The average temperature for Cork in December is 43°F (6°C). You will need warm clothing, especially in the chilly evenings. The average low temperature is 39°F (4°C) and the average high for this month is 46°F (8°C), so winter accessories like gloves and mufflers will be a must.
Sea temperatures average at 51.8° (11°C) and average rainfall is 135mm (5.35") over a general period of 20 days, so an umbrella and rainwear are a must.
In December the sun shines on Cork City on an average of only 4 hours daily, so you might plan on more indoor activities than at other times of the year.
Reasonable accommodations are easily found in Cork. An establishment with very complimentary reviews is the Avondale Bed and Breakfast with its spotless rooms, delicious breakfasts and very accommodating hosts.
Auburn House, which is within walking distance of all the great restaurants and bars in Cork, also comes highly recommended. Its hosts are very helpful with suggestions for your stay in the area and they provide an excellent Irish breakfast as well.
Cork is the second largest city Ireland, next to Dublin and the country's third most populous. It has earned the nickname of "Rebel County" and is build on the River Lee. When you walk through Cork, you inevitably come across many bridges. They overlook the river waters where ships anchored long ago.
Cork architecture ranges from medieval to modern. The notable example of the medieval era is the Red Abbey. The church tower of Shandon is Cork's most famous building. If you visit, you can even ring the bells.
For shopping, stroll along St. Patrick's Street, the main street of the city.
Museums includeDesmond Castle & Wine Museum, and Kinsale Museum. Bantry House is the showplace of the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry. Tapestries, paintings and many important pieces of furniture of European origin grace its rooms.
The Cobh Museum is where examples of fine lace and details of the Victorian era can be seen along with interesting maritime artefacts
Fitzgerald Park is a beautiful place for a walk. Here you may visit the Cork Museum where you will get an idea of what life was like long ago for the Cork people. Displayed are examples of fine silver objects, and fashion from past eras. Also to be found in the museum are collections from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
