Here you will find some useful information about living in Cork city:
Accommodation
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Transport
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Cost of Living
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Local Amenities
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Eating Out
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Nightlife
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Accommodation
Cork English Academy can organise both self catering apartments where you will share with other students or a host family for the duration of your stay. The majority of our short to mid term students (bookings of between 2 to 12 weeks) book their entire language stay accommodation through the school.Please see our Accommodation section for more details.
Some of or more long term students (bookings of 12 weeks or more) tend to book 4 to 8 weeks accommodation through the school and then once they have settled in to life in Cork they look for their own accommodation.
If you want to find your own accommodation in Cork popular rental websites in Ireland are Daft.ie and MyHome2let.ie. These can give you a good idea of the types of properties available to rent in Cork.
Click Here for some useful tips for students renting accommodation in cork.
Transport
Getting to Cork
Remember Cork English Academy is easy accessible by Cork Airport (15 minutes by taxi) and Dublin Airport (3.5 hours by direct non-stop coach www.aircoach.ie).
There are about six buses a day to and from Dublin (Busáras), with a journey time of about four hours. Bus Éireann also operates services to and from Limerick, Galway, Waterford and other cities in Ireland. Air Coach also operates a service every two hours to and from Dublin, including Dublin Airport. The coaches stop on Penrose Quay, at the back of the Metropole Hotel (almost opposite the bus station). There are also frequent trains to Cork from Dublin (Heuston Station). Trains stop at Mallow for connections with Killarney and at Limerick Junction for connections with Limerick.
Local Transport
At Cork English Academy you can generally walk everywhere as we are located in the city centre just 2 minutes walk from Patrick Street (the main shopping street in the city). You might like to consider a weekly bus pass (€19.50) depending on where you are living or some day trips. Details are available at http://www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=307
Cost of Living
The following approximate figures serve as an indication of the overall expenses per month. Please note these figures serve as a guide only.
Accommodation Costs
Cork English Academy can organise both self catering apartments where you will share with other students or a host family for the duration of your stay. Please see our accommodation page for prices and more details.
If you are staying in Cork for a long term period you may decide to arrange your own accommodation. Please be aware that rents for a single room in a shared house or apartment in Cork city are usually between €300 and €500 per month. Prior to moving into your new accommodation you are usually required to pay the landlord or Letting Agency one month’s rent and a refundable security deposit (usually the same price as a month’s rent).
Electricity, heating and internet bills are usually extra at about €50 per person per month (based on three people sharing in a house/apartment).
Click Here for some useful tips for students renting accommodation in cork.
Transport Costs
Local transport – at Cork English Academy you can generally walk everywhere. You might like to consider a weekly bus pass (€19.50) depending on where you are living or for some day trips. Details are available at Buseireann.ie.
Food Costs
Source: www.tesco.ie . Tesco is a supermarket chain. Tesco’s own brand may be cheaper than other brands.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Apples | €0.43 each |
| Bananas | €1.25/kg |
| Big Mac Meal (medium) | €6.40 approx |
| Butter 250g | €1.84 |
| Cereal – Kelloggs Cornflakes 500g | €2.29 |
| Chicken fillets – Tesco | €4.29 / kg |
| Coca Cola 6 x 330ml | €3.75 |
| Coffee 100g instant Tesco | €3.49 |
| Eggs 6 pack Tesco | €1.59 |
| Loaf of Bread 800g | €1.87 |
| Milk (1 litre) | €1.28 |
| Onions | €1.39/ kg |
| Oranges | €0.39 each |
| Pasta 220g Tesco | €1.74 |
| Potatoes 5kg Tesco organic | €6.99 |
| Rice 1 kg Tesco | €2.00 (Basmati €3.00) |
| Sugar 1kg Tesco | €0.68 |
| Tea bags 250g | €1.99 |
| Toilet Tissue 4 Roll | €2.00 |
| Toothpaste 100ml | €2.99 |
| Tuna – John West (brine) 185g | €1.65 |
| Washing Powder 2.4kg Tesco | €5.85 |
| Water 1 litre Ballygowan | €1.25 |
| Yoghurt 6 x 125g | €3.00 |
Miscellaneous Costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cinema Ticket | €5 – €9 |
| Hair Cut | €10 – €40 |
| Newspaper | €1.90 |
| Second hand bike | €60 – €100 |
| Sports Event | €6 – €25 |
All figures are guide prices only and subject to change.
