The best places in Cork for highstreet shopping are Patrick’s Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Paul Street, North Main Street, Merchants Quay and Grand Parade. Visitors are advised to examine the side streets as well, as these are lined by a great number of quirky, fascinating shops and classy boutiques.
It is, moreover, essential to visit some of Cork’s many markets - if only to suck in the atmosphere. The
English Market (see
Key Attractions) is a bustling food market where locals buy a variety of food items from all over the world. The
Coal Quay Market is also worth visiting,
particularly on Saturdays, when the legendary verbal wit of the stallholders is most likely to be heard. Food, clothes, shoes and musical equipment and recordings are among the items for sale.
Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 0900-1700/1800. Late-night shopping is on Thursday and Friday, with the bigger stores and many of the smaller ones remaining open until about 2000-2100. Many bookshops keep longer hours and some also open on Sunday 1200-1800.
VAT is levied at different rates on goods and services, with an average rate of 13.5%. Tax-free shopping is available to non-EU residents, who can redeem the tax at the airport on production of a completed tax-free slip.
Global Refund (website:
www.globalrefund.ie) can provide further information.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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