at 3pm - expect a three-hour street party hosted by DJ Paul Ryder and a glittering array of Cork’s sassiest drag queens.

Check out the full schedule of celebrations, meet-ups, events and talks here.

2. Yoga in the Park

Nothing soothes away the week’s worries like a sumptuous full-body stretch. Grab your mat, a good sunscreen and a bottle of water and follow the droves of city dwellers to Fitzgerald’s Park every Saturday morning for Yoga in the Park. 

Not only is Cork’s oldest public garden lush with greenery at this time of year, attending the class is practically altruistic; all the proceeds are donated to Cork Simon Community, who support the city’s homeless. 

Yoga in the Park takes place every Saturday morning at 10am until September 7th, 2019. Minimum donation: €5. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for weather-related updates here. 

3. Be transported to Paris on Blossom Grove Terrace 

What could be better than a summer cocktail enjoyed in a riverside sun trap? Inspired by the boulevards of Paris, the Blossom Grove Terrace at The River Club is where you’ll find Cork’s savvy style set enjoying their downtime. 

Three distinctly Parisian, limited-edition drinks have been created in partnership with the famous French aperitif brand Lillet; sip a 'Lillet Spritz', a 'Rosé Between Two Thorns' or an 'In Full Blossom’ as you order from the mouthwatering tapas menu. 

Table service is swift so you’ll have plenty of time to kick back and relax (and stage the obligatory Instagram selfie). 

4. Feed your senses at the Coal Quay Food Market

Early risers have a uniquely local treat waiting for them from 8.30am every Saturday on the Coal Quay. This is where the county’s best organic farmers and producers convene so city slickers can fill their baskets with fresh vegetables, natural juices, armfuls of gorgeous flowers and fish plucked from the ocean in West Cork that very morning. 

Stop by for a coffee, a crusty sourdough roll and some of the best local cheese you’ve ever tasted. 

5. Coffee and history

If it’s good coffee and an interesting stroll you’re after, head up the hill on Barrack Street. Two of the city’s best cafés are nestled into this historic area: Alchemy Coffee & Books is where the cool kids sip espresso, spilling onto the quiet street outside. 

A few steps further and you’ll reach 107 Barrack Street, a new addition to the Cork coffee scene, with an eclectic art collection and a cottage garden out back where you can relax with a book. On the way back down, climb the thick stone walls of Elizabeth Fort, built in the 1600s, for epic views over the city.