A Blend of History, Charm, and Energy

Cork, Ireland's largest and second-most populous county, is known for its stubbornness. While many people associate Cork's nickname as "the rebel county" with its role in Ireland's War of Independence in the twentieth century, the city has a much longer history of defying authority. Cork is the Republic of Ireland's second-largest city, after Dublin. It is located on Ireland's south coast and is connected to the sea via Cork Harbour and the Passage West channel. Cork and the surrounding coastline have a long history of seafaring and trading. The original city is effectively an island surrounded by two arms of the Lee River. St. Finbarr (Fin Barre) founded a monastery on a small marshy tract where the cathedral of the same name now stands in the 7th century. Despite Viking raids and later English occupation, the town survived and flourished over the centuries. Many of Cork's tourist attractions today pay homage to the city's long history, and you'll find it to be a vibrant, lively city with plenty to do. International Airport: Cork International Airport (ORK) Population: 190,384 Currency: the Euro Time: UTC +0 Driving side: Right Main Electricity: 230 V Official Language: Irish Religion: Catholic

The English Market, a quirky roofed food market in the heart of Cork City with an eye-catching fountain at its center, has been trading since 1788. It is one of the world's oldest municipal markets, and it is owned by Cork City Council. St. Patrick's Street, which was conceived in the early 18th century by wealthy merchants who were presumably eager to part their fellow citizens from their money, has remained Cork's main shopping hub ever since. The Anglican St. Fin Barre's Cathedral is a leisurely 11-minute walk from St. Patrick's Street. Fitzgerald Park is a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of Cork city, named after Edward Fitzgerald, the city's Lord Mayor who organized Cork's International Exhibition in 1902. St. Anne's Church (1722), located on the north side of the city across the River Lee, is known for the famous Shandon Bells tower.