Christmas in Cork

Happy Friday! I'm so excited to have a festive weekend. If you're following me on Instagram (@sadhbhers), then I guess you've already caught up with my latest Christmassy antics. Cork is so nice at Christmas, so in light of my little adventure after work, I thought it would only be appropriate to share my favourite things to do in my favourite city over Christmas.

1. Visit Glow Cork

The Glow Cork celebration (over on my Instagram story today) is one of my favourite things about Cork City over Christmas. It lights up Grand Parade and Bishop Lucey Park all through Christmas, and if you happen to stumble upon the park at the right time, you're in for a treat. The park is filled with some really festive installations, like Santa sleeping in his house and Polar Bears in the fountain. At certain times, you'll also find some of your favourite Christmas characters dotted around the park. For more information on the best times to visit, see corkchristmascelebratian.ie

2. Food Stalls on Grand Parade

There is nothing I love more than wandering around markets, so Grand Parade's Christmas food stalls are high on my list of things to see over the festive season. If you feel yourself getting hangry while doing your Christmas shopping, pop down for an O'Flynns sausage roll, or some Dinky Donuts!

3. O'Conaills Hot Chocolate

I'd be lying if I said I don't drink hot chocolate all year round, but there's something special about visiting O'Conaills on French Church Street over Christmas. Not only is it the best Hot Chocolate I have ever tasted, their café also has such a nice vibe. The only downside is that it can be super busy, so if you're hoping to dodge the crowd try going to ÓCO on Princes Street instead (it's pretty much the same, just a lot smaller).

4. The Brown Thomas window display

Of course, if you haven't seen it by now, you probably just haven't been in the city since it's been put up. I love window shopping, so this years display was a real treat. 

5. Embracing your inner Posh Spice at Hayfield Manor

Yes, most of us can't afford to be the improved Victoria Beckham, so Posh Spice will have to do. The Christmas decorations in Hayfield Manor are so lovely, so dress posh and pop in for whatever's cheapest on the menu (one glass of tap water please?). Or if you're looking to spoil someone this Christmas, why not go for a Christmassy afternoon tea.

So even if you're not headed off to see some of continental Europe's greatest Christmas markets, like most of Ireland this time of the year, it's nice to know that we have something just as good right here on our doorstep.

Until tomorrow,