Guide of Cork

Cork is a city in southwest Ireland, in the province of Munster. It has a population of around 210,000 and is the second biggest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin, but the locals like to refer to it as 'the real capital of Ireland'! Cork had suffered from industrial decline but has now rejuvenated itself by developing its arts and cultural scene. Today, it seems that there are lovely little pubs and live music on every street corner! The reason the city is so lively is partly due to its relatively young population; over 40% of the population is under 25, Cork also has the lowest percentage of over 65s in Europe, just 11%!

A brief history of Cork

In the 7th century, St Fin Barre founded a monastery in the middle of a marsh, and it survived raids from Norsemen, a Germanic population from Scandinavia between c. 800 and 1300 AD. By the 12th century, this swampy village had become the principal city in the Kingdom of South Munster. But Irish rule was short-lived and by 1185 Cork was owned by the English, but regularly changed hands after that during the relentless struggle between Irish and British Crown forces. During the 18th century, Cork prospered, through the production of high-quality butter, beef, beer and whiskey, exported around the world from its port. But only a century later, the potato famine devastated both the city and the countryside; Ireland lost millions by death or emigration to America.

Cork played a key role in Ireland's struggle for independence and a former mayor, Thomas MacCurtain, was killed by the British troops in 1920. Then his successor, Terence MacSwiney, died in a London prison after a hunger strike. The British were at their most brutally repressive in Cork and much of the city centre, including St Patrick's St, the City Hall and the Public Library, were burned down.

Things to do in Cork

While in Cork, you must visit a traditional pub, so you can enjoy coming into a cosy environment, away from the rain and the cold, to enjoy a pint of Guinness like a local. There is Irish folk music in many pubs to entertain you and the locals, known for their charm, will happily chat to you over a drink or two.  But remember, as a rule, everyone should buy drinks in a 'round' and before the previous round finishes, the next round should be purchased! When you've finished in the pub, take a stroll around the streets to admire the rows of terrace houses and visit some little cafes and art galleries in the lanes. Be sure to visit the area of Shandon, which is perched on a hillside overlooking the city centre, the views from here are fantastic! You should also pay a visit to Blarney Castle, built around 1446; it is about 8 kilometres from Cork, it is also home to famous The Blarney Stone! Which is a block of limestone built into the castle walls and according to legend; if you kiss the stone, it endows the kisser with the 'gift of the gab'- which is a euphemism for charm and charisma. 

Beaches around Cork

The Warren is a sandy blue flag beach nestled within a Natural Heritage Area and protected by dunes. Although it is rural, it has a cute café, toilets, and a lifeguard during the summer. Shelly Beach, is a lesser-known bay and you must hike over some over fields and down dunes to reach it, but it is well worth the trouble. When you arrive, you'll notice that it is full of pretty white shells and is a perfect piece of Irish paradise. Barleycove is a spectacular beach sheltered by an estuary running alongside it and out into the Atlantic, therefore is safe for swimming.