Other Costs
All non-EU students will require an Immigration Card - €300.
All non- EU students will require Medical Insurance – €100
Local Amenities
Cork English Academy is located in the city centre, less than five minutes walk from Patrick’s Street the main shopping street in the immediate city centre. The school is located on the same side of the city as the University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology. This means that Cork English Academy is in the middle of all major facilities and amenities geared towards students.
Tourist Office
The city’s main tourist office is the Cork Tourism Information Centre on Grand Parade in the city centre. There’s also a comprehensive tourist information desk in Cork Airport.
Post Office
The central post office is on Oliver Plunkett Street in the city centre. There are also numerous other branches in the city centre as well as scattered throughout the suburbs. They are pretty easy to find with their trademark green signs and are usually located in a reasonably prominent area.All post boxes are also painted green and display collection times clearly on the box.
Library
The Central Library on the Grand Parade is home to the City Libraries’ largest collections of books, periodicals, CDs, DVDs and other materials.Visitors to the Central Library can listen to a varied collection of music on CD, DVD, vinyl, and tape formats. The Thomas Davis Room in the Central Library provides a public space for reading groups / book clubs and for talks organized in conjunction with the Library. Space is frequently made available to hold exhibitions of interest to the general public.
Parks and Walkways
Cork County Council have put together very useful brochures on a self guided city centre walking tours of Cork which bring you to the most famed and off the beaten track hidden gems of attractions in Cork. There are 3 elements to the walks; a leaflet with a map and description of sights along the way, ten information panels at key locations along the route and fingerpost directional signs to help guide you between the information panels.
Shandon Area Walk: A self-guided walking tour of Cork’s historic Shandon district
South Parish Walk: A self-guided walking tour of Cork’s South Parish district
City Centre Island Walk: A self-guided walking tour of Cork’s City Centre district
Mardyke Walk Skate Park
Cork City has its very own oasis for skateboarders, rollerbladers, and bikers, The Mardyke Walk Skate Park!
Triskel Arts Centre
Incorporating Triskel Christchurch, Plugd Records, Gulpd Café, Corcadorca and The Black Mariah. This ever-growing arts center presents a variety of entertainment, from drama, poetry readings, and opera to traditional music concerts. There is also a full curriculum of daytime art workshops and gallery talks as well. The in-house restaurant is a stylish place to have a light meal or a cappuccino.
The Coal Quay Market
Made up of various stalls lining the street, Coal Quay Market is so named because of its historical association with Cork’s coal suppliers. Here vendors sell everything from alternative clothing to watches to jewelry to flowers.
The English Market
The Old English Market is one of Cork’s most well?known attractions and has been in operation since 1788. An indoor market consisting of a warren of different counters, there’s a huge selection of foodstuffs on offer. Don’t forget to check out the Market Street Parade, which is filled with small shops. It’s a great place to find vintage and retro clothes, as well as yarn, jewelry, crafts and gifts.
Cinemas
Cork has a number of cinemas. The Gate Mutiplex on North Main Street, an Omniplex in Douglas and Mahon showing all new movies and the Triskel Arts Centre cinema that shows newly released art house movies.
Gym
The Mardyke Sports Arena allows for pay as you go visits which may be useful for short term students and monthly and yearly membership options which may be useful for longer term students. As well as using the gym and swimming pool students can sign up for various weekly workshops including yoga, aerobics, spinning, zumba, pilates and kettle bells.
Eating Out
For those looking for international food, Mexican, Chinese and Thai restaurants are scattered around the city. Café Mexicana on Carey’s Lane serves a mix of traditional Mexican dishes at reasonable prices.
The Huguenot Quarter is filled with places to eat and drink, like Zaks on Marlboro Street, offering a great value early bird specials. Vegetarians and vegans can also find a good meal in Cork, with the Quay Co-Op on Sullivan’s Quay especially popular for its big selection of vegan desserts.
Seafood is quite popular here, with Cork located on a natural harbour and near many fishing villages. Pub grub generally includes a seafood platter, with the majority of the ingredients sourced locally.
