Since you will probably be backpacking across most of Ireland, you will not be staying in a single hostel for long. It is advisable to use the Internet to get the best hostels in whichever city you visit. There are numerous sites that allow you to filter all the hostels in Ireland and arrange them according to price, services offered, proximity to roads etc.
In a nutshell, backpacking across Ireland and meeting Irish people will be an unforgettable experience. You will also not face any accommodation problems because of the many options available in all cities.
Cork
The Rebel City
Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, located in the south west of Ireland, and serves as a major seaport.
Formerly known as the 'Rebel City', Cork is situated on an island around which the River Lee flows.
The river flows through the city in two main channels, and the city has many bridges.
The city of Cork is rich in its history and culture, and was actually designated the European City of Culture in 2005. There are a number of things to see and do in Cork. Cork has numerous attractions, that reveals is rich history and culture, to visit and explore.
Blackrock Castle is a restored sixteenth century castle. The castle features a large circular tower and crenellated parapets. The castle is currently used as an observatory and is open to the public.
Cork Butter Museum is a unique site that celebrates Ireland's successful butter trade. The museum tells the story from the central role of dairy in the Island of Saints and Scholars and the important international Butter Exchange in 19th century Cork, to traditional home butter making and the modern day success of the Kerrygold brand.
Cork City Gaol is an interesting attraction which reveals to visitors what life was like for prisoners in the gaol during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the original cells in the Gaol have been restored, and tour of the Gaol is accompanied by an audiovisual presentation.
The English Market is situated in Cork City's centre, and is one of the oldest of its kind. Trading as a market can be traced all the way back to 1788. Today this bustling market sells local produce, seafood, butter, pasta, chocolates, coffee and much more from a variety of different stalls.
Shandon Steeple, also known as the Church of St Anne in Shandon, is one of Cork's famous landmarks that was built in the 1720s. The building is made up of a square tower that is surmounted by a lantern and a copper dome. It features the famous Shandon Bells, which can be rung by visitors, and the four faced clock.
St Finbarr's Cathedral is located in the city centre, and was built in the 1870s. The cathedral is named after Cork's patron saint St Fin Barre, and boasts magnificent Gothic revival style architecture.
Fitzgerald's Park offers a riverside walk alongside the River Lee, as well as nice tree lined avenues, flower beds, and a rose garden. Named after a previous Cork Lord Mayor, Edward Fitzegerald, this brilliant 18 acre park also features numerous statues and sculptures and a large central fountain, and is home to the Cork Public Museum.
Collins Barracks Military Museum is the oldest occupied military building in Cork City. The Barracks was built in the 1800s, and the Museum looks at the history of the Barracks and contains a large collection of military memorabilia. The building itself is a stunning example of Georgian architecture, standing around a parade square.
Cork certainly has a number of wonderful sites and attractions to see. In addition to these sites, there are also plenty of restaurants, pubs and other sites to visit.