The West Cork Model Railway Village is the biggest draw for kids visiting Cork, while any child can join their mum or dad in a spot of fishing, golfing, or watching a traditional Irish game of football or hurling. Adult visitors have an even greater choice when it comes to activities, with walking among the surrounding countryside a popular way to take in this charming part of Ireland.

Fishing
There are several well-stocked waterways in and around Cork where you can go fishing, including the city’s River Lee, the Blackwater River nearby, and the many lakes in the region. You will need a license to fish in County Cork, but salmon licenses and lake fishing permits are easily organised at TW Murray on Patrick Street. You can also pick up tackle here. Phone: +353 21 427 1089

Gaelic Football
Gaelic football is similar to hurling (another traditional Irish game) and uses the same pitch and scoring configuration as well as the same team size of 15 players. However, a football-like ball is used which can be kicked and run with in hand. Players running with the ball must keep it in play by passing it from hand to foot every five steps.

Golf
There are three really good golf clubs within reach of Cork that are open to visitors—the Cork Golf Club, on Little Island eight kilometres east of Cork; Harbour Point, also on Little Island six kilometres east of Cork; and the Douglas Golf Club, on Maryboro Hill four kilometres south of Cork. Cork Golf Club has the highest profile and is thus the most expensive club, while Douglas and Harbour Point are similarly priced.

Hurling and Camogie
This most traditional of Irish games resembles that of hockey; it’s a 15-a-side game but a lot faster and more competitive than hockey. The idea is to blast the ball into the net of the H-shaped goalposts for three points, or over the bar for one point. Camogie is the women's version of hurling.

Walking
Visitors can learn all about the history of Cork through a walking tour which takes in many of the city’s finest sights. Both relaxing and informative, a tour generally starts at the ancient monastery of Cork and continues on to the place of Viking settlement, through the ancient Norman walled city and past the waterways of the more modern part of Cork. The Old Railway Line from Cork to Passage West also has good walking.

West Cork Model Railway Village
The most fun Cork attraction for kids is located at Clonakilty Bay and features a complete model village of West Cork during the 1940s. The railway depicting the West Cork line is the big attraction for kids, while visitors can learn all about County Cork industries through interesting working exhibits. Phone: +353 23 33224; www.modelvillage.ie  

Cork has a surprising amount of diversity in its cultural status for such a small town. There are a number of quality performing arts venues in the town as well as attractive churches and impressive art galleries. A must-see Cork highlight on a tour is the Jameson Heritage Centre which showcases the famous branded whiskey production.

Cork Opera House
The Cork Opera House is the most high-profile performing arts venue in Cork and stages many top operas, musicals, and concerts year round. Featuring a modern facade and completely restored, the mid-19th century Opera House was famously attacked by the English in the 1920s and later burnt to the ground in the 1950s. Phone: +353 21 427 0022; www.corkoperahouse.ie

Cork Theatre
Cork Opera House on Emmet Place is the foremost cultural venue in Cork and plays host to main events, including dance and opera. Other popular venues in Cork include the School of Music with its classical concerts, the Granary for its smaller drama productions, the Firkin Crane Theatre for contemporary dance and the Triskel Arts Centre for its alternative productions. Phone: + 353 21 427 0022; www.corkoperahouse.ie (Cork Opera House).

Jameson Heritage Centre
Visitors interested in whiskey might like to check out the award-winning Jameson Heritage Centre where they can sample traditional Irish whiskey on a tour. You will learn all about the process at the huge complex which also features historic mills, kilns, and corn stores. The original waterwheel which powered the plant is still in operation. www.jameson.ie

Lewis Glucksman Gallery
Located within the grounds of Cork University, the Lewis Glucksman is a diverse gallery featuring fine exhibitions of international art as well as film screenings, workshops, lectures and art classes. The building itself is a fine piece of modern architecture and the onsite café provides sustenance. Phone: + 353 21 490 1844; www.glucksman.org  

St Anne's Church
Of the many churches in Cork, St Anne’s is the most impressive, not only for its stunning look but also for its history. It is one of the oldest places of worship in Cork, having been built in the 17th century, and offers fantastic views from the tower, which is adorned in cut-limestone on two faces and in red sandstone on the other two. Phone: +353 21 450 5906; www.shandonbells.org

Cork has really done well in recent times in the world of eating, owing mainly to the influx of tourists. All budgets are catered for, but expect to pay handsomely when dining at the best seafood restaurants in town. Produce comes in direct from the rivers, lakes and Celtic Sea and includes lobsters, salmon, trout, cod and plaice.

Simply wander around the city centre (south of the river) and you’ll easily find somewhere to eat. French Church Street offers some good choices, as do MacCurtain and Bridge Street over the river. The English Market on Grande Parade is good for snacks, cheeses and breads. Drinking wise, Jameson Whiskey and Guinness stout can be found in all bars and pubs.

For shopping, check out Patrick Street in the city centre; it has everything from shopping malls to fashionable boutiques and pleasant old architecture. Merchant's Quay Shopping Centre is the main shopping base here with popular high street brands like Laura Ashley and Marks & Spencer, while Brown Thomas, Cork’s main store, has a huge range of products.

For souvenirs and sundries, cruise the network of alleys and lanes in Cork where many smaller shops and specialist stores reside. Paul's Lane has loads of Cork souvenirs while the Butter Exchange is the place to head for Cork porcelain, pottery, and jewellery.