Part of the attraction of Cork is its English Market, which was recently chosen by The Observer Magazine as among the ten best food markets in Europe. An historic building which had fallen into disrepair, it was refurbished to spectacular standards and is now home to a food market that is modern yet traditional, and which showcases all that is best about the gourmet capital of Ireland.

One focal point within the Market is the Farmgate Cafe, a sister cafe to the Farmgate Restaurant and Market in Midleton (which has become part of the greater Cork City area thanks to road and residential development). Proprietor Kay Harte (who is also a partner in the Midleton enterprises) shares the same commitment to fresh and local goods as can be found in the Restaurant and Market, with the difference here that the cafe is located in the busy heart of Cork City.

"Cork is a really beautiful city, " she said. "A lot of work has been done over the last few years, and, when all the road works are completed, then it will be really exciting to be a trader in Cork City centre. The market is the epicentre for food in the city, and it has to be viewed in the context of the regeneration of Cork. It is the only market of its kind in the country, and it is impossible to overstate its importance."

Kay and the Farmgate Cafe are part of a new organisation called Good Food Ireland, which is a marketing group committed to high standards and fresh and local produce. And, in case anybody doubted Cork's claim to be the gourmet capital, the proof can be seen in the fact that there are more "Good Food" outlets in Cork City and County than there are in any other part of the country.

The main reason for the concentration of good food in Cork can be traced to the quality that these Cork establishments insist on.

Indeed, if there are any complaints, it is that not enough people are getting to sample the delights.

There is no shortage of places for people to stay, and, for example, just at the edge of the city centre is the Doughcloyne Hotel, which is perfectly positioned to cater for the short stay, business and tour group market. It is five minutes from the city centre, and five minutes from the airport, and could be the ideal solution for a trip to sample the epicurean delights of the rebel (some might say "real") capital.