What is there to see and do in Cork this autumn?

While summer is still underway - albeit being slightly soggy - an autumn break can provide you with rest and relaxation if you've not managed to go on holiday this year yet. One city that has a jam-packed schedule at this time of the year is Cork, in Ireland.

Come here in the autumn and you will find an array of events and festivals happening to cater for all tastes. So, if you like the thought of travelling out of season and are looking for a different destination to head to, make sure Cork is at the top of the list.

Here's what's happening in the city later on in the year.

Cork Harbour Open Day

Cork Harbour Open Day is set to run on September 15th and 16th. Did you know the city boasts the second-largest natural harbour in the world? It is a fantastic place to visit and you can learn more facts about the site when you come to this event. Cork has a rich maritime history, and the final passengers of the Titanic in fact boarded the ship in Cobh, which is around half an hour's drive from the city centre. Pick up a hire car at Cork Airport and you will have the freedom to travel to Cobh's Titanic Experience.

Other activities going on at the Cork Harbour Open Day include a crab fishing competition, a tour on an Irish naval ship and the chance to participate in sailing and kayaking.

Cork Folk Festival

Thousands of musicians and fans head to the Cork Folk Festival every autumn, which this year is scheduled for between October 4th and 7th. Irish folk and traditional singers and bands take to the stage across a variety of venues, including around 30 bars and pubs, concert halls and other places. If you book a holiday in the city for this period, you will certainly come across several performances as you explore the destination.

There is plenty going on for people of all ages. Some activities include learning to dance a Ceili, listening to lectures about the history of the genre and lots of fun things to do for children.

Cork Opera House

Cork Opera House is a stunning building that dates back 150 years and seats 1,000 audience members. Its theatre, music and ballet programme is packed all year round, but autumn in 2012 is especially well catered for. Romeo and Juliet will kick off on October 10th and is a production by Cork-based theatre company Corcadorca. It will be a modern twist on the traditional tale and one to watch if you are a Shakespeare fan.

The spectacular Moscow State Ballet will perform Swan Lake on October 21st, while Cork City Ballet will wow the crowds between November 22nd and 24th with Sleeping Beauty.

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is one of the most well-known events in Ireland. More than 90 venues fling open their doors for performances, with the event set to take place between October 26th and 29th this year. You will be entertained by street artists as you walk between each venue, while you might like to pop into the many lectures and workshops that will be held.

Some of the top names in jazz who have performed at this event in the past include Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald, making the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival a must-visit for fans of the musical genre.