Cork one of most 'underrated cities' in Europe, says NatGeo

Cork has been named one of eight of the most “underrated cities” in Europe by a National Geographic article which encourages people to visit this year.

Referring to Cork as “Ireland’s food capital”, the prestigious magazine advises visiting the newly-opened Urban Pantry in the 'Fifth Quarter' (Paul Street), as well as Good Day Deli on Douglas St for cooking classes in Nano Nagle Place.

The former cinema-turned-music venue, the Savoy on Patrick’s St, is also recommended by the article, which notes that it had been closed for a decade.

The site previously operated as a famous cinema from 1932 until 1975 before its later conversion into a nightclub venue.

Outside of the city, the article recommends heading east to the Midleton to Youghal greenway, suggesting hiring a bike or taking a walk.

The 23km greenway opened fully to cyclists and walkers in December 2024.

The article lists Cork city alongside Tbilisi in Goergia; Ljubljana in Slovenia; Trieste in Italy; Gdansk in Poland; Ponta Delgada in Portugal; Bilbao in Spain, and Toulouse in France as key destinations for people looking to explore Europe without the crowds of some of the more popular tourist destinations.

People avoid European cities in summer due to crowds, "but sidestep the obvious and a different set of urban escapes emerges,” author Laura Holt wrote.

She said of Cork: “Ireland’s food capital is in fine fettle this year. There’s a new grab-and-go hub at Urban Pantry, showcasing produce from local artisans, while sustainable vegetarian café Good Day Deli runs cookery classes in the summer-ready gardens of Nano Nagle Place.

“For after-hours hospitality, head to the Savoy, an historic cinema, now reopened as a music venue after a decade-long closure.

“The next day, brush off the cobwebs on Ireland’s newest greenway, running 15 miles between the market town of Midleton and the coastal resort town of Youghal. 

"Set along a former railway line, it’s made for walkers and cyclists, with bike hire available at either end.”

The magazine has a global readership of over 35m.