Itineraries

With heaps of personal recommendations from the Ocean to City team 

Wednesday before The Race

Morning:

• Arrival, check into accommodation
• Explore Cork City Centre

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Explore the historic food market and grab a sandwich at the Sandwich Stall in the English Market | Try the Reuben sandwich with local spiced beef or the Buffalo Mozzarella sandwich.
• Bring your boat to the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven for secure storage.

Evening: 

• Dinner: Cronin’s Traditional Pub, Crosshaven | Amazing fish & chips and dahl curry! Great lunch options and nice of local brews too.
• Back to Cork City for some traditional Irish music in the Sin é pub from 6.30pm

Thursday before The Race

Morning:

• Breakfast: Cameron Bakery |  The chocolate almond croissants are delish! 
• Go up Shandon Bell Tower for the best views of Cork for only €6 |  Don’t forget to play a tune on the bells!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Orso Kitchen or Umi Falafel | We love the Palestinian Falafel.
• 1pm: Attend a free maritime history lunchtime lecture by UCC Department of History at the Crawford Gallery, then see some of their art exhibitions.
• Visit the 17th century star-shaped Elizabeth Fort for free | Who can spot the old boats over the wall, south of the fort? Indeed, these were used here on the river many years ago.

Evening: 

• Dinner: at the much-loved Market Lane.
• Have a pint of Cork’s best Beamish (our local stout) at Callanan’s Pub | Ask the staff if they can show you how to play a game of rings, an old Irish pub game. 

Friday, one day until The Big Race

Morning:

• Breakfast: Liberty Grill | The Eggs Benedict are yum!
• Discover the tales of heroes and villains at Ireland’s infamous prison island: Spike Island | Spike also gives a brilliant view of the Ocean to City race course.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Masseytown Rotisseri Deli.
• Visit Blarney Castle & Gardens for €22 | Kiss the stone and get the gift of the gab! 

Evening: 

• Dinner: Fionnbarra | Try their Nano Nagle and Love the Lee pizzas 
• 7.30pm: Welcoming the Crews event at Idle Hour Pub with traditional Irish music and free local food tasters | Meet Ocean to City host club, Naomhóga Chorcaí, and get insider tips on the race…

Saturday – The Race Day – for participants!

Morning:

• Breakfast: Getting your race day breakfast right is important, you do you and choose what’s best for your body.
• Catch the crew bus to Crosshaven in time for registration and the safety briefing (see FAQs for full info)

Afternoon:

• Conquer Cork Harbour and complete the epic Ocean to City race!

Evening: 

• Ocean to City Prize Giving
• Apres Row After Party – celebrate your achievements with music, food, drinks and entertainment at the Idle Hour.

Sunday after Race Day

Morning:

• Breakfast: at Tony’s Bistro | Cork’s most famous Irish fry up – great after a late night!

Afternoon:

• (a) Bottle Nose Dolphin talk at 1pm at the RCYC with lunch at Good Day Deli | one of Cork’s best-kept secrets, reservation recommended | or at Izz Palestinian Cafe
• (b) Lunch at Marina Market and then take part in the free Currach Olympics on Dry Land at 2pm, with Let’s Play Cork and Naomhóga Chorcaí
• (c) Cobh Summer Swing with lunch at the Titanic Bar | They have lovely desserts too… 

Evening: 

• Dinner: Son of a Bun for Cork’s best burgers.
• Tune into Songs of the Sea with Cork Singers’ Club at the Spailpín Fánach at 7pm | Irish people love a sing-song and this weekly event is as authentic as they come