Bristol is like the Cork of England. While it’s not unusual for Corkonians to want to compare every travel destination to the sights and sounds of home, Bristol, sitting harbourside on England’s southwest coast, is a particularly good one to compare with. This charming English city is just about 400km from Cork, almost directly lateral across the Irish Sea.
And while it boasts a larger population than us - over half a million - there is much about Bristol that would remind one of home. Both Bristol and Cork are beautiful second(ish) cities, vying to make themselves known as the ‘it’ place to be against boisterous louder capitals (London and Dublin both seem to unfairly hog our deserved spotlight.) Both have a rich maritime history, both are known for a fantastic cultural scene encompassing music, art and science, both are a foodie heaven, and residents of both are well known (and stereotyped) for their pride of place - for crying out loud, they both have a Spike Island! It’s also easier than ever to visit.
Cork and Bristol are now connected with a direct flight, thanks to the launch of Air Lingus’ Emerald Airlines regional route. Travellers from Cork can be in Bristol in less than an hour with a handy flight across the water. Bristol is a perfect couples city break, hen-do or stag party weekend, or short break family getaway.
Here’s our guide for exploring bustling ‘Brizzle’: Air Lingus operate flights directly from Cork Airport to Bristol Airport through th.
