Oooh they got vibes here, and they're all good ones! Popped in on a weekend wander and this place…read morecertainly hit the spot! They had all the things the make my hear pitter patter. They had new releases, the classics, used books, discounted books. They also have a book buy back program which is fantastic, because we stan substantially! Simply put, they had everything I needed (eh..wanted but same same) And the staff was so very nice and cheerful. Go there! Loose yourself among the good vibes, beautiful bindings, and endless pages.

I'm convinced that it's impossible to be unhappy in a bookstore, especially if that bookstore is…read morethe adorable Vibes & Scribes! I have visited the local shop multiple times during my semester in Cork and each time I am delighted to get lost in expansive bookshelves! The shop has a great selection of both used and new books and makes buying lots of books easy with plenty of mix and match deals ensuring you get the most bang for your buck! Vibes & Scribes is one of those stores where you walk in not knowing exactly what you'll discover. I repeatedly find books that I've been meaning to read as well as books I've never heard of but want to dive into! I can't bring myself to walk past the shop without stopping in, especially on rainy days (which are common in Ireland) spent meandering downtown. The staff is also incredibly helpful and friendly. I remember on my first stop into the shop, the cashier asked my friend and I about how we were enjoying Cork and gave us some local recommendations for restaurants and live music. Next time you're looking for your next great read, you'll be able to find it at Vibes & Scribes!

BLARNEY IRISH CRYSTAL Spoke to Blarney Irish Crystal's Peter…read moreLee today. He told me that business was quiet but the Crosshaven man is expecting a general pick-up as 2010 unfolds. Have had a few dealings with this company over the years and have always found them courteous and efficient and very good at meeting deadlines (for presentations etc.). And the quality of the product is always admired by recipients. Company statement: "Blarney Irish Crystal engages in a proud tradition of cutting and engraving the very finest crystal, our master craftsmen have a unique reputation for designing presentation pieces, trophies and personalised gifts. Ideal for corporate presentations, sports awards etc. Special presentations have being made to Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson to name but a few. We have launched a heraldic range of crystal glassware with access to over 1,000,000 family coats of arms and crests."

We visited Blarney Irish Crystal in 1991...we met Peter Lee and he sold us the beautiful bowl he…read morewas working on...Peter is a master craftsman thats FOR sure....If your like beautifully hand cut crystal you will love his work.. GORGEOUS

Came by on a Monday at around 2:30 AM, excited to try some food. Unfortunately, everything seemed…read morepretty basic and overpriced, and there didn't seem to be too many options. Instead, the stalls mainly sell produce, meat, cheese, and seafood, which would be great if you were a local, but we were just visiting. There are a few stalls selling things like candies/honey/jams, that were reasonably priced, so we bought a few of those to bring home as souvenirs. We spent probably about half an hour walking around and made it through the entire market. It was fun to walk around and see all the local goods/products, but don't expect a lot of options for good food if you're hungry.

I was expecting more from this English Market. The selections were not that big (pretty basic…read morestuff), but everything seemed to be very pricey. Not impressed at all

Wonderful, unique gift store in Cork (and Kilkenny) full of sweet treasures. Unique and handmade…read morejewelry from artist in Cork, and Cork made to go stainless steel cups. Christmas tree ornaments and purses. Candles local and other sophisticated choices. Beautiful pens and fountain pens, cute little children gifts and sweet perfume and nail polish combo gifts. In the back some books and other home goods. Also hen party gifts and travel gifts, beautiful wrapping paper. Just all out great place to poke about and find a gift for yourself or to give. Huge recommend. Plus the shop girls wonderful!

From the owner: is an Irish gift shop in Cork City, Ireland. We carry beautiful gifts that are perfect for gifts or…read moreto make your house your home. Quirky and inspiring with lots of Irish brands, fair trade and sustainable products.

We were told this store is the largest Irish gift store in all of Ireland. Maybe the world. It had…read moreseveral floors and sold everything from kitchen magnets to a dining room set. Free shipping on items over 250 euros. We bought a few items there and comparitively noticed the prices were a bit better than other gift shops. The staff is very friendly. They also have these little rolling trolley baskets to put your things in while you're shopping. Glad we were able to shop there. They take all forms of payment.