As well as being home to all these great places for a sit down meal, Cork also has the English Market. A haven for foodies, it is one of the city’s most popular places to visit. This indoor market offers a huge selection of foodstuffs, from meat to cheese to fish to vegetables. The various stalls often offer taste tests that are well worth a try.
Restaurants in Cork
Zaks, 4 Marlboro Street, Cork, Ireland
Check out Zaks for great early bird specials. You can choose the 2 course option for €19.50 or the 3 course option for €23.50 and the offer runs from 6pm?7.30pm. On the menu you’ll find steak, fish, pizzas and burgers, as well as some good vegetarian options. The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch.
Café Gusto, 3 Washington Street, Cork, Ireland
A great place for coffee fiends, when you buy 10 coffees you get one free with this café’s loyalty card. Serving sandwiches, bagels and wraps, Café Gusto also offers a selection of milkshakes and smoothies at low prices. Soya options are provided and daily specials are also available.
Cork Coffee Roasters, 2 Bridge Street, Cork, Ireland
For a cup of coffee and a pastry, this is a great place to start the day. The beans used in all the blends here are hand roasted in Cork. The counter is small and the shop popular, so expect to queue. When you buy any coffee making paraphernalia you get a free coffee.
Scoozi’s, Winthrop Lane, Winthrop Street, Cork, Ireland
Serving everything from pizza and pastas to steaks and salads as well as the much-loved full Irish breakfast, this is an extremely popular restaurant with visitors and locals alike.
Café Mexicana, Carey’s Lane, Cork, Ireland
A great place for authentic Mexican fare, tacos, enchiladas and burritos can all be sampled here. Specials include combo meals and an offer on Sangria by the glass or pitcher. There’s an interesting interior, witMexican?themed tiles replacing the everyday placemat.
Taste of Thailand, 8 Bridge Street, Cork, Ireland
BYO restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine including meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Not expensive but if you really want to economise check out the early bird special between 6.00pm and 7.00pm daily.
Esau’s Restaurant & Tapas Bar, 8-9 Carey’s Lane, Cork, Ireland
Bringing a true taste of Spain to the city, Esau’s also specialises in fresh seafood which is delivered daily. Also has an early bird menu which is served between 6.00pm and 7.30pm.
Loco Cafe, 21 Paul Street, Cork, Ireland
One of the most popular cafes in Cork, Loco specialises in paninis, wraps and sandwiches so it’s an excellent place for lunch. Oh the fruit smoothies must be tasted to be believed – delicious.
The Yumi Yuki Club, Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin Street, Cork, Ireland
The city’s only sushi bar, this restaurant also serves a host of other exciting dishes. Slightly pricier than some of the other eateries listed but the club also doubles as a late bar with live jazz so it is a good place for a night out.
The Quay Co-Op, 24 Sullivan’s Quay, Cork, Ireland
Cafeteria style service and a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes are the hallmarks of this popular spot. Portions are large and the restaurant can get very busy at peak times. Vegans and veggies with a sweet tooth are well catered for too, with a really impressive range of dessert options provided.
The Gingerbread House, 10 Paul Street, Cork, Ireland
An institution among the city’s students who sit for hours and watch the world go by through the café’s huge windows, also has live jazz and a really warm and friendly atmosphere.
Leonardo’s Bistro, Phoenix Street, Cork, Ireland
Specialising in Italian cuisine, this bistro also serves an extensive selection of international dishes right up until 11.00pm nightly. Also has a full wine license.
The Coal Quay Cafe, Cornmarket Street, Cork, Ireland
Located right in the heart of the city’s renowned open-air market this café is guaranteed to have something to please everyone. It is worth noting, however, that it only opens from Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30pm onwards.
Nightlife
As well as having the Triskel Arts Centre and Opera House nearby, students can look forward to experiencing some of the country’s top bars including Bourbon, The Woodford, The Idle Hour, Charlie’s, Sin É, The Shelbourne, Kudo’s The Bowery and the Classic Bar all in close proximity. There is something for everyone in Cork and you certainly won’t be disappointed with the nightlife with weekly Cork English Academy organised pub nights.
