Cork offers the epicureans some real treats. From cookery schools to some of Ireland's finest dining, travelers will find a unique experience with each meal. Cork City affords an amalgam of traditional and modern plates; here you will find a fusion vegetarian restaurant next to a pub serving Ireland's best burger. The English market is a highlight of Cork and a stroll here will allow you to see just how much emphasis the county as a whole puts on its dishes. (In the restaurant listings that follow, = around 25 euros per person.)

Ballymaloe Cookery School

Shanagarry, Midleton, Co. Cork 021 464 6785 www.cookingisfun.ie 110 half-day, 800+ week; MC/V

Located along the coast southeast of Cork City, the Ballymaloe Cookery School offers a plethora of short and long cookery classes. Located on their own organic farm, the family-run business includes award-winning chefs who have made their own BBC appearances. The cooking team is enthusiastic, fun, and most importantly, knowledgeable. If fine food and cooking are your passion, then book a course for your Ireland vacation before they fill up.

Caf é Paradiso(Vegetarian Restaurant)

16 Lancaster Quay, Western Rd., Cork City 021 427 7939 www.cafeparadiso.ie

The well-located vegetarian restaurant was recommended by at least three stall owners in the English Market as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Cork. For foodies who love anything vegetarian and organic, you will surely fall in love with this place. Service is friendly. Call ahead for groups larger than six.

Fishy Fishy Caf é

Kinsale, Co. Cork 021 470 0415 www.fishyfishy.ie –

This lovely little restaurant has gotten a lot of attention for its seafood cuisine. A tour guide jocularly commented that the Irish like to repeat themselves (notice “stop” or “yield” signs: There always seems to be two of them each intersection). It is the same with this restaurant. If you are not sure what they serve, they repeat it twice for further clarity. The Fishy Fishy Caf é tops the list for some of Ireland's finest cuisine, found in the little harbored heaven of Kinsale. No reservations taken.

O'Connor's SeafoodRestaurant

The Square, Bantry 027 50 221 www.oconnorseafood.com

While there are some nice dining experiences to be had in Bantry, O'Connor's Seafood Restaurant tops the list for its specialty cuisine. The early-bird specials, served from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M., are well worth it. The stupendous service and bountiful servings won't leave you with further cravings for at least twenty-four hours. They are closed Sunday and Monday nights in the winter months.

The Franciscan WellBrew Pub

13 North Mall, Cork City 021 421 0130 www.franciscanwellbrewery.com

This brewery is a true delight among so many pubs from which to choose in Cork City. Brewing their own lager, ale, and even wheat beer, they pride themselves on using the freshest, most natural ingredients. The pub is a part of various beer-fests throughout the year.

Grapefruit Moon

Ballycotton, Co. Cork 021 464 6646

This fine dining, global-cuisine restaurant could have put Ballycotton on the map. The restaurant has no secrets: The freshest ingredients, the best chefs, and blue-ribbon service make it reason alone to venture off the beaten path.