A Quick Guide to Cork City

Cork is Ireland's second city, though don't say that to any of its inhabitants who look on it as the 'real' capital! It is sometimes referred to as the 'Rebel City' because of its peopl's tradition of steadfast opposition to British occupation.

The centre of Cork is on an island created by channels of the River Lee, and it was on this marshy island that St Finbarr founded a monastic settlement in the 7th century, in the place where St Finbarr's Cathedral now stands. However it was the Vikings, two hundred years later, who established it as a major trading post and laid the foundation for the current city.

In the 19th century Cork Harbour was Europe's major port for trade with the Americas and it's still a busy place, though its importance and the number of ships docking has considerably reduced from its heyday.

It's a compact city, easily explored on foot, and while there are not too many major attractions in the city itself, it makes an excellent base for exploring the greater region.

Among the places worth visiting are St Anne's Church in Shandon, whose famous bells regularly ring out over the city, and Cork City Gaol where there are interesting guided tours.

University College Cork has a lovely central quadrangle along side which are a series of Ogham Stones. It's also worth visting the Honan Chapel in the college grounds to see the mosaic floors and beautiful stained glass windows.

No trip to Cork is complete with a visit to the wonderful English Market, where you will find a real cornucopia of local food produce and exotica from far away. Few visitors though are up to trying the traditional local dish of Tripe and Drisheen - the former is stomach, the latter a pudding made from mixture of cow's, pig's and/or sheep's blood.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Cork City or that can be visited while using Cork as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

Blarney Castle
Places to avoid, visit off season or tread carefully in.

Cobh Heritage Centre
Cobh was the point of departure for more than 6 million people leaving Ireland to seek a better life in a new country.

Fota Arboretum
Ireland's largest and best collection of rare trees and shrubs is found on Fota Island near Cork city.

Lakemount Gardens
Lakemount is a beatifully kept domestic herbaceous garden which is evidently owned by someone with a huge love of plants.

Garnish Island
A lush, green garden full of surprises, Garnish is on an Island in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Cork.

Ballymaloe
The perfect kitchen garden growing vegetables and herbs for the famous Ballymaloe restuarant in Co Cork.

The Lewis Glucksman Gallery
A new Gallery in Cork city, funded by Lewis Glucksman, with a excellent collection of contemporary Irish art.

Fota Wildlife Park
A zoo with animals kept in large enclosures designed to emulate their natural habitats, Fota is close to Cork city.

Desmond Castle
Over the centuries Desmond Castle was taxing house, workhouse and a prison that held French, Spanish and American sailors who threatened British rule.

Claybird
Sporting and driven clay pigeon shooting, with instruction available for beginners, in Kinsale Co Cork.

Charles Fort
A massive star-shaped fort on a clifftop in Co Cork, Charles Fort was built in 1680 and was for over 300 years a British army garrison.

Barryscourt Castle
A near perfect example of a Norman tower house with surrounding courtyards, Burnscourt Castle in Co Cork has been carefully restored in recent years.

Festival and Events

Cork Midsummer Festival Festival | Date: June 15th - July 5th

Art in Schull 2007 Visual Arts | Date: July 10th - 13th

Kinsale Arts Week Arts Festival | Date: 12th - 20th July

St. Barranane's Festival of Music Music: Classical | Date: 24th July - 21st Aug

West Cork Chamber Music Festival Music: Classical | Date: June 28th - July 6th

Ahakista Regatta Sport | Date: 1st - 4th August

Calves Week 2008 Sport | Date: August 1st- 10th

Clonakilty International Guitar Festival Music: Other | Date: Sept 18th - 21st

Cape Clear International Story Telling Festival Festival | Date: 5th - 7th Sept

Kinsale Jazz Festival Festival | Date: 24th - 27th Oct

Kinsale International Gourmet Festival Festival | Date: 10th - 12th Oct

Cork Jazz Festival Music: Jazz & Blues | Date: Oct 24th - 27th

Tour Itineraries

Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Cork:

Fishing Tour of Ireland
A three-center suggested fishing tour of Ireland, with great variety and lots of touring potential along the way for non-fishers.