Cork: Ireland’s Stylish City

It’s no secret that we here in Ireland have creative souls. For poetry we look to Heaney and Yeats. For writing we look to Behan and Joyce.

For theatre we look to Beckett and Wilde. For style we look to…Cork

Yes, the compact city that’s home to the tasty English Market and the
cool Guinness Jazz Festival has been moulded into a little jewellery box
of fashion fancies and style stunners.

So to find out just how hip Cork is, we asked Cork Fashion Week organizer Vivienne Kelly to line up three of its top trendsetters.

Miki Barklok - Fashion Photographer

Miki Barklok, Fashion Photographer

“Cork’s cool because…it’s full of music and creative people, anyone who has been to our Jazz Festival will know that. People in Cork are very unique and you can see that in the way they dress – fashion is a statement here! Shops like Brown Thomas have the elegant angle covered but we do quirky chic really well with boutique stores like Miss Daisy Blue on Market Parade.”

Top Shops: Brown Thomas (18-21, Patrick Street) and Miss Daisy Blue (Market Green Plaza in Market Parade)

Cathy Jackson, Fashion Designer

Fashion Designer Cathy Jackson

“Cork’s cool because…of the food, for one! I honestly believe that O’Conaill’s hot chocolate is the best in the world. I love the way you can choose the type of chocolate you get in your drink. Shops like Positively Vintage are just so relaxed and have amazing one off pieces for equally amazing prices. I think Fellini’s Tea House has to be my favourite place, though. It’s crammed with a mismatch of antiques, vintage clothes and furniture. It’s basically a treasure trove of all things nice!”

Top Shops: O’Conaill’s (16, French Church Street) Fellini’s Tea House (French Church Street), Positively Vintage (10 Castle Street)

Tina Scully of Amity Boutique

Tina Scully of Amity Boutique in Cork City

“Cork’s cool because…she’s small, but she’s got soul! You’ll see that if you walk down the cobbled streets of the Huguenot Quarter. It’s buzzing with boutiques like Mercury Goes Retrograde and Azure. It’s perfect for lunch, too, with delectable lunch spots like the Farm Gate restaurant in the English Market. After a bite to eat, you’ve got to hit Peacock & Ruby for some seriously unique clothes. Finish off the day with a well deserved glass of wine in the chilled calm of La Boqueria on Bridge Street.”

Top Shops: Amity Boutique (17 Church Street), Mercury Goes Retrograde(19c, Drawbridge Street), Azure (10, Carey’s Lane), Peacock & Ruby (12-14 Market Parade)

Just reading about all these trendy threads and cool boutiques my mind turns to my own dated wardrobe. Maybe I should head to Cork?

Retail therapy is so much better when you pick up bargains. Maybe that’s why shopping in Ireland is such a pleasure…

…and if those bags get a little heavy there’s a seat in a cafe with your name on it…

Shopping is a great antidote to a rainy day, but it’s not the only one…