Official Language:
English
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Currency:
Irish Pound
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Population:
Approximately 136,000 people call Cork home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Cork Ireland: The weather in May to mid September is by far the warmest and generally the driest time of yearin July and August. Days are longest at this time of the year. Late spring and fall offer beautiful weather as well. Showers are common, so bring your umbrella. In summer, temperatures generally fall in a range of 59°F/15°C to 68°F/20°C.
Winter days can be drizzly, cold and short (the sun sets around 4 pm), but because of the Gulf Stream, the temperature seldom falls below freezing, averaging about 45°F/7°C.
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Cork, the second larges city in Ireland is located on the south west coast of Ireland.Cork. It is a small town with a big heart, and one thing for sure, the scenery is beautiful. The picturesque landscape of Cork is absolutely amazing, and the few structures that do exist are tremendous. Cork is nestled in between two separate branches of the River Lee, and it is a quaint spot that is perfect for vacationing and relaxing. It is in the perfect location if you are interested in taking sightseeing trips in and around the city, and the town itself is quite compact, making everything easily accessible. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, and the major trade center of the south. In total, there are 175,000 people who reside in Cork, and every one that I have come in contact with seems like a jolly bloke ready to tell a story and have a drink.
Cork’s history began during the 7th century with the founding of a monastery by St. Finbarr on a small island in the River Lee. The St. Finbarr’s Cathedral now stands in this spot. The monastery and the settlement grew around it. King Henry II arrived in Ireland in 1172. The town was captured several times, to be recovered and retaken. In 1185, Cork was officially established, but the city remained very small and insignificant for centuries. In the 17th century, rapid expansion began to occur, primarily because of the butter industry. The butter trade ensured prosperity for Cork in the 17th and 18th centuries, and these were good times for the small town that was on its way to becoming the premier city in southern Ireland. The River Lee divides Cork into two parts, and as a result, an astounding array of bridges and quays are laced throughout the city.The English and the Irish alternated as its masters. During the Civil War in 1921, many areas of the city were damaged by fire, leaving Cork with no medieval buildings left.
Cork is one of the most beautiful, most visited regions in the Irish state. Blessed with a majestic countryside, and home to some of the Emerald Isle's most popular attractions and the country's warmest weather. The temperate weather of Cork provides outdoor enthusiasts with a perfect climate. Enjoy golfing, fishing, horseback riding, sailing and water skiing. There are plenty of natural attractions as well as outdoor activities. Ireland has gone from being one of the poorest countries in Europe to having one of the top economies in the world, all within the past decade. Between 1993 and 1997, the economic status grew by 40%. Since then the country has become the world's second largest software exporter. Today, Corkmen represent a collection of tradespeople, educators, and artists. There are two central cathedrals, one for the Catholic parishioners, the other for the Protestant citizens. Locals are cordial and helpful in pointing out the city’s main points of interests including St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, St. Anne’s Shandon Steeple, and the classical-style Court House.Every view seems like a postcard photo in Cork and even with a modest amount of activities, remains incredibly exciting. The air is clean and crisp, and the mood is always right. The atmosphere throughout the city is a lively and energetic one, and simply walking around looking at the sights is enough to keep you from ever getting bored. A few of the restaurants in Cork are absolute gems, and the area in and around Paul Street features outdoor merchants selling all kinds of interesting items. The Shandon Steeple is a joy to climb, as you are welcome to ring the bells at the top, and this is only one of the highlights of this great city.
Most cruise ships dock at the port city of Cobh, approximately 10 miles from the city of Cork. For those passengers arriving in Waterford, cruise ships will dock at Dunmore East. A very enjoyable way to navigate the streets of Cork is by walking them. The city has laid out a walking path known as the Tourist Trail that will guide you on your way. However, other options exist as well. Buses run daily, many leaving from the Parnell Place Bus Station (tel. 021/508188), and will take you all around the city at a very affordable rate. If you prefer, you can opt to take a taxi service. Contact Shandon Cabs (tel. 021/502255) or Tele-Cabs (tel. 021/505050) for more information. Finally, you can rent a car at one of the major rental car agencies located at the Cork Airport. Contact Budget (tel. 021/314000) or Europcar (021/966736) for specific rates.
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Attractions |
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Mitchelstown Cave - Mitchelstown:
Mitchelstown Cave is a world without sun, without time, a world where man almost feels an intruder, stumbling on a past age, an era where nature reigns supreme. Be surrounded by drip stone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, graceful calcite curtains that hand from sloping roofs, calcite crystals which glisten like diamonds in the distance. Mitchelstown Cave is a must on your itinerary.
Waterford Crystal Factory:
This is where the intricately cut glass originated. Visitors can see the museum, watch a video on crystal-making and view some of the most spectacular forms of cut glass ever made. Perfect place for a souvenir.
Blarney Stone:
The giant rock is wedged underneath the Blarney Castle. Thousands of tourists come here each year to kiss it, hoping to take with them the luck of the Irish.