While we were in Blarney, Cork, Ireland, we visited the largest Irish shop in the world!! Blarney…read moreWoollen Mills Baby!! This shop has been around since about 1823 (I believe). Pretty impressive! We only had about 30 minutes to browse Blarney Woollen Mills. In that time, Wifey found a very cool jacket to purchase at an affordable price point. In that time, she also forgot her sunglasses at the shop. We already faraway from the shop when she realized that she misplaced it. She immediately called the shop, but by that time the sunglasses were nowhere to be found. The employee who answered the phone was not very helpful or sympathetic though. Very sad and disappointing customer service!!! Despite the loss of my wife's beloved sunglasses, it was still an okay experience overall. This shop carrys all kinds of clothes, crafts, food, plus so much more. Blarney Woollen Mills is known as having the great Irish Shopping Experience after all. Absolutely check this place out after you kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle of course. Just don't forget any of your possessions while you are here because chances are great that they will be unable to help you.

Is this a highlight of our visit to Blarney Castle? Yes!…read moreDoes family being named Erin have something to do with this? Yes! Thank you to the folks working for chatting with us! You have a great shop and I like it a lot. I hope you enjoyed the glow in the dark chickens!

The Erin Giftstore is outside of the Blarney Stone gift shop. It has a good selection of items that…read morerange from t-shirts, scarves, jewellry, hats and other common souvenir items. The lady at the store was friendly and had a good sense of humour when we were joking with her. As a gift shop the prices seemed reasonable. The shop is also clean and well kept. There is even a resident shop cat. A good place to shop for souvenirs. Hubby bought a beautiful scarf for me here but the price ended up being more expensive than the Blarney Stone Woollen Mills gift shop.

A lovely little gift shop with a collection of cheepish jewellery (newbridge and that ilk), nice…read morephoto frames (who the heck buys these as gifts?) and handbags. Yup, I think 99% of the clientèle here are female, it's all a bit frilly for my liking with a surprisingly large amount of candles for sale. The only bit I really liked is the newest addition to the shop, some Nicolas Mosse pottery which I have a bit of a soft spot for.

If you looking for the perfect gift store this is it, snuggled on a backstreet close to Blackrock…read morethis shop is a great place to shop for curios and presents gifts or otherwise. It never fails to dissapoint whether shopping for a newborn or a gift for your mother in law.. you name it, great find and deserves the creedo. I bought the most beautiful snow glo in there which my daughter has cherised since.. Love it truly.

CORK CHRISTMAS MARKET (12.12.09) Paid another visit to Grand…read moreParade hoping for improvement in this market. Sad to report that it is quite mediocre. Well short of the target of fifty stalls and most that are there sell food on the go, some of it quite nice. Very little evidence of "the best of local food and crafts". Still, the adjacent Bishop Lucey Park is a great place to take the smaller kids. CORK CHRISTMAS MARKET (01.12.09) Cork's Grade Parade is the venue for the city's Christmas market over the next three weekends. It opened with a fanfare last Friday, coinciding with the switching on of the Christmas lights. The highlight here is a so called winter garden, designed by the well known wedding designer Franc who has transformed Bishops Lucey Park into something of a wonderland, open only between 5.00 and 8.00pm Fri-Sun. The trees are lit up and here and there are groups of reindeers drawing sleighs of light, illuminated "gazebos" where young and old (there is mistletoe hanging there) can have photos taken; here too the kiddies can take a ride on a carnival roundabout and leave a letter for Santa. The market "showcases the best of local food and crafts" - how Chinese made trinkets fall into the category is beyond me - in some fifty stalls stretching from the park to the river. So off you go. Maybe you'll solve your present problems. At the very least, enjoy the music and the magic in the subdued lighting of the park. And mind that mistletoe! Mrs Santa could be waiting for you. See Mike Hannon's market video at: http://www.vimeo.com/8282906