There’s really nothing like it.

No matter how far you roam, come December you’ll inevitably begin to yearn for the cosy confines of Cork at Christmas.

For those who manage to raise the cash for the plane ticket, it’s worth every penny; there are some once-yearly traditions that can only be truly appreciated at home.

Here are some of the best things about the most magical time of the year on Leeside…

1. Landing at Cork Airport

Who needs the London nightlife or the hustle and bustle of New York when the green fields of your native county are unfurling below you in lovely patchwork quilt? It’s enough to bring a tear to your eye, so it is.

 

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A post shared by Ruth Phelan (@ruthphelan62)

2. The family welcome in arrivals

Cork mams love nothing more than waiting at the arrivals gate waiting for their offspring to walk through the door. The older you get, the bigger the crowd you can expect, with nieces, nephews and tiny cousins bursting to get in on the welcome home action.

 

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A post shared by Cork Airport (@corkairport) on Dec 21, 2019 at 2:38am PST

3. Milky tea and USA biscuits

Everyone knows you just can’t get a decent cup of tea for love ‘nor money abroad. Expect to consume litres of Barry’s finest on your first night home, as the customary tin of USA biscuits or Chocolate Kimberleys is cracked open.

 

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A post shared by Daithi Rua (@daithirua)

4. The Full Irish

There’s be none of your Keto Paleo, WeightWatchers nonsense this week. Now eat your 7lb breakfast like a good girl.

 

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A post shared by Irishcraic 🇮🇪🍀☘ 22/11/15 (@irishcraic_) on Mar 13, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT

5. The stroll through town

No trip home is complete without a wander through Cork City while it’s lit up like a Christmas tree. Start at the Tree of Remembrance outside Brown Thomas and head towards Bishop Lucey Park with a stop at The Mutton Lane for a hot port. Once you hit Grand Parade, a spin on the giant ferris wheel is both terrifying and non-negotiable.

 

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A post shared by Nadine | Brasileira na Irlanda (@proximacurva) on Dec 21, 2019 at 3:25am PST

6. Spiced beef

Only Tom Durcan’s finest will do. It’s odd crusty texture belies the deliciousness beneath. Try it in a toasted cheese sandwich with crusty ABC bread for a culinary ‘come to Jesus’ experience.

 

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A post shared by Irishfoodie food blog (@vinnysfood) on Jan 3, 2019 at 10:03am PST

7. Christmas Eve pints in your local

There is no more efficient way to catch up with everyone you ever went to school with than to drop by your local pub on Christmas Eve. Chat will be mainly about the cost of flights from Perth, Darragh’s new girlfriend in Hong Kong and the current weather in Melbourne.

 

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A post shared by The Mutton Lane (@muttonlane) on Dec 16, 2019 at 9:16am PST

8. Christmas dinner

The only meal when it’s reasonable to have potatoes four ways and then come back for more. Listening to your Granda’s NSFW anecdotes leaves plenty of time for an extra bowl of trifle too.

 

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A post shared by K A T I E M Y T H E N (@katie_mythen) on Dec 25, 2016 at 8:44am PST

9. The St Stephen’s Day hoolie

Sure, family time is sacred in Christmas Day, but 24 hours in and everyone’s coming down with cabin fever. The remedy? A taxi to town for some major St Stephen’s Day shenanigans.

 

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A post shared by Claire Aherne (@lankycloud) on Jan 10, 2019 at 11:37am PST

10. The best hangover of the year

The best thing about Christmas hangovers is that the house is already filled with everything you need to survive it. Selection boxes? Check. Plates of salty ham for sandwiches? Check. Cosy slippers and twinkly lights? Check. Elf on TV? Perfection.

 

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A post shared by Ania Wasiel (@annaweasel) on Dec 21, 2019 at 3:56am PST

Main image: St. Patrick’s Street by Proximacurva