City break? How to spend the perfect 48 hours in Cork City

Published 13:08 20 Jun 2017 BST

Updated 15:50 20 Jun 2017 BST

Alice Murray

City break? How to spend the perfect 48 hours in Cork City

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All hail the rise of the staycation.

If you're not going abroad this year or you just fancy a last minute trip to somewhere new then why not plan a weekend getaway to Cork City? ''Ireland's real capital'' (at least that's what the locals think) is bustling with brilliant shops, bars and tourist attractions. Not to mention the deadly seafood, picturesque streets and of course that brilliant Cork sense of humour. Here's how you should spend the perfect 48 hours in the Rebel County. Visit the English Market You can't go to Cork without visiting the famous 18th-century English Market. The market is open from 8am- 6pm, Monday to Saturday and is packed full of vendors selling homemade goods and local produce. Make sure you visit O'Flynn's Gourmet Sausage stall for a sausage roll while you shop.

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Tour Blackrock Castle Blackrock Castle is a restored 16th-century castle that now hosts a science centre and observatory. The castle sits right on the edge of the River Lee about 5km from the city centre but it is well-worth the trip, especially on a sunny day when you get excellent views of the river.

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Grab lunch at Fellini's Tearoom This gorgeous little café/art gallery/shop on Carey's Lane is the perfect place to stop off for lunch. Have the Tunisian orange cake and a steaming cup of their signature hot chocolate. Trust us, you won't regret it.

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Have a drink in Arthur Maynes Treat yourself to a glass of vino in Arthur Maynes, a 120-year-old pharmacy turned wine bar on Pembroke Street. The bar still has lots of fab old features and a very impressive wine list. Arrive early if you want a seat for the night.

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Explore Cork City Gaol Opened in 1842, Cork City Gaol was the city's main prison for 81 years until is closed in 1923. Life inside the prison was harsh and most prisoners were incarcerated for poverty-related crimes. Today, however, the gaol is one of Cork's main tourist attractions and a great place to learn about the city's history.

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Sip on afternoon tea at Hayfield Manor Treat yourself to some luxury on your last day in Cork and have afternoon tea at Hayfield Manor. Hayfield Manor is a five-star hotel tucked away in Cork's city centre. The hotel grounds and interior all scream luxury and their afternoon tea is out of this world.