For whatever reason, I’ve never quite been able to make it to Cork… I think it usually has to do with the fact that every single one fo my Irish friends hates the city, like really hates it. Seems odd to me, because most of them are Dubliners, which isn’t exactly my idea of paradise.
Can anyone give me the run down? Is it that bad? Quality of life and all that would be helpful.
I visited there a few years ago.
I liked it fine. There was music on
the streets, too. Nice place to walk
around. Some good music stores.
Cork city im not too sure about.
I worked on a trout farm for a while near fermoy a few years ago, and last year i went deep sea fishing in kinsale! beautiful town, steeped in history!
My take is there’s a fair bit of rivalry and “slagging” that goes on between various Irish regions. Dubliners joke about people from Cork, who slag people from Donegal, etc., etc. It’s a little like San Francisco vs. L.A. or Spokane vs. Seattle.
I know a couple of people who live in Cork, and they’re very happy there. A few of the people in my Irish class have relatives in Cork and have visited there…they seem to like it fine (even if we do tease them about the Cork accent!). It certainly has plenty of history.
Why not pay a visit to Cork the next time you’re there and see for yourself?
Redwolf
I,m a dub,and have been to Cork many times and it,s a great city to visit ,has a very young and friendly atmosphere . There are only two wagamamma,s in Ireland ,one in Dublin and one in Cork .
RORY
Lived there for 5 years. Great city, great people, great pubs, great music. Wish I could say the same about Dublin (lived there for 5 years too). Tell your friends they need to get out around the country more.
Specifically related to quality of life: Compared to Dublin: Cork is 1/5th the size so it’s easier to get around. No need for taxis every time you want to go from one restaurant/pub/venue to another. All within reach. The city centre is not overcrowded and it’s possible to live right in the middle of it if you wish. There are any number of nice towns and beaches within easy reach. The music scene is much more readily accessible and than Dublin due to the smaller size. Dublin is far more expensive rent-wise.
Never met anyone who hates Cork. If your friends only experience is the Jazz Weekend I could understand it but other than that it’s a pretty inoffensive place.
I’m in Dublin from next Sunday to Thursday for the first time in my life. I got a good few wrinkles the last time I posted about this and they’re all on a sheet of paper tucked into me Rough Guide, but now that me visit’s imminent I thought I’d hijack this thread somewhat and ask again - any hints, tips and offers to meet gratefully received. Flanum, you know where I am! 
Yeah; Head down to Hueston Station and catch the train to Cork. 
Only joking you’ll have a great time in the big smoke. Check out O’Donoghues on Merrion row to see where it all began! You many even happen on a session if you strike it at the right time.
I have been to Cork and it was a fine place.
My favourite town in Ireland is Clonmel. (Another clumsy Anglicisation - Cluain Meala is much nicer.)
I liked them both better than Dublin. 
Mukade
The standard Dubliner’s take on that is that it’s because they’ve all moved to Dublin 
.
Because the next time I’m there, it will be for a year.
That’s why I’m asking. I’ve posted a couple times about my move to Dublin… well, we’re thinking about other places to go (we’re not especially fond of Dublin) and Cork seems like a big enough city to have a job or two, small enough to not be a pain in the ass.
Thanks for the answers folks.
I’m far from an expert (why I held back on answering earlier), but I spent a few weeks working in Cork about 3 years back (temporary transfer to my then-employer’s Cork office, not a local-economy job).
Nice small city. Very different feel than Dublin - whether because of the smaller size, lower level of crowding, more relaxed local attitudes, or just fewer tourists I don’t know. It’s only half an hour from Blarney Castle, so there are some tourists about, but you don’t see the hordes of Dublin. As alurker noted, it’s very compact and walkable - at least, the central core is.
Assuming you can legally work (and can find work - I know that the high-tech area had slumped a bit when I was there), and you prefer a small to a large city, I think you could be very happy there.
I know that if I had a current opportunity to work there for a few weeks/months (or if I were wealthy enough not to need work - dream on) I’d jump on it in a heartbeat.
Caveat: I’m about twice your age, and far prefer a small house party or a homey pub to the club scene, and a hike in the country to a crowded shopping street, so YMMV, take with a caution, etc.
If you’re looking for casual work, jobs always seem to be more plentiful in the run-up to summer and during the summer months than during the winter.
If you’re looking for music, The Corner House on Coburg Street is all you need to know! 
Unfortunately we have to head out in September because my girlfriend needs to do some major saving. I’m not looking for anything too serious as a job, something to pay the rent and buy me food (and beer). I have a cache for the major travelling I want to do.
Well, last time I was there, there were buskers
on the street.