Cork is Ireland's largest county, and in many ways, the most varied, combining rich agricultural land, an important sea port, river valleys, glorious coastal and mountain scenery, gentle bays and romantic castles. The county has become more discerning and includes a wide range of quality shops, pubs, hotels and restaurants.
St. Finbarr is the founder and patron saint, and he founded a monastery in the seventh century where St. Finn Barre's Cathedral now stands.
Cork City is Ireland's third city after Dublin and Belfast, and has always been an important seaport. It began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee (the name Corcaigh means a marsh), and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side. Today the river flows through Cork city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges.
The city is lively, buzzing with the sound of impromptu music recitals, making this a delightful place to amble through the streets or sample Irish pub hospitality.
As the hilly streets go up and down, so do the voices of the citizens. They have a characteristic sing-song cadence, beloved of national comedians, and Corkonians are regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish.!
- Shandon Craft Centre ~ Housed within the Cork Butter Museum, this craft centre houses artisans displaying and selling their crafts.
- Cork City Gaol ~ A re-creation of cells, characters and exhibitions in this 19th century prison.
- St Finn Barre's Cathedral ~ Comparatively small in stature but large on ornate architecture.
- Blarney Castle ~ Housing the famous Blarney Stone, which bestows the gift of eloquence on anyone who kisses it!
- Fota Wildlife Park ~ Giraffe, zebra, ostrich and antelope, (amongst others) roam in natural surroundings. Picnic area.
- Old Midleton Distillery ~ Irish Whiskey is world renowned and it's history can be traced on a guided tour round the Jameson Heritage Centre in Middleton, 12 miles east of Cork City.
- Merchant's Quay ~ Cork's attractive shopping experience.
- Cobh Heritage Centre ~ From 1848 - 1950, over 6 million people from Ireland, largely as a result of poverty, crop failures, the land system and a lack of opportunity, and over one-third of these left from Queenstown, now called Cobh. It was from here that the Titanic took its fateful journey into the history books. Extremely interesting and informative heritage centre, with much to see.
