Cork – is one of Ireland’s best loved cities, bursting with culture, history and a unique welcoming charm, making it an extremely popular destination with tourists, business people and globe-trotters alike.

History

The city of Cork dates back to the 6th century where it was founded as a monastic settlement by St Finbarr. Between 915 and 922 Cork became more urban in character when Norsemen (Viking) settlers founded a trading port here and like Dublin, Cork is believed to have been an important trading centre in the global Scandinavian trade network. By the 12th century the settlement had become the chief city in the Kingdom of Munster but this was short lived as in 1185 Cork was granted city status under English rule. In the late Middle Ages Cork developed into a walled city and in 1481 the city played a part in the Wars of the Roses when Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne, recruited supporters in the city for a plot to overthrow King Henry VII of England and Cork’s nickname of the “rebel city” originates from this period. During the 18th century Cork prospered with exports of beef, butter, beer and whiskey shipped around the world from its port. During the last few decades Cork has changed rapidly with substantial investment in the city’s cultural life and infrastructure which led to the city being granted the title of European City of Culture in 2005 which allowed Cork to showcase to the world its unique and fascinating culture. Cork today is a cosmopolitan city second only to Dublin in the Republic of Ireland in terms of size and importance.

Getting In & Getting Around

Cork International Airport is the third largest in Ireland serving a number of domestic, UK and European destinations. Cork Airport is located just 8km (5 miles) from the city centre and is connected by frequent bus and coach services. The main station in Cork is Kent Station which has regular services to Dublin and a number of bus routes operate to Dublin, Limerick and a whole host of other locations. Cork city centre is fairly compact and is easily navigated on foot. Bus services operate to the suburbs and tourists can enjoy a guided bus tour of the city centre.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

Cork is a city rich in culture and has a whole host of sights and attractions for you to explore. A good way to see the city is on a Cork Historic Walking Tour where a guide gives you an informative yet relaxed understanding of the city. Patrick Street is the main thoroughfare of the city and is lined with shops, boutiques and cafés and a walk around the neighbouring Georgian parades and 17th century alley ways will present you with many of the city’s architectural gems. Visit the Elizabeth Fort for a great view of the city then take a look around the 19th century Gothic masterpiece that is St Finbarr’s Cathedral. The tower and bells of Shandon Church are symbols of the city and visitors are also able to ring the bells if they wish. Cork City Gaol is a castle like building just outside the city centre which offers unrivalled views of the city and university.  

Eating Out

Cork has a budding restaurant scene with cuisine from all over the world available - you’ll be spoilt for choice. Pubs are all over the city serving excellent pub grub and for those who feel like splashing out a number of gourmet restaurants are available throughout the city.

Outside The City

There are a number of things to be seen and done just outside of Cork. Blarney Castle is just 8km (5 mile) outside the city. Blarney Castle is where the Stone of Eloquence is located and legend has it that those brave enough to kiss the stone will be granted “the gift of the gab”. Midleton, home of the Jameson Distillery is just 22 km east of the city. Killarney is a popular tourist destination due to its bountiful scenery, Ross Castle and the Killarney National park is just under two hours’ scenic drive away from Cork.

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