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Cork |
Cork
There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theatre and film all playing a major role in city life, while world-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, making it the European Capital of Culture 2005. Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top class restaurants in the country, while nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.
Located in the southwest, County Cork is the largest county, noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges; Cork harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.
Attractions
Church Tower of Shandon © Church of St Anne Shandon
Church Tower of Shandon
Positioned on a hill overlooking the River Lee, the Church Tower of Shandon (Old Fort) is possibly Cork's most famous landmark. The red sandstone and white limestone tower is crowned by a large, salmon-shaped weather vane. The Church of St Anne is famous for its bells, which inspired the song 'The Bells of Shandon', and also for its clock, which is referred to as 'the four-faced liar' because each of its four faces reads a different time.Address: Church of St Anne Shandon, Church Street; Telephone: +353 21 450 5906
City jail, Cork
Old City Gaol
The old gaol looks the same as it did in Victorian times with its barred windows, cells, bare corridors and iron stairways behind the unwelcoming gateway. Life-size figures, sounds and exhibitions tell the story and social history of 19th century Cork and the reasons people turned to crime.Address: Convent Avenue, Sunday's Well; E-mail: corkgaol@indigo.ie; Website: www.corkcitygaol.com; Telephone: (0)21 430 5022; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (March to October), 10am to 4pm (November to February); Admission: €7 (adults), €4 (children). Concessions available
St Patrick's Street © Cork City Council
St Patrick's Street
Often referred to as Pana by the locals, St Patrick's Street (Sráid Naomh Pádraig) is Cork's main street, famous for its beautiful architecture and great selection of shops. In fact, St Patrick's has twice been awarded as Ireland's best shopping street, and is home to retailers such as Debenhams, Dunnes Stores, Barratt's and Brown Thomas. The Ruen Thai Restaurant on St Patrick's is also a popular stop.
English Market © Rainer Ebert
The English Market
The 16th century Princes Street Market is a covered food market in the centre of Cork. It is well known among locals and tourists alike for its varied selection of produce from all over the world, and especially for its fresh fish. The market is referred to locally as the English Market and the nearby St Peter's Market is known as the Irish Market.Address: Princes Street; Website: www.corkenglishmarket.ie
Excursions
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are 18ft (5m) thick in places. Located on the parapet of the castle is the famous 'Blarney Stone'. According to local legend, after kissing this stone, one will have the gift of eternal eloquence, or 'the gift of the gab'. To do this, visitors must first position themselves on their back, then lean their head back and downwards over the edge of the battlements, with the help of an attendant, in order to kiss the underside of the stone. The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing.Address: Five miles (8km) from Cork; E-mail: info@blarneycastle.ie; Website: www.blarneycastle.ie; Telephone: (0)21 438 5252; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am-6:30pm (May and September), 9am-7pm (June to August), 9am to sunset(October to April). Sundays 9:30am-5:30pm (until sunset in winter).; Admission: €10 (adults), €3.50 (children 8-14). Concessions available.
County Kerry
Kerry County is widely considered to be the most beautiful region in Ireland, and is the country's most popular tourist destination with its rugged scenery, picturesque villages, coastal resorts and wealth of attractions. The panoramic Ring of Kerry drive on the Iveragh Peninsula affords breathtaking views of Ireland's highest mountain, the Lakes of Killarney, and the stunning coastal scenery made up of rocky headlands, beautiful sandy beaches and windswept cliffs. There are also many ancient archaeological sites, castles and monasteries along the way. The Killarney National Park is also renowned for its scenic beauty and variety of outdoor activities. The Dingle Peninsula has magnificent coastal scenery and is the westernmost point of Europe, while villages like Kenmare and Dingle offer a wonderful glimpse of traditional Irish life where fresh seafood and authentic music make any visit a delight. County Kerry is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, ideal for boating, fishing, walking, golfing and cycling.Website: www.kerry-tourism.com
Kinsale
Kinsale is an old fishing village just 18 miles (29km) south of Cork. Best known for the world renowned Old Head Golf Links, with its spectacular setting on a narrow head leading out into the Celtic Sea, Kinsale has a number of sights of interest including The Courthouse and Desmond Castle.Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond in the 16th century, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601, during the Battle of Kinsale, to its use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. It is 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.
Two miles (3km) outside Kinsale is Charles Fort, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, it is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with its design. 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 in 1922-1923.
Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ive in 1602. Kinsale has also earned itself the reputation as the gourmet centre for Ireland with numerous award-winning pubs and restaurants, and the annual Gourmet Festival in October.
Website: www.kinsale.ie; Telephone: Kinsale Tourist Office: 021 477 2234