Why Cork is One of the Best Student Cities.

Here are some reasons why we think Cork is a great city for students.

With a population of around 199,000 people, Cork is one of Ireland’s largest cities. And, the locals, are quick to tell people that Cork is the real capital of Ireland.

Cork is the food capital of Ireland

When it comes to dining in Cork you are spoilt for choice with some amazing cafes and restaurants to try out.  You cannot mention Cork and food without mentioning the English Market. Being one of the biggest markets in Europe, the English Market is a hotspot for locals and tourists. The stalls are overflowing with every type of food you can imagine.

In Douglas you will find KC’s chipper, which is possibly Corks best chipper hands down. It is so popular that it has installed a queue cam, so customers can check out the waiting time before they head down to the chipper.

Cork is also home to well renowned cookery school Ballymaloe,  situated on its own 100-acre Organic farm.

Live music and festivals

The famous Cork Jazz Festival takes place every September, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to Cork.

Every summer since 2005, Cork has hosted Live at the Marquee. Which is a series of music concerts and events held in a large marquee. It has attracted world famous artists like, Lady Gaga, Flo Rida, Olly Murs, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Pink and many more!

Cork also hosts the award-winning festival weekender Indiependence, held just outside Mitchelstown. In 2018, the festival saw acts such as Walking on Cars, Primal Scream and many more big acts take the stage.

University College Cork

UCC is at the heart of Cork City. In 2018, UCC moved up in the latest Times Higher Education World University rankings, it has also been awarded the University of the year 5 times by the Sunday Times.  UCC is also a partner college of DIFC. Read more here.

In September 2017, we opened up DIFC Cork which is based on Griffith College Cork Campus, where we deliver International Foundation Year qualifications. The college is based on a large 5 acre campus on Wellington Road, close to the centre of Cork city. Find out more about DIFC here.

You can go on an adventure

There is always something exciting to do and places to visit in Cork, from visiting the Old Head of Kinsale, Mizen Head, the Blarney stone to Fota Wildlife Park.

The tour of the Jameson Distillery is always very popular or if you are a bit of a thrill seeker, you can go kayaking on the River Lee.

Cork was the last port of call for the Titanic, the full story is told at the Titanic Experience in the old White Star Line offices.

The Cork People

Cork people are among the friendliest people you will meet and are very chatty. The city has produced many famous actors and sporting stars such as Roy Keane, Cillian Murphy, Ronan O’Gara and Sonia O’Sullivan.

The one thing that will stand out to you from meeting and talking to the locals is their distinctive accent, it must be one of the most unique! When speaking of the distinctive Cork accent, one of the best examples you will find is an interview with Olympic medal winning Cork duo, the O’Donovan brothers.