The Shandon Steeple:
is an even more popular site for tourists and passers by. It is located on Church Street, and is shaped to resemble an oval-like pot. Inside are the famous bells that are paid tribute to in The Bells of Shandon song. One of the most fun activities in Cork, especially for the young and the young at heart, is climbing up to the top of the tower and ringing the bells, which can be heard for miles.
Fota Arboretum and Gardens - Fota Island:
Fota Arboretum contains an extensive collection of trees and shrubs extending over an area of approx. 11 hectares (27 acres). The collection includes many tender plants that could not be grown at inland locations with many examples of exotic plants from the southern hemisphere. The Gardens at Fota were laid out by James Hugh Smith-Barry in the first half of the 19th century.
Barryscourt Castle - Carrigtwohill:
Barryscourt Castle was the seat of the Barry family from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The present castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th century additions and alterations. The bawn wall with three corner towers is largely intact. The ground floor of the keep houses an exhibition on the history of the Barrys and Barryscourt Castle.
Cork Public Museum:
This museum occupies a magnificent Georgian building in a park on the western edge of the city. Exhibits include models depicting early medieval times; artifacts recovered from excavations in the city, some dating as far back as 4,000 years; and a working model of an early flour mill with an unusual horizontal water wheel. There's an archive of photographs and documents relating to Cork-born Irish patriots Terence McSwiney, Thomas MacCurtain, and Michael Collins. Antique Cork silver, glass, and lace are on display. An extension to the museum has recently been completed.
The Crawford Municipal Art Gallery:
Located on Emmet Place and is home to a fabulous collection of diverse artwork. Among the best pieces are the 18th century renditions of Cork and neighboring cities. This exhibit chronicles works from this time period on, and all of them focus on the landscape of Cork. These paintings are marvelous, and it is quite a thrill to compare the architectural and geographic progression of the city. Numerous modern artists have their work on display here as well, and Crawford is always a top spot to see what is hot artistically in Ireland.(021/427-3377)
Charles Fort - Kinsale:
Constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23.
Desmond Castle - Kinsale:
Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond c. AD 1500, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. Known locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The Castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace.
St Finbarrs Cathedral:
This spectacular form of architecture was constructed between 1867 and 1879. It is in the French Gothic style. The cathedral may possibly be built on the foundation of an earlier Round Tower. A short distance away is Elizabeth Fort in Fort St. The first fort was built here in the reign of Elizabeth I. Other churches in this area include the South Chapel a Georgian church of 1766 and St. Michael's Protestand Church. The Red Abbey on Mary St. Off Douglas St. is the sole survivor of the Monasteries of Medieval Cork. An Augustinian Priory it was founded in the 14th Century.
St. Anne's Church:
Cork's prime landmark, also known as Shandon Church, is famous for its giant pepper pot steeple and its eight melodious bells. Virtually no matter where you stand in the downtown area, you can see the stone tower, crowned with a gilt ball and a unique fish weather vane. Seen on TV as the background to a Murphy's Stout ad, up to recently it was known as "the four faced liar" because each of its four clock faces used to show a different time, except on the hour, when they all managed to synchronize. Somewhat sadly, that charming quirk was fixed a few years ago. Built in 1722, the steeple has red sandstone (south) and limestone (west) walls, from which the colors of the Cork hurling and football teams are taken. A climb to the belfry rewards with the chance to play a tune on the famous Shandon Bells, immortalized in the poem by Francis Mahony called "The Bells of Shandon." Consequently, you might hear the bells of Shandon ringing at all times of the day. Continue on a sometimes-precarious climb up past the bells, and you'll be further rewarded with a spectacular view of Cork city and the Lee Valley.
Doneraile Wildlife Park - Doneraile:
The Park comprises approximately 166 hectares and is an outstanding example of an 18th century landscaped park in the 'Capability Brown' style. Mature groves of deciduous trees, several restored water features and a number of deer herds can be viewed along the many pathways within the Park. Doneraile Court, the former residence of the St. Leger family, is situated within the Park.
Ilnacullin - Bantry:
Located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Ilnacullin is a small island of 15 hectares (37 acres) known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty. The gardens of Ilnacullin owe their existence to the creative partnership, some eighty years ago, of Annan Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer.
Nightlife:
To find out about the concerts, shows, or theater events in and around Cork, be sure to contact the Cork City Visitor Information Center, which is located on Grand Parade (021/427-3251). Because of the small town atmosphere, not too many big name performances come through, but enjoyable local bands play quite often. Jury's is a popular meeting place to grab a drink or engage in a little chatting. It is located on Western Road (021/427-6622) and is quite a pleasant outfit.
Shopping:
The main shopping district in Cork is the vicinity on and around Paul Street. Located right near the parking lot for the city center, a cluster of shops and specialty stores lace the avenue. Perhaps the best is the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, which is located on Emmet Place (021/427-3377) and is full of beautiful paintings for sale.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Cork:
Cork Travel Information
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