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12pm TravelWith my sister in tow we’re on the road fromDublin and set ourselves up with good books andsnacks for the trip. Once we arrive, the hotel isonly a 15-minute walk away but we can’t wait sohop in a taxi. We relax for the evening in theWeir Bar and enjoy dinner at the Weir Bistrobefore an early night in preparation for thenext day.

8am Leisure centreAfter a fantastic night’s sleep, I begin my daywith a visit to the leisure centre for a swim.Complete with sauna, steam room, solarium andjacuzzi, the hotel also offers a gym and spa. I doenough laps to justify a big breakfast. At leastthat’s what I tell myself anyway.

10am BreakfastCompletely rejuvenated, we treat ourselves toa delicious full Irish buffet breakfast at theWeir Bistro with a coffee and are all set forour day of exploring.

12 noon English MarketThis market is an absolute must for anyonevisiting Cork. I was totally up for capturing thebuzz of this place and finding locally-produced, fresh vegetables andfruit, chocolates, olives and cheeses.Not just a shopping area, locals usethe market as a place to catch upwith friends. The English Market,www.corkenglishmarket.ie

2pm LunchWe stop for lunch in the Pavilion down an alleyjust off Patrick’s Street. With lunch prices from€5 to €9, this place is great value and also hasfree Wifi, a charming atmosphere and veryfriendly staff. The Pavilion Bar and Café, Carey’sLane, Cork, 021-4276230, www.pavilioncork.com

travel

OUR NINE-TO-FIVE LOWDOWN ON WHERE TO EAT, WHERE TOSHOP AND WHERE TO DO JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING!

DAY tripper

CORK

3pm ShoppingI stumble across the vintage-inspired

shop Amity with dresses and shoesfrom €42. Be sure to visit this

boutique, especially if you wantsomething a little different. We also

take a trip to Opera Lane and findall of our favourites H&M,

Topshop and GAP. High-street Heaven! Amity,17 French Church Street, Cork, 021-4275038,www.myamity.ie

7pm Dinner and nightclubAfter another perusal of the shops, we’re readyfor food and a night out so the Cornstore

Restaurant is our next call. Serving organicfood in a Manhattan-style setting, we enjoy aPortuguese wine priced at €15 and sip on frozenmargaritas from the extensive drinks menu,starting at €5. The early-bird menu, availablefrom 5pm to 7pm, offers three courses for €24.95with an impressive amount of choice given ineach category. After dinner we take a short walkto the Bowery for a dance and a taste of Cork’snightlife. The club has four bars, three themedrooms and a heated rooftop terrace overlookingPeace Park. The Cornstore Restaurant, 40aCornmarket Street, 021-4274777,www.cornstorecork.com; the Bowery Nightclub, 21 Tuckey Street, 021-4251438 C

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PRUDENT TIPThe Romantic Getaway

package for €149 per personsharing, includes one night’s

accommodation plus breakfast, a four-course dinner includingChampagne and chocolates,

15 percent off all treatments at the spaand a 2pm checkout. The River LeeHotel, Western Road, 021-4252700,

www.thedoylecollection.com

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