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Want to rediscover the joy of travel? Take the train to Cork.....

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

Saturday, 10 September 2022 - 7 minutes

This week Travel Talk took the train from Dublin to Cork.  Do you remember how you saw the train as a child? You would jump for joy as you watched it approaching the platform and when you stepped on board and sat into those giant seats, you felt it could take you anywhere.  I have travelled by rail all over Europe and for me one of the great little pleasures in life is boarding the train from Dublin to Cork.  And now post Covid I was delighted to experience the joys of relaxing rail travel again as I watched the lush Irish countryside whizz by whilst sipping on my full fat Americano and my Butler's complimentary chocolate.  Rail travel always brings out the creative juices in me and by the time we had arrived in the People's Republic I had written the first chapter of my new book (title as yet unknown). I stayed in my favourite Hotel in Cork - The Metropole which delivers consistently excellent service and is just 5 mins walk from the train station on Cork's coolest new area - Mac Curtain Street.   They have a great 125th anniversary offer and great Jazz weekend offers from €250 per person - The offer includes:
● 2 nights Bed & Breakfast
● A specially-crafted anniversary drink from our MET 125 Cocktail menu inspired by our most famous guests
● A 3-course evening meal with a bottle of wine on one evening
● Complimentary car parking
● A celebratory welcome gift in your room with a nod to our heritage
● Option to attend our historic tours of The Metropole Hotel on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday at 11am to gain a glimpse into our fascinating 125 year history - Bookings on - Metropole Offers

During my stay I visited the Marina Markets which were really enjoyable and a huge variety of street food in relaxing Bohemian surroundings.  Delicious fare at great value,  Blarney Castle and Gardens were looking resplendent in the good weather and even though I was tempted to give the famous stone another "top up" kiss I resisted on this trip as I think four previous snogs was probably sufficient for now.  

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the award winning Spike Island and of course the English Market is a must see when in Cork.  There was some great bands playing in Clancy's Gastro Pub and Music Venue and they open until late.  The Crawford Art Gallery has some great exhibitions on now and the Harry Clarke stained glass windows are a must see.    Of course the famous Jazz Festival looms in October and the Metropole has always been at the heart of the festival.  

Cork has a lovely understated elegance and charm about it, the pedestrianised streets have really given it a very European feel.  There are some great places to eat and drink now and MacCurtain Street has transformed into a real foodies heaven.

As I chatted to one of the locals about the friendliness of the Cork people over a creamy Beamish in the Mutton Lane Pub he told just gave me that Cork glance and said.... come ere Boy .... there's no place like Cork .... And that's #PureCork

For great rail fares from €21.49 check out -Irish Rail SuperSavers

The Metropole Hotel - Metropole Offers

Things to do and see in Cork check out  - Pure Cork

 

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