Cork has winding lanes, waterways and big landmarks, and is a delight to stroll. The big attraction is just outside town in the small village of Blarney – the famed Blarney Stone and associated castle. In Cork itself, be sure to check out St Finbarrs Cathedral and the English Market, and those with time on their hands should also visit the Cork Butter Museum and the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery.

Blarney Castle
Located in nearby Blarney to the northwest of Cork, Blarney Castle is the home of the famed Blarney Stone, one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Thousands of tourists come to Blarney every year to kiss the stone and be endowed with “the gift of the gab”. The rest of the castle and the grounds are also worth spending time at. Phone: +353 21 438 5252; www.blarneycastle.ie.

Cork Butter Museum
Situated in the historic Shandon part of the city, the unique Cork Butter Museum recalls the days of Cork’s butter producing prowess when Cork had the world’s largest butter market in the 1700s. Butter was mainly supplied to the British Navy and later to the English market during famine time, while the Kerrygold brand is also detailed. Phone: +353 21 4300 600; http://corkbutter.museum

Cork City Jail
Cork City Jail, brainchild of Sir Thomas Deane and a fine Cork landmark, dates from 1824 and is more akin to an elaborate castle than a prison. The building is located at nearby Sunday's Well and has many interesting facets, including Gothic-turreted battlements and dripstones. Guides lead visitors through the former prison providing details on infamous inmates. Phone: +353 21 430 5022; www.corkcitygaol.com

Crawford Municipal Art Gallery
With its free admission and comprehensive collection of many of Ireland’s best works, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery is a must-see for the artsy type. Works by the likes of Jack Yeats, Sir John Lavery, Nathaniel Grogan, and James Barry can be seen in this fine 18th-century customs house. Be sure to also check out the handcrafted silver and the restaurant. Phone: +353 21 427 3377; www.crawfordartgallery.com

Old English Market
Retaining its title from the days of English rule, the Old English Market is one of Ireland’s very best, loaded as it is with stalls of meats, fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as specialities like tripe and drisheens (local blood sausage). The market harks back to the 1610 charter of James I and the present building was completely refurbished after being almost razed by fire in 1980.

St Finbarrs Cathedral
St Finbarrs Cathedral sits over a church site which dates to the 700s. Badly damaged during the Seige of Cork, the cathedral was redone in Gothic Revival style and today features three spires and fine stained-glass windows. Phone: +353 21 496 3387; www.cathedral.cork.anglican.org  

Ireland’s Two for One Pass
This pass is valid for many attractions in Cork and the county at large and includes a 10 per cent discount with a paying for an adult pass at Blarney Castle.