This low-rise port city is the second biggest city in Ireland. Cork citizens are proud of their city: it was one of the most important centers in the fight for independence of Ireland. There are two city parts: trade center with Old English Market in the middle and historical center – museums, cathedral, city jail, churches and beer factories.
Bright houses, double-deck buses, underground parking, slanted letters, rich vegetation, and lots and lots of shops – all these make Corkinteresting. May be, outlets and shopping centers are those interesting things you are going to visit. There are many little towns, full of shops of different brands – expensive trends and cheap accessories. Of course, you want to buy something interesting: souvenirs, clothes, and interior subjects.
St Patrick Street is considered to be the most attended place in Cork. There are many shops, restaurants, walking zone. To feel Ireland to the full you need not only walk down the street, visiting shops, but explore one of the local pubs. Your shopping is going to be special!
English Market
This is one of the biggest food markets in Europe, situated in the very center of Cork. It appeared on this place in 1788. The choice is really wide: fish, meat, fruits, salads, sweets…By the way, the market was visited by the Queen in 2011. In sober fact, this place is very popular for all, especially locals. The best meat, fresh fish, lots of cheese, fruits, bakery and bread are waiting for you. Of course, the prices are higher than in the rest of the city markets and shops, but the food quality is also higher.
Bookstore
The wide choice of books, magazines, stationary and sewing materials are offered here. There is also a used book store department. The prices are more than available. You can buy a new book just for 2EUR. Irish shops are worth visiting: there is something special in their bookish atmosphere. You may admire the old pictures and buy one of them. There is also a chance to learn albums in architecture and arts.
Wiltons
Wiltons trade center is situated not in the very city center. Anyway, the crowds of people are gathered together in this place. There are more than 65 shops, restaurants, beauty-salon, bowling-center, kids pace at your full disposal. You can find such popular brands as Marks&Spencer, Hugo Boss, and Lacoste. There are also couples of stylish fashion shops of the local designers. Take your chance to buy original clothes and interior subjects for cheap.
Ballincolling
Have you ever been to a new mall Ballincolling Town Centre? It was built along the main city street. The mall is full of restaurants and big number of little shops. There is also a market place here. The market works on Saturdays – a nice opportunity to buy fresh food. What is more, there is a nice play-ground for children in the center of the mall.
Paperworks
The souvenir shop is predicted to sell nice pictures, post cards, toys, magnets, and many other little things, like textile souvenirs, unusual design things, that are stylish and tasty.
Pinocchio’s
As you can see, this is a shop of souvenirs and toys, situated in Paul Street. There is a wide choice of wooden toys, beautiful dolls, doll’s houses, puzzles and brain twisters. The shop was renewed. Thus, the trade area is roomy, the assortment is rich. The better part of toys is hand-made.
Blarney Woollen Mills
This is a unique place, even for Ireland. You know that Irish wool is popular all over the world. Speaking about Dublin, the woolen shops are small and plain. Blarney shop looks like the woolen factory. It is not only about wool, but the rest of other national Irish goods. As far as the shop is situated in Blarney, you have to spend about half of an hour to get there by bus. Hiring a car in Cork , it is not a big deal to get there in 15 minutes.
Blarney Woollen Mills offers a big choice of men and women clothes, kids’ stuff, jewelry, souvenirs, interior items and other interesting things. As it was told before, it is conveniently situated in the big trade complex, full of restaurants, cafes, and cozy hotel.
Blarney Chocolate Factory
What a nice little shop that specially smells. Tasty sweet dishes are waiting for your visit. Never miss to taste ice-cream. By the way, you may visit this place during your excursion to buy some sweets souvenirs. Travelling with kids, you may not only visit shop, but learn the process of making chocolate.
Merchants Quay
This is the popular shopping-center in Cork. Three big shops are situated here: Marks & Spencer, Dunnes Stores, and Debenhams. There is also a big parking zone. Never miss different sales and attractive proposals, like lotteries, competitions and gift certificates.
Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Mahon Point Shopping Centre is the next trade center in the city. It combines more than 80 shops, including Tesco and Debenhams. Actually, this is a right place for choosing special original presents for your friends. The personal is polite and attentive, always ready to help. There is also an informational service in the shop.
Kilkenny Shop
Kilkenny Shop is a shop of Irish products, popular all over the country. Frankly speaking, this is the most popular trade mark in the whole Ireland, where you can find the goods for all cases for cheap: the goods for men, women, modern technic, jewelry, national goods and other things.
White Which
Have you ever heard about cosmetic goods of a high quality? It is all about White Which! These are skin and hair care goods, using for beauty salons and everyday use. The assortment is wide: shampoos, conditioners, creams, shaving cosmetics, and perfumery.
Renting car in Cork, you may follow the advices: it is needful to have special card to pay for parking. There are also specially-equipped parking zones in the city center – more than 10. The price in the center of Cork is about 1, 3 EUR in the day time. Cork is a city-chameleon: it is dynamic and business center during the day and the kingdom of noisy parties and pubs at night.
Author Bio:
Lily Berns is a travel writer and she likes to explore new tourist destinations and their hidden spots
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