Essential Ireland > County Cork
County Cork is the largest and most southwesterly of the modern counties of Ireland, bordered to the west by County Kerry, County Limerick to the north, County Tipperary to the north-east and County Waterford to the east.
Nicknamed 'The Rebel County', County Cork is virtually defined by its resistance to British rule, having gained the moniker for its support of Perkin Warbeck during the Wars of the Roses. Its rebel credentials were reinforced during the Irish War of Independence from 1919-1921 and the Irish Civil war from 1921-1923, in both of which County Cork played a central role.
Among its most famous sons is Michael Collins, in charge of guerilla operations against British forces during the War of Independence and head of the Irish Free State army. Collins was born near Clonakilty and assassinated by IRA forces in Béal na Bláth, both of which are in West Cork, in 1922.
As well as its relationship with Michael Collins, the rugged, natural beauty of West Cork makes it a popular destination for tourists, many of whom flock to the coastal islands of Cape Clear Island, Sherkin Island or Sheep's Head, the Irish mainland's most south-westerly point. Its breathtaking rock formations, sheer cliffs and quaint villages make it a favourite with walkers, while the secluded bays and secret coves of the Atlantic coast are great to explore. Basking sharks and several species of whale frequent the waters off the coast, and boat trips for watching these majestic creatures are a popular tourist attraction.
This contrasts with much of the rest of County Cork which is predominantly rural in character, marked by rich farmlands and picturesque river valleys. The rural nature of the county is clearly illustrated by the fact that roughly 10% of the county is peatland, while just over an additional 10% is forest or woodland. Three great rivers, the Bandon, the Lee and the Blackwater cross central Cork, while the surrounding countryside is peppered with numerous lakes.
Cork City is the county capital, located between the two channels of the River Lee and often referred to as the Venice of Ireland, thanks to its network of bridges. Its cosmopolitan flavour, combined with sublime architecture and international film and music festivals make it one of Ireland's most visited cities.
Located nearby is Castle Blarney, home of the legendary 'Stone of Eloquence', or Blarney Stone as it is more commonly known, which is a particular favourite with visitors. According to tradition, visitors who kiss the Blarney Stone are blessed with the gift of eloquence. Kissing the stone involves hanging upside down over a sheer drop. Although safety bars provide protection against an untimely fall, which was a real risk in times past, it is perhaps best avoided by those with a fear of heights!
Cobh, or Queenstown as it was formerly known, is another popular destination for tourists, having been the embarkation point for millions of Irish emigrants heading for new lives in the US, Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. It was also the last stop on the Titanic's fateful maiden voyage, giving it a melancholy yet fascinating place in history.
Nicknamed 'The Rebel County', County Cork is virtually defined by its resistance to British rule, having gained the moniker for its support of Perkin Warbeck during the Wars of the Roses. Its rebel credentials were reinforced during the Irish War of Independence from 1919-1921 and the Irish Civil war from 1921-1923, in both of which County Cork played a central role.
Among its most famous sons is Michael Collins, in charge of guerilla operations against British forces during the War of Independence and head of the Irish Free State army. Collins was born near Clonakilty and assassinated by IRA forces in Béal na Bláth, both of which are in West Cork, in 1922.
As well as its relationship with Michael Collins, the rugged, natural beauty of West Cork makes it a popular destination for tourists, many of whom flock to the coastal islands of Cape Clear Island, Sherkin Island or Sheep's Head, the Irish mainland's most south-westerly point. Its breathtaking rock formations, sheer cliffs and quaint villages make it a favourite with walkers, while the secluded bays and secret coves of the Atlantic coast are great to explore. Basking sharks and several species of whale frequent the waters off the coast, and boat trips for watching these majestic creatures are a popular tourist attraction.
This contrasts with much of the rest of County Cork which is predominantly rural in character, marked by rich farmlands and picturesque river valleys. The rural nature of the county is clearly illustrated by the fact that roughly 10% of the county is peatland, while just over an additional 10% is forest or woodland. Three great rivers, the Bandon, the Lee and the Blackwater cross central Cork, while the surrounding countryside is peppered with numerous lakes.
Cork City is the county capital, located between the two channels of the River Lee and often referred to as the Venice of Ireland, thanks to its network of bridges. Its cosmopolitan flavour, combined with sublime architecture and international film and music festivals make it one of Ireland's most visited cities.
Located nearby is Castle Blarney, home of the legendary 'Stone of Eloquence', or Blarney Stone as it is more commonly known, which is a particular favourite with visitors. According to tradition, visitors who kiss the Blarney Stone are blessed with the gift of eloquence. Kissing the stone involves hanging upside down over a sheer drop. Although safety bars provide protection against an untimely fall, which was a real risk in times past, it is perhaps best avoided by those with a fear of heights!
Cobh, or Queenstown as it was formerly known, is another popular destination for tourists, having been the embarkation point for millions of Irish emigrants heading for new lives in the US, Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. It was also the last stop on the Titanic's fateful maiden voyage, giving it a melancholy yet fascinating place in history.