County Cork What to Expect

Shop or pubs are d onli tings relli here... der is a park 4 kids too n estates also teams 4 gaelic n soccer n hurling.. a train station too

Cork (in irish its name is  Corcaigh)  is a fascinating  place, though i didnt find it as picturesque as Dublin. Cork's name derives from the irish word corcach which means "marshy place." its situated on the river lee, which often finds its place in old ballads and irish poetry, particularly those of republican (read: rebellious, according to the english) sentiments. historically, cork was a major seat of rebellious dissent. in the war for independence the city center was gutted and set on fire. it was held by anti treaty (ira) forces and then besieged by the national army during the civil war, not to mention fierce guerilla warfare in the interim. its county (cork county) was nicknamed "the rebel county." As such, many corkonians (yes, corkonians) claim that cork is the real capital of the Republic of Ireland and there is a long time rivalry between cork and dublin much like NYC and LA, Houston and Dallas, umm, those are the only two other ones i know of. cork though, also sports the second largest harbor in the world (next to australia). the harbor with its docks and quays are well worth a visit.The red abbey survives from mediaval corkonian times and should be seen. St. Patrick street is definitely a must visit. its known for cobblestoned pedestrian pathways its winding-ness which is due to its originally being built on top of a river lee channel. its picturesque, quaint, friendly, choc full historic intrigue and youll often find musicians on various corners singing everything from green day (i was treated to boulavard of broken dreams) to rebel fight songs. but you really have to see cork prison. its gigantic and featured in several movies. it was home to political prisoners, freedom fighters and starving children stealing stale bread, all of which were crammed into cells together for standing room only. it was nearly razed following the war for independence but was saved for historical purposes. you can still see calendar scratch marks in the walls, as well as messages proclaiming innocence, dates and righteous hate toward the gaolers. i didnt do much partying in cork beyond the obligatory pubs along the way, but i understand it has as good a time as dublin at night, but then again, you have to take into account the rivalry, just for safe measure. enjoy cork!

If you're planning a trip to Ireland, don't forget about Cork. The city will especially appeal to those who enjoy a little insanity and a bit of mischief. At night the streets are crawling with drunk college kids, and it's not unusual to see singing or dancing in the streets. When trolleys aren't being used for races down North Main Street then they're generally being thrown into the Lee. If good-natured drunken mayhem isn't your thing, then you may not enjoy Cork all that much.
Although Cork is the second largest city in the Republic, it's still got a small-town feel to it. You'll see what I mean when strangers come up to you in the street and start a conversation.

Cork (in irish its name is Corcaigh) is a fascinating  place, though i didnt find it as picturesque as Dublin. Cork's name derives from the irish word corcach which means "marshy place." its situated on the river lee, which often finds its place in old ballads and irish poetry, particularly those of republican (read: rebellious, according to the english) sentiments. historically, cork was a major seat of rebellious dissent. in the war for independence the city center was gutted and set on fire. it was held by anti treaty (ira) forces and then besieged by the national army during the civil war, not to mention fierce guerilla warfare in the interim. its county (cork county) was nicknamed "the rebel county." As such, many corkonians (yes, corkonians) claim that cork is the real capital of the Republic of Ireland and there is a long time rivalry between cork and dublin much like NYC and LA, Houston and Dallas, umm, those are the only two other ones i know of. cork though, also sports the second largest harbor in the world (next to australia). the harbor with its docks and quays are well worth a visit.The red abbey survives from mediaval corkonian times and should be seen. St. Patrick street is definitely a must visit. its known for cobblestoned pedestrian pathways its winding-ness which is due to its originally being built on top of a river lee channel. its picturesque, quaint, friendly, choc full historic intrigue and youll often find musicians on various corners singing everything from green day (i was treated to boulavard of broken dreams) to rebel fight songs. but you really have to see cork prison. its gigantic and featured in several movies. it was home to political prisoners, freedom fighters and starving children stealing stale bread, all of which were crammed into cells together for standing room only. it was nearly razed following the war for independence but was saved for historical purposes. you can still see calendar scratch marks in the walls, as well as messages proclaiming innocence, dates and righteous hate toward the gaolers. i didnt do much partying in cork beyond the obligatory pubs along the way, but i understand it has as good a time as dublin at night, but then again, you have to take into account the rivalry, just for safe measure. enjoy cork!

Personally, I loved Cork. Besides anything else, I'd have to say that it just has a really cool vibe to it. Kicking back in a little Irish pub (what other type of pub are you going to find in Ireland right) and having a good hardy glass of Guinness is heavenly. If no one has ever told ya; the Guinness in Ireland is better than anywhere else in the world (and that's no lie).

On the other hand, there is one place that really stands out in my memory of Cork. Blarney Castle is an unreal sight. The sheer sight of it is silencing and the rock close is serenely incredible. Of course, you'll want to make the climb to the top of the castle just to see the fantastic view; while you're there take advantage of the chance to kiss the one and only Blarney Stone. The gift of gab never hurt!

Again, I just got lucky on my visit to the Castle. I actually ran into the grounds keeper. He actually took the time to tell me about growing up around the castle and some of the history about the castle itself. He was probably in his 60's and possibly 70's when I met him back in 1999, so I'm not sure if he's still around, but your day would definitely be enriched if you got a chance to spend a little time with him and his wife.

Aw Shanbally, there's nothing here really. Let's see there's a roundabout in the middle, a shop(not a very good one), a pub (the Shamrock, never been in there so can't comment), a church (my Grandfathers funeral was here), a school (where my mom went when she was little) and thats about it! There is a grotto down one of the side roads, and a little shed that used be a dance hall back in the day! It's just really somewhere ppl have to pass though when they want to get to Ring.

Most central town in Co.Cork! Traffic's bad but has a nice town centre. The Gearagh, just outside the town, is an important nature reserve in Europe.

Great town. Well worth the visit. Take day trips to Kinsale, Blarney or Clonakilty. Great base for a lot of other great places

again another way to escape Ireland!

Personally, I loved Cork. Besides anything else, I'd have to say that it just has a really cool vibe to it. Kicking back in a little Irish pub (what other type of pub are you going to find in Ireland right) and having a good hardy glass of Guinness is heavenly. If no one has ever told ya; the Guinness in Ireland is better than anywhere else in the world (and that's no lie).

On the other hand, there is one place that really stands out in my memory of Cork. Blarney Castle is an unreal sight. The sheer sight of it is silencing and the rock close is serenely incredible. Of course, you'll want to make the climb to the top of the castle just to see the fantastic view; while you're there take advantage of the chance to kiss the one and only Blarney Stone. The gift of gab never hurt!

Again, I just got lucky on my visit to the Castle. I actually ran into the grounds keeper. He actually took the time to tell me about growing up around the castle and some of the history about the castle itself. He was probably in his 60's and possibly 70's when I met him back in 1999, so I'm not sure if he's still around, but your day would definitely be enriched if you got a chance to spend a little time with him and his wife.

Aw Shanbally, there's nothing here really. Let's see there's a roundabout in the middle, a shop(not a very good one), a pub (the Shamrock, never been in there so can't comment), a church (my Grandfathers funeral was here), a school (where my mom went when she was little) and thats about it! There is a grotto down one of the side roads, and a little shed that used be a dance hall back in the day! It's just really somewhere ppl have to pass though when they want to get to Ring.

Most central town in Co.Cork! Traffic's bad but has a nice town centre. The Gearagh, just outside the town, is an important nature reserve in Europe.

Great town. Well worth the visit. Take day trips to Kinsale, Blarney or Clonakilty. Great base for a lot of other great places

again another way to escape Ireland!