Whether it’s handbags, glad rags or indeed some shoe shopping you’re after, Cork City offers something for every shopper. It’s perfect for a December break where you can enjoy a spot of retail therapy at your leisure - and you certainly won’t come home empty handed!
Cork is a vibrant city in the south of Ireland and has endless shopping possibilities. You’ll find all the usual high street stores, shoe shops, record stores, bookshops as well as designer boutiques, antique and souvenir shops. The majority of shops are open from 9.30am to 6pm (Mon - Fri) with many staying open late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the run up to Christmas. The majority of department stores and high street shops tend be open on Sundays (usually 2pm - 6pm) during December and there are also plenty 24 hour grocery shops.
The main shopping area in the city centre is Patrick Street. Here you’ll find excellent fashion stores, books, music, crafts, and jewellery - basically everything that could possibly be on your shopping list. Merchants Quay Shopping Centre is home to such retail giants as Marks & Spencers, Dunnes Stores, Debenhams, SuperValu, Adams, 3G Phones, Laura Ashley, Boots and Brian De Staic. Other shops along Patrick include A Wear, Moderne, Argos, Vero Moda, Mango, French Connection, Penneys, Monsoon, Barretts Shoes, HMV, Oasis, River Island, Brown Thomas, Swamp, Quills, The Body Shop, Benetton and Waterstones Book Store as well as many more. The atmosphere on the street is very festive with background Christmas tunes playing and you’ll always find Santa Claus here!
There are a number of markets in Cork City. These include the English Market and the Corn Street Market. The English Market is a great place to find the freshest local produce (fruit, vegetables meat, cheese and seafood) as well as foods from all over the world. There are entrances to the market on Patrick Street, Grand Parade and Princes Street. It’s worth wandering around here just to soak up the lively atmosphere (it’s usually very busy at Christmas time) and absorb the sights, sounds and smells. Corn Market Street also has an outdoor market selling a range of food, clothes and toys etc.
If you don’t want to venture into the city centre, there are a number of shopping centres outside the city. The largest is, of course, Mahon Point (Munster’s biggest shopping centre). There’s plenty of free parking here which is great. Inside you’ll find Debenhams, Tesco, Next, Zara, River Island, Monsoon, Sam McCauley, Jack & Jones, Carrig Donn, Champion Sports, Berksha, Jane Norman, Principles, A Wear, La Senza, Ecco, Lacoste, Adams, Perfume Direct and many more! There’s a cinema here, should one of your shopping companions get bored and there are also plenty places to stop off for a coffee and a bite to eat.
So don’t be a shopping victim this Christmas, instead, treat yourself to a shopping/leisure break in Cork, the capital of the south of Ireland.
Remember to give us a shout via the comment box below if you have anything to add or need help finding accommodation in Cork City… enjoy shopping!
