Cork hosts 31st Guinness Jazz Festival.

Located on the southeast coast of Ireland, Cork is the country's second largest city. Surrounded on both sides by the River Lee, it offers visitors many of Dublin's attractions -- good pubs, restaurants, and shopping -- without the traffic and congestion of Dublin.

Patrick Street, which was redeveloped in 2004, has been named the best shopping street in Ireland several times. In addition to Brown Thomas and Debenham's department stores, you'll find plenty of stylish boutiques. Foodies will enjoy a visit to the Old English Market, also known as the Prince Street Market. The 140 stalls inside the Victorian-era brick and cast iron structure sell everything from pigs' trotters to Irish butter and cheese.

The best food in town is found at Café Paradiso, which also happens to be vegetarian. If you're looking for some place to eat on Monday, when most restaurants are closed, head for Liberty Grill on Washington Street. Try the burger made with local Irish lamb and served with tzatziki or the pork schnitzel.

Cork is also the jazz capital of Ireland, a reputation cemented by the Guinness Jazz Festival, now in its 31st year. This year's festival -- which takes place October 24 - 27 in venues all over town -- features more than two dozen acts, including the Chick Corea and John McLaughlin All-Star Band, the Yellowjackets, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Cedar Walton.

Tickets and information are available at http://www.corkjazzfestival.com. Aer Lingus offers service from seven U.S. gateways to Dublin, and from there, it's a short hop to Cork.