[Loki_Sproule]

I got on well with most people I met in Cork when I was down there last month, apart from some strange guy outside a bar who overheard me telling someone I lived in Belfast (yes, only saying that I lived there, not having any kind of political debate whatsoever) and grabbed me, shouting "26 counties is a load of s**t, you Unionist w**ker!!!" in my face.

He then finished with a rendition of "Come out ye Black and Tans" and stormed off back into the bar, muttering "bloody Northern Irish" and a few insults under his breath.

Very odd behaviour.

Despite this small (and confusing) glitch, I find Cork's a lovely city despite a few oddballs kicking around, dandered along in my Hibs top without any abuse being thrown and generally went along my way quite merrily.

I stayed with a friend so can't give any accommodation advice but the prices are definitely more sensible than Dublin. One piece of advice I'd give you is don't under any circumstances fly with Aer Arran. There's nothing more frightening than sitting in a propeller plane trying to land in hurricane-force winds.