Doyle Collection Careers
48h Hours in Cork
Introducing: William Murray
My name is William Murray, I am a home cook, food writer, artist and one half of Currabinny. Hailing from the brands namesake in Co. Cork, Curabinny is a small, wooded and very hilly peninsula jutting out into the harbour at the entrance to the Owenabue river. Growing up only thirty minutes from the city, I attended school there and visited often with family. As a result, I have a huge connection to Cork and all its wonderful intrigues, oddities and amenities. Most of my trip’s home are spent visiting family, but occasionally, when I want to show off the best city in Ireland to friends, I always recommend The River Lee as the perfect base for a weekend in Cork.
Welcome to the Weekend
The weekend officially begins at 5pm on Friday. Check in to The River Lee and leave your troubles at the door. My first stop is The River Club Terrace for a delicious cocktail to toast the week, my tipple of choice is a Safe Harbour, topped with a Beamish float, the perfect nod to the city. As the sun sets and the river flows alongside enjoy a bite to eat with the delicious selection of small plates in The River Club, savouring the flavours of the local produce.
Stop by the glamorous Cocktail Bar for a night-cap before heading to bed for an early night ready for a busy weekend of exploring ahead.
The Most Important Meal of the Day
Nothing beats a hotel breakfast, and The River Lee serves up the most delicious selection of sweet and savoury delights. I love the morning atmosphere in The Mirror Room with fresh coffee brewing and the buzz of excitement for the day’s adventures ahead.
My go to order is the classic Eggs Benedict, the free-range eggs served at The River Lee bring the perfect pop of colour to the breakfast plate and are the best way to kick start your Saturday.
A Little Bit of Butter
The first stop I usually bring people is perhaps the most quirky and unique on my list. Up the steep, windy, ancient streets of Shandon, under the watchful eye of the four faced liar that is the Shandon bell tower, sits a rather inconspicuous building, housing inside the world-famous Butter Museum of Cork. A treasure trove of artefacts, photographs and videos chronicling the hugely important butter exchange of Cork, the tradition of butter making in Munster and the international success of Irish butter in the modern era. Don’t expect an experience which is too sleek or polished but do expect to be utterly charmed and informed.
A Walk Through the Past
Heading out a little past Sundays Well, you will eventually reach the Old Cork Waterworks which has recently been developed as an educational and heritage centre. A new one on my list but it is an important one for explaining Cork's transition into a modern city. Walking back to the City Centre and staying on the historical theme, you can take a glimpse into a far more ancient part of the city's history. Winding up the ancient steps and streets around Barrack Street before arching down again towards the river, you will come across the entrance to Elizabeth Fort and the Old City Walls. The preserved stone star shaped fort was constructed in 1624 on the bones of an older timber structure. Visitors to the fort today can have an immersive experience into life in medieval Cork and learn about the many sieges and revolts the fort withstood throughout its long history.
Meet at the Marina
A short stroll along the south channel of the river brings you to the industrial docklands. The old and decaying structures may seem at first, a strange place to bring someone for a day out to Cork, but trust me! At the very end of this forbidding walkway, you will be greeted with the smells and sounds of Cork’s biggest market, The Marina Market. Here you will find over 35 unique stalls and vendors offering an array of food, coffee, trinkets, and antiques. It is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and rest your feet.
A Treasure Trove to Discover
Belly’s full, wander back to my favourite street McCurtain Street, on the north side of the city. Here you will find one of Cork’s hidden gems, Mother Jones’s Flea Market, a treasure trove of antiques, curios, and long forgotten trinkets. Here you can buy anything from fur coats to old street signs, if allowed I could spend hours here perusing through all the weird and wonderful items inside.
One for the Road
On your way back to the hotel, stop by one of the cities best known and beloved watering holes Sin É. Expect traditional music and the perfect pint of Murphy’s or Beamish. The vibe is unmatched in the city, with dark walls, old furniture, and an overflowing of memorabilia from its long history covering every inch of the place.
Flavours of Cork
After a fun-filled day it’s back to The Grill Room to indulge in a delicious dinner. My go-to order is the sirloin steak, locally sourced and served with chunky chips and a Tarragon Bearnaise sauce, paired perfectly with a glass of rich red wine. My partner James and I always opt to have dessert sent to our room, the perfect way to end the day!
Soak in the Culture
On Sunday, if schedules allow I usually like to spend some time at The Triskel Arts Centre. This vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Cork city plays host to an array of classical and jazz concerts, cultural cinema, visual art exhibitions and literary events. An inspirational space from which I feel so much pride for the talent of my fellow Corkonians!
Back for Brunch
Then it’s back to The River Lee for brunch, the vibrant and lively River Club paired with a menu of brunch classics and tantalising tipples is the perfect way to end a trip.
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And that is it: in my opinion a perfect weekend in Cork, filled with some of my favourite places and hidden gems. I leave Ireland’s greatest city to return to my new home of Kilkenny, full of good food, great memories and pride for my beloved Cork!
