Here’s a self-guided walking tour of the immediate centre of Cork city, highlighting key stops for practical needs like transportation, shopping, and essential services.

At each stop numbered 1 to 8, pause and take the time to orientate yourself and identity the key areas around you.

Open this Google Map on your phone if needed.

Start Point: Outside the school

1. Cork City Library

• Why visit: The library offers essential services like color printing and photocopying, which can be useful for academic needs. Essential for accessing books, community resources, and public computers.
• Location: Grand Parade.
• Key areas around you: Bishop Lucy Park and Oliver Plunkett Street (hotspot for nightlife).

2. Berwick Fountain

• Why visit: This is a notable landmark, many students use it as a meeting point ”meet you at the fountain”.
• Location: Grand Parade.
• Key areas around you: The English Market entrance is directly across from the Berwick Fountain. A historic covered market, perfect for fresh produce, meats, and local specialties. Open since 1788, this market is not only a place to shop but also a cultural experience. Be sure to check out the artisan stalls for local cheeses, seafood, and baked goods.

3. Singers Corner

• Why visit: This is a landmark building often used by Cork people when giving directions. The ”Singers” here refers to old sewing machines, with a clothes alterations/ tailors shop located on the corner!
• Location: Corner of Grand Parade and Washington Street (hotspot for nightlife).
• Key areas around you: This junction is key for navigating west towards the University College Cork (UCC) Students’ Union Office and AIB Bank Western Road, useful for student services and banking.

4. Daunt Square

• Why visit: A central pedestrianized area at the bottom of Patrick’s Street (main shopping street Cork).
• Location: Junction of Patrick Street and Grand Parade.
• Key areas around you: This junction is key for navigating towards main shopping areas in the city. Patrick’s Street ( main shopping street ), Tesco Superstore (Paul Street Shopping Centre) and Lidl (Cornmarket Street) both large supermarkets, perfect for stocking up on groceries and other necessities. Also, the Three Store (phone/ SIM card shop) bottom of Patrick’s Street.

5. Parnell Place Bus Station

• Why visit: Central bus station with routes and timetables available, making it easier to plan local and regional travel.
• Location: Parnell Place.
• Key areas around you: This junction is key for crossing the bridge and navigating to the northside of the river/ city where you will find Mac Curtain Street (hotspot for restaurants and bars) , Aircoach Bus Stop opposite Cafe Moodys and Kent Train Station . All just minutes walk from The central bus station at Parnell Place, on the north side of the city (across the river)

6. GPO (General Post Office)

• Why visit: The main post office in Cork, essential for sending mail and parcels.
• Location: Oliver Plunkett Street (hotspot for nightlife).
• Key areas around you: Webworkhouse (Winthrop Street) provides a co-working space, hot-desking and printing facility if needed.

7. Anglesea Street Garda Station

• Why visit: Students from outside of the EU may have questions about Immigration Registration (although First Immigration Registration is through the Dublin office).
• Location: Anglesea Street
• Key areas around you: Aldi Supermarket and iconic 18 story tall Elysian building (Eglinton Street).

8. Bank of Ireland (BOI)

• Why Visit: The closest ATM to your school, ensuring easy access to cash.
• Location: South Mall.
• Key areas around you: South Mall is the traditional business district of Cork . It is the main centre of banking, insurance and professional services firms.

Finish Point: Outside the school

Practical Needs

Here is some information on practical needs you may have on first moving to Cork city.

Leap Cards

• Adult (short term): Centra on Grand Parade/Oliver Plunkett St or Spar on Patrick’s St/George’s Quay
• Student (long term): UCC SU Office, 54 College Road, Cork
• How to Apply for a Leap Card

Bank Account

• AIB Western Road
• How to Open an Irish Bank Account

Garda Station

• Anglesea St Garda Station, T12 K244

Printing Service

• Cork City Library, Grand Parade
• Webworkhouse, 8 Winthrop St, T12 EE6N

SIM Card

• Eir or Three both on Patrick’s Street
• Tesco Mobile, Paul Street

Nightlife

• Oliver Plunkett Street
• Washington Street