We’re delighted to welcome Paul Byrne as this week’s guest for My Weekend in Cork. Married to Deirdre Counihan and dad to Callum (15) and ten- year-old Charlie Mai, Paul is the founder of All About Cork and a producer on the Opinion Line on 96FM. Here, he gives us a glimpse into his typical weekend – from nachos and dance class runs to his go-to Italian spot on Princess Street.
Friday
I don’t go out that much on the weekends, but if I am going out on a Friday, I’d try to include the Cork International Hotel. I’m a big fan of the hotel’s New Yorker bar – it’s got a great atmosphere and the friendliest of staff. They do great platters too, so if you feel a bit hungry but don’t want a big meal – these are great. After that I’d head into town. Rossinis is always top of my list. They know how to spoil people! Trish, Tori and Katie run a fabulous restaurant, it is authentically Italian and I have been going there for years. It’s without doubt one of the best Italian restaurants in the country. And what’s not to love about Princess Street, eating outdoors and under the stars at night. That’s one blessing that came from Lockdown – outdoor eating in the city centre. The White House in Ballincollig is a family favourite , while the menu is vast, Charlie Mai continues to order nothing but mash and gravy! If she had her way she’d have their mash and gravy for breakfast!
Saturday:
Saturdays are all great for a lie-in especially if you’re like me up at 5.45 am Monday- Friday but when you have children it’s a no no. So Saturday is usually spent taking my son Callum and my daughter Charlie Mai to sporting events, music and dance classes. Callum is a member of Éire Og in Ovens and if the lads aren’t training there’s usually a game. He also works from time to time in a local garden centre.
Charlie Mai has dance classes on Saturday mornings. While a lie-in would be nice I love nothing more than taking them from A to B and then onto C! It’s wonderful to see your children involved in activities. On a rare free Saturday morning Deirdre and myself usually would try to grab a bite to eat in one of the many stalls in the Marina Market – what an addition that has been to the city. We’re spoilt for choice there when it comes to food and excellent coffee. There’s a great social element to it too – you’ll always bump into someone.
Saturday Afternoon:
I love eating outdoors, so places like Princess Street, the Marina Market, the Cornstore, or the Anglers would all be favourites if I had a leisurely Saturday lunch. Then if I have an hour to spare I’ll pop into town and browse around our wonderful city. I love to meet up with traders like Pam O’ Regan in Gentleman’s Quarters and Eddie Mullins in Fitzgeralds menswear. Both are wonderful ambassadors for Cork, they’re always upbeat and glass half full people. No visit to town would be complete without calling to O’ Flynn’s for one of their amazing sausages. I love the Cork Boy with all the trimmings.
Saturday Night
I love nothing more than chilling out with the family at home on a Saturday night. You can’t beat sitting around watching something like Britains Got Talent or some of the real-life cops, ambulance or hospital programmes. We might get a takeaway from The Fry in Ballincollig or Dinos, our shared guilty pleasure is nachos and as many dips as possible!
Sunday
We’re blessed in Cork with beautiful beaches, when I have time, I love nothing better than a walk along any of them. The boardwalk on Youghal beach is a great addition and the greenway from the town to Midleton will also do wonders for the place. All they need to do now is bring the train back! Ballincollig Regional Park is another gem spanning over a hundred acres, it’s got several playing pitches and skate park. There are lots of picnic places, woodland trails and river walks. It is lively and vibrant and there’s always a great buzz. Recently we had a Sunday lunch at the Lee Valley Golf Club, the food was excellent and there was plenty of it. The atmosphere is relaxing and the staff are so friendly. It’s great to see how the Keohane family have made this one of the finest courses and dining venues in Cork. Callum and Charlie Mai keep asking when we are going back!
Best-kept secret
Fitzgeralds Park is way under utilized. It has a spectacular stage area where events should be staged every weekend. It is like our own Hyde Park or Central Park and I think we don’t shout about it enough. I love popping into Fitzgeralds Park – it’s got such a happy vibe. It’s also home to the Cork Museum – which has free entry. I haven’t been for ages – but have been promising myself a trip. It’s a great facility, just 15 minutes walk from the city centre. I love to walk along the new Marina Promenade – the perfect way to unwind after a busy week. It’s great to see so many walkers, joggers and cyclists and rowers of course on the Lee. That entire area is spectacular and it’s only going to get better.
Beamish or Murphys? Tanora
Corks Best Chipper? Golden Fry Ballincollig and Dinos
Have you:
Rung the Shandon Bells? Yes – I also proposed to my wife out on the top balcony
Kissed the Blarney Stone? Yes, although some say i took a bite out of it
Eaten tripe and drisheen? Both
Who would you nominate for the best Corkonian of all time? Roy Keane
Sum up Cork in three words…. Pure class boy!
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