Cork City is Ireland’s third largest city after Dublin and Belfast
and has always been an important Irish seaport. It was founded on
an island between two channels of the River Lee and the city’s
Irish translation of Corcaigh (meaning marsh) bears testament to this
beginning. Over the years, Cork expanded either side of its famous
River and today is the second largest city in the Irish Republic.
Significantly quieter than Dublin City, time passes effortlessly in
Cork during the day, while at night there are plenty of worthwhile
distractions such as traditional pubs and fine restaurants.
Known as the Rebel County due to its stubborn resistance and independence
over the years, Cork City is relatively compact so the best way to
get around and actually see the city is invariably by foot. While
it is easily navigated, in order to maximize your time, you are advised
to pick up an informational booklet from the local tourist offices.
North of the River Lee in the Shandon area is an historic part of
the city, while attractions south of Lee include St. Fin Barre’s
Cathedral, Cork Museum, Cork Jail, City Hall and numerous churches
and breweries.
St. Finn Barres Cathedral
St. Finn Barre's Cathedral now stands where St.
Finbarr, Cork's patron saint, founded a monastery in the 7th century.
The original monastery grew wealthy over the years and attracted the
attentions of Viking pirates, who raided the monastery and city but
returned in later years to settle and trade. The triple-spire cathedral
itself is an excellent example of French-Gothic architecture and some
of its striking features include the fine rose window, the mosaic
pavements and elaborate carvings. Just over North Gate Bridge, Shandon
Church, the red and white towering steeple of which you will certainly
have already noticed, is worth a visit. Its peal of bells has become
famous over the years, while visitors may actually try their hand
at playing the bells from music cards provided.
Other attractions in the city include Cork Jail,
which tells the story of jailhouse life in the 19th and early 20th
centuries; Cork City Hall with its impressive limestone pillars and
copper-domed clock tower; Cork Museum, which is largely given over
to the nationalistic struggle in which Cork played an important role;
and the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, part of which dates from 1724.
Today the gallery houses an interesting sculptural collection and
a fine selection of paintings.
Blarney Castle
And if, as a city Cork is a wonderful place, then
it is certainly no different as a county. There are so many fine attractions
and interesting places to visit; it is difficult to select the best
of them. Blarney Castle, which lies about four miles from the city,
is one of the country’s best-known buildings and it is here that
visitors come from all over the globe to kiss the Blarney Stone, which
is embedded in the upper walls of the structure. It is said that those
who kiss the stone are rewarded with the power of eloquence (or gift
of the gab), though it is not known exactly how this belief began.
The heritage town of Cobh should also be included on your travels.
From the 1860’s on, most Irish people setting off for America
would have arrived in Queenstown (now Cobh) by train. The sad tale
of emigration is told at The Queenstown Story in Cobh, which offers
a multimedia exhibition and also a large collection of photographs
and letters of emigrants. It also contains passenger lists, which
can prove useful to those wishing to trace their genealogical roots.
Other interesting attractions include the Fota
Island Wildlife Park, which contains many species of animals wandering
free, where possible, around the sanctuary; the Jameson Heritage Centre,
which will take you back through time and allow you to discover the
history and magical taste of Irish Whiskey, known in Gaelic as Uisce
Beatha (Water of Life); the Blarney Woolen Mills and Charles Fort
near Kinsale. Charles Fort was constructed in the early 1680’s
in honour of King Charles II and is a classic example of a star shaped
fort. In use until 1921, it was besieged in 1690 by the Duke of Marlborough
and was destroyed in 1922 during the Irish Civil War. Charles Fort
was a declared a national monument in 1973 and reflects all the turbulence
of Ireland's often tragic past.
