Hidden Gems In Cork

Hey guys! Today I'm going to share a post that I have been wanting to do for ages! Today I'm going to share my hidden gems in Cork City. We have all heard about the good restaurants and nice cafes but what about the places that aren't as well known that deserve the recognition?
I have picked my top five places that I think you should visit if you're from Cork or even just visiting here. These places make Cork the real capital.

 Perry Street Market Cafe Breakfast

You might have heard of this cafe because of their famous hot chocolates but have you ever been there for breakfast? I am personally a huge lover of breakfast food and I find it quite hard to find nice places for breakfast that aren't the usual 'full Irish'.

This cafe is just off Emmet Place and in my opinion, does the best breakfast in Cork. They have pastries, pancakes, waffles (my personal favourite) and of course the usual things like eggs and all that jazz. Although I haven't tried this place for anything other than breakfast I highly recommend checking it out for brunch some day.

Coleman's Lane

I originally found this place on the @hellocork_ Instagram and one day I decided that I had to check it out for myself. This is a tiny little lane way off North Main Street. If you are heading in the Gate Cinema direction you pass a Permanent TSB Bank and it is directly after that. 

The Reimagine Cork project is behind this amazing artwork and have been transforming Cork with funny and quirky artwork on electricity boxes and have many more projects all over the city. They have brightened up this lane way with artwork, Irish phrases, and flowers. 

If you like exploring the city, love art or even just want somewhere to take some photos definitely check this place out. It will make you fall in love with the amazing people behind the #ReImagineCork campaign. 

The Meatball Place

I haven't heard anyone talk about this place and I have no idea why?! This restaurant on Careys Lane seems tiny but actually has a huge upstairs full of seating so I don't think you'll ever have to worry about not getting a table!

They don't just do the classic spaghetti and meatballs, they have  everything from salads to subs, burgers and balls (including the classic meatball, falafel and pork).

They have definitely expanded their menu since I was there last.                                                      Food there is really affordable and they do great lunch deals so I highly recommend checking it out if you want to try a new restaurant in Cork.

Paul Street Car Park

This place has a bad name, probably because people associate it with teenagers drinking here but I promise you it is so much better than that. What you do is go into Paul Street shopping centre, take the lift up to the top floor and go out into the outdoor parking space.

From here you will see miles of Cork all around you, including the Shandon Bells. The view is honestly amazing. It's a quiet relaxing place to go to get out of the busy city centre. If you haven't already you should definitely check this place put to see some incredible views of Cork.

Casanova Gelato

You have to finish everything with dessert so obviously I had to finish this tour around Cork on something sweet! I think this gelaterie has only been opened recently and it's actually the only place to get good ice-cream in Cork! They have waffles with gelato, crepes with gelato, coffee with gelato and so many other amazing things that I want to try. All of their gelato is organic, palm oil free, and is made in-store daily. If you're vegan or dairy intolerant they also have a great selection of gelato for you like pineapple or even double chocolate!

 They have a flavour called 'Spiruli' which is actually made out of seaweed, sounds disgusting I know but it tastes amazing! I can't even try to describe the taste, it's very sweet and I thought it tasted a little caramely. It is actually supposed to have loads of health benefits, tastes amazing and it's bright blue, so it's a win win situation!

Definitely stroll over to George's Quay to try out this place if you have a sweet tooth or even if you want to try some real Italian gelato.

Are there any other places in Cork that you think are hidden gems? Definitely let me know in the comments below if there are other places I need to check out,
Ailbhe x