Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city centre by calling to one of the oldest markets in Ireland. As a working area with traders who have served the Cork public and beyond for generations the English market is truly rich in heritage. On one occasion some shop owners in the market were even invited to Buckingham palace by the Queen after she made a brief visit when ‘touring Ireland’. The monarch conversed with some of the traders, and even visibly cracked a smile in response to the Irish humour which was on display. The area known as the Grand Parade in the city is also noted for its fountain which is responsible for a lot of marriages and families in Cork city. This is because, before mobile phones and internet, the water feature was a meeting point for young couples in the city. Finally, adjacent to the market is Oliver Plunkett street, an area which is pedestrianised during the day and possesses many intriguing bars as well as restaurants.