The best places in Cork for high street shopping are Patrick's Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Paul Street, North Main Street, Merchants Quay and Grand Parade. Check out also the side streets for the city's many quirky, fascinating and classy shops and boutiques. 

Be sure to visit some of Cork's many atmospheric markets. 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, for food, clothes, shoes and musical recordings and equipment, as well as the legendary verbal wit of the stallholders (best heard on Saturdays).

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.