Greyhound Stadium, Curraheen Park, Cork, Ireland
While people have been racing greyhounds for hundreds of years, greyhound racing as we know it today is a relatively modern phenomenon. Greyhound racing in Ireland consists of 6 dogs chasing after a mechanical hare over distances ranging from 325yards up to 1035 yards. The most regular distances raced are 525/550 yards. The dogs are allocated trap numbers 1 – 6 with each trap having a colour assigned to it. Groups can enjoy a night out with a difference while eating at the stadium restaurant and placing bets on the races.
Old Oak Bar, 113 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, Ireland
As well as being a great place to enjoy a pint and watch sports, you can also check your email here, as the bar offers WiFi coverage. A popular live music venue, it hosts many different types of acts, from rock bands to traditional Irish music. It’s also located beside another popular live music venue, Cyprus Avenue.
Fred Zeppelins, 8 Parliament Street, Cork, Ireland
A great rock bar and live music venue, Fred Zeppelins is a popular spot with a dark interior, loud music and plenty of places to sit. This bar sells most pints for only €3.25 from 4pm to 8pm on Monday to Thursday. You can test your rockstar skills every Tuesday at the bar’s Guitar Hero competition.
MVM, Movies Vs Music, 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork, Ireland
Held in the Everyman Palace Theatre, this is a different kind of club night. There is plenty of room to dance, as well as a comfy sofa cinema showing cult movies. This event takes place every Saturday. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the door.
An Bróg, 74 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, Ireland
A popular spot with a younger crowd, An Bróg has four bar areas and a foosball table. It operates as a late bar and there’s a DJ 7 nights a week. You can test your knowledge at the weekly table quiz every Monday night. Draught pints are only €2.90 until 9pm.
Newport, Paul Street Plaza, Cork, Ireland
Fairy lights brighten up the interior of this trendy late bar, café and bistro. There are lots of places to sit, both inside and outside and, as a result, it can get quite busy. It operates as a late bar and there’s a DJ. You can also access the 3?floor nightclub, Mangans, via the Newport.
Nancy Spains, 48 Barrack Street, Cork, Ireland
Undoubtedly one of the most popular student bars in the city, this status guarantees drinks promotions, live music and a really good time.
Ma Brown’s, 56 MacCurtain Street, Cork, Ireland
Those of you with a penchant for karaoke will love this place where it takes place every Thursday and Friday night. Also has a DJ on Saturdays and traditional Irish music on Sundays.
Henry Grattan, Grattan Street, Cork, Ireland
A relatively new addition to the social scene in Cork, this pub is certainly making its mark. Regular live music and cheap and cheerful food served daily during the week ensure that this is the case.
The Crystal, 21 Gilabbey Street, Cork, Ireland
Newly refurbished city centre bar with live music and a DJ every night at the weekend this bar also caters for all major sporting events guaranteed a good atmosphere when there is a big game on.
Costigans, 11 Washington Street West, Cork, Ireland
Excellent traditional pub serving beers, wines and extremely popular cocktails. Live music every Wednesday and the best soup and sandwiches in the south.
Franciscan Well Brew Pub, North Mall, Cork, Ireland
One of the city’s only microbreweries, there’s live traditional music every Monday and an outdoor barbecue every Thursday. While it can’t guarantee that the weather will hold up, it can guarantee a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Gorby’s, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, Ireland
Nightclub which is primarily aimed at students, Gorby’s has a DJ every night of the week. Has different theme nights most Tuesdays as well as hosting comedy and live music on occasion. Admission is cheaper before 11.00pm.
The Lobby Bar, 1 Union Quay, Cork, Ireland
Cork’s premier live music venue, the Lobby has a gig every night of the week ensuring that the place is always packed and the atmosphere is second to none.
Sir Henry’s, South Main Street, Cork, Ireland
Legendary live music venue over the past two decades this establishment now mainly serves as one of the city’s most popular nightclubs playing everything from indie and alternative to cheesy disco.
Loafers, 26-27 Douglas Street, Cork, Ireland
The city’s original gay and lesbian bar, this is a friendly, fun pub with a juke box, a pool table and plenty going on to keep you entertained while you’re there.
Club FX, Lynches Street, Cork, Ireland
A club situated on two different levels check out the sounds of the 80’s and 90’s in one of the most popular dance venues in the city. And for those of you who prefer to chill grab yourself a place on the balcony.
