City break? How to spend the perfect 48 hours in Cork City

All hail the rise of the staycation.

If you're not going abroad this year or you just fancy a last minute trip to somewhere new then why not plan a weekend getaway to Cork City? ''Ireland's real capital'' (at least that's what the locals think) is bustling with brilliant shops, bars and tourist attractions. Not to mention the deadly seafood, picturesque streets and of course that brilliant Cork sense of humour. Here's how you should spend the perfect 48 hours in the Rebel County. Visit the English Market You can't go to Cork without visiting the famous 18th-century English Market. The market is open from 8am- 6pm, Monday to Saturday and is packed full of vendors selling homemade goods and local produce. Make sure you visit O'Flynn's Gourmet Sausage stall for a sausage roll while you shop.

A post shared by Christian Spinella (@pokeyspinella) on Apr 6, 2017 at 2:51pm PDT

Tour Blackrock Castle Blackrock Castle is a restored 16th-century castle that now hosts a science centre and observatory. The castle sits right on the edge of the River Lee about 5km from the city centre but it is well-worth the trip, especially on a sunny day when you get excellent views of the river.

A post shared by Colin (@col5000) on May 16, 2017 at 9:09am PDT

Grab lunch at Fellini's Tearoom This gorgeous little café/art gallery/shop on Carey's Lane is the perfect place to stop off for lunch. Have the Tunisian orange cake and a steaming cup of their signature hot chocolate. Trust us, you won't regret it.

A post shared by ROH (@rachelohanlon) on Jan 21, 2016 at 7:36am PST

Have a drink in Arthur Maynes Treat yourself to a glass of vino in Arthur Maynes, a 120-year-old pharmacy turned wine bar on Pembroke Street. The bar still has lots of fab old features and a very impressive wine list. Arrive early if you want a seat for the night.

A post shared by ? Chloe Louise ? (@chloelouiselink) on Jun 16, 2017 at 3:00am PDT

Explore Cork City Gaol Opened in 1842, Cork City Gaol was the city's main prison for 81 years until is closed in 1923. Life inside the prison was harsh and most prisoners were incarcerated for poverty-related crimes. Today, however, the gaol is one of Cork's main tourist attractions and a great place to learn about the city's history.

A post shared by LarissaKate? (@lkmarie) on Apr 9, 2017 at 1:05pm PDT

Sip on afternoon tea at Hayfield Manor Treat yourself to some luxury on your last day in Cork and have afternoon tea at Hayfield Manor. Hayfield Manor is a five-star hotel tucked away in Cork's city centre. The hotel grounds and interior all scream luxury and their afternoon tea is out of this world.

A post shared by Rosanna Nibbs Senise???? (@rnibbs) on May 14, 2016 at 8:19am PDT