5 fun things to do in Cork during Middlemas (from Christmas to New Year’s)
Ah, Middlemas.
That strange, in-between week where you’re not quite sure whether you’re still recovering from Christmas Day or you’re already prepping for the New Year’s Eve countdown.
The tree’s still up, but you’ve run out of chocolate, and no one knows what day it is. But wait! Don’t let that weird limbo vibe stop you from enjoying the best part of the holiday season — the freedom to do absolutely nothing or everything, depending on how you’re feeling.
And lucky for you, Cork has a whole bunch of delightful distractions to keep you entertained during this festive purgatory.
Here are five fun things to do in Cork during Middlemas, so you can enjoy the leftover magic of the season without being too bogged down by the fact that your stretchy pants are now the only pants that fit.
1. Take a stroll through town (and stop for an extra-special cocktail)
Cork City looks magical at this time of year. Team a stroll through the twinkly lights with a stop somewhere exciting for a very good cocktail. We recommend Cask on MacCurtain Street – order the Hunter’s Flip, a whiskey blend you definitely won’t find anywhere else.
“A unique fat washed drink, which has Ballinwillin Wild Boar as its not-so secret ingredient alongside a whole quail egg, both adding insane flavour and mouthfeel, it’s pure opulence in a glass.” they told us.
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2. Head for Fota
Whether you have a gaggle of excited kiddos in tow or not, a trip to Fota is a gorgeous way to get some fresh air while visiting some incredible animals. The wildlife park is closed from Christmas Eve to St Stephen’s Day, but reopens on the 27th.
Check opening times and book your tickets here.
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3. Settle down for some ‘trad
Bored of Christmas carols? Head for Coburg Street and settle down in a cosy corner with a pint for a blast of live ‘trad music. It’s business as usual over there, trad sessions every day with no interruptions.
The hardest part will be leaving.
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4. Unwind with a sauna and cold plunge
Nothing blows away the cobwebs like a good sweat and a cold plunge. Cork is brimming with excellent sauna spots, including Ballyhass Saunas in Coachford and Mallow, which reopen at 10am on St Stephen’s Day. Book a slot from €12 over here.
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5. Take a whiskey tour
If you have visiting guests, you might be looking for a fun excursion or two to get everyone out of the house. The Midleton Distillery Experience is a fascinating fully guided tour around the original Midleton Distillery which brings the stories of Jameson’s rich heritage to life. Tickets start at €26 and they even include a drink. They reopen after Christmas on December 27th.
Book here.
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