COBH, IRELAND

Leaving the South Mall – one of the most gracious streets in the city – we will cross Parnell Bridge, where we shall stop briefly and enjoy the view. We can see City Hall, elegant in its classical lines and its glistening limestone, the fluted columns of the Savings Bank, the modern lines of the College of Commerce and Morrison’s Island.

Cork is a city of steeples and bridges and was made for walking. From many vantage points it can all be seen at a glance as it is a compact city in size, yet diverse in its range of activities. Its quays that stretch all the way into the heart of the city welcome ships from the seven seas. The city centre presents streets lined with a multiplicity of shops, arcades and boutiques.

Cork is mildly cosmopolitan yet engagingly Irish and is pleasantly spread out among the hills that rise up on both sides of the River Lee. The city centre is actually a small island between two channels of the river and a plethora of bridges. After a short drive through the rolling countryside we arrive at the Imperial Hotel, where we shall commence our walk. Leaving the South Mall – one of the most gracious streets in the city – we will cross Parnell Bridge, where we shall stop briefly and enjoy the view. We can see City Hall, elegant in its classical lines and its glistening limestone, the fluted columns of the Savings Bank, the modern lines of the College of Commerce and Morrison’s Island.

Strolling along the quays, the slender spire of the Holy Trinity Church rises up over the river. We will stop for a while at the Parliament Bridge with its gracious arch and its gleam of limestone. As we approach the South Gate Bridge, the three spires of St Finbarr’s Cathedral, part of the city skyline, suddenly come into view. Designed and built by William Burgess, the city has been given a church full of exuberance. Its style is all things romantic, ornate and possibly even exotic. We have time for a visit and photos.

Then it is time to stroll down Sharmon-Crawford to Clarke’s Bridge – one of the most atmospheric places in the whole of the city. Despite the bustling city surrounding it, the bridge has remained tranquil and quaint. It dates from 1776 and, with its hump back and red slate, is an endearing reminder of old times, yet it was so solidly constructed that today it carries a stream of double-decker buses.

Departing this quiet corner of the city, it is time for the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares of city life. The classical limestone façade of the Courthouse, located in a street full of red brick buildings is one of the most enduring sights of the city. As we walk onto North Main Street and Castle Street we will suddenly find ourselves in a very cosmopolitan part of the city, full of pedestrian laneways, cafes, bookshops, antique shops and the people of Cork going about their business.

We may have time to explore the English Market, which is almost 400 year olds and one of Cork’s greatest assets. It is an indoor food market with an array of butchers selling many of the traditional Cork foods, fruit and vegetable shops, Italian, French and Irish cheese stalls and fresh bread stands. We can browse independently and do a little shopping before we rejoin our guide and coach for the return journey to our ship.

TOUR NOTES: As this is a walking tour, only guests who are fit and energetic should take part. Guests should be prepared to walk or stand for approximately two and a half hours and cover approximately two kilometres (three miles) of walking at different levels – some uphill, some cobblestones, and some flat walking. The inside visit of St Finbarr’s Cathedral cannot take place if there is a service, in which case the Cathedral will be viewed from the outside only. The order of sights visited / viewed on this walk are subject to change.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CRUISES