Hidden Gems
If you are looking for the unconventional, the surprising, the hidden-gems often far off the beaten track, Cork has more than enough to keep you intrigued and delighted.
Our diverse, innovative and often unique food culture has plenty of room for the unexpected.
And some of these gems include:
Heir Island Cottage Restaurant
Skibbereen, Ireland
Heir Island is a tiny island in majestic Roaring Water Bay in West Cork, and home to The Island Cottage Restaurant. It is, as the name would sugges...
Toons Bridge Dairy
County Cork, Ireland
An authentic Italian cheese-making dairy in deepest West Cork – Toons Bridge head cheesemaker Franco Picciuolo uses local raw cow and sheep’s milk...
Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella
Macroom, Ireland
A herd of Italian Water Buffalo on a farm in North Cork? It may sound quixotic – but Macroom Buffalo Cheese, the passion project of farmer Johnny L...
Glebe Gardens
Cork, Ireland
For a very special brunch (or high tea), head West to Glebe House & Gardens - a grand Georgian farmhouse on five acres of gardens and fields on the...
The Ivory Tower
Cork, Ireland
The Ivory Tower is an intimate, quirky dining room above some shops on Oliver Plunkett Street, the busy heart of Cork city centre. Chef Seamus O’Co...
L'Escale
Cork, Ireland
A funky French gourmet Fish n’Chip shop perched on the pier wall of a fishing village located about as far west as you can go in Europe? If you are...
Mary Ann's Pub
Castletownsend, Ireland
In the historic, charming seaside village of Castletownshend, Mary Ann’s pub was once a 17th century coaching inn. And not a lot seems to have chan...
Casanova Gelato
Cork, Ireland
Real Italian hand-made ice-cream on the river in the city centre - Casanova Gelato is a treat for kids and Big Kids. Look out for their naturally b...
Shandon Sweets
Cork, Ireland
Bulls-Eyes, Bon-Bons, Sherbet Drops & Toffees – Shandon Sweets are the last of the Victorian sweet-makers, consisting of a father and son team who...
O'Sullivan's Bar
Crookhaven, Ireland
Close by Mizen Head – the most southerly point in Ireland – and sitting on the pier of a tiny harbour village, you’ll find O’Sullivans, an old-fash...
