Beautiful Cork

County Cork and its sister Kerry together form the south western tip of the island of Ireland. Cork is not only the largest county in Ireland it is a beautiful county stretching from Mizen Head in the south to Mitchelstown on its northern border with Limerick. Towards the eastern coast lies the city of Cork which is built on an island in the River Lee, just inland from Cork Harbour. There are many bridges that link the city to the mainland giving Cork it’s distinctive atmosphere.  Over the years Cork has developed a reputation for excellent food, vibrant city life and a friendly social atmosphere; and the visitor to Cork will find lots to see and do.  Shopping in Cork is great fun with a range of unusual and unique shops from the English Market that sells food from all over the world to Coal Quay with its boutiques and street cafes.  Step back in time when you visit the 300yr old St. Annes Cathedral or the amazing Gothic towers of St. Finbarr’s Cathedral and no trip to Cork, or even Ireland, is complete without a kiss of the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

But to see the real beauty and diversity of county Cork you will need to travel further a-field. To the west of the county is the rugged coastline and pretty fishing villages bounded by the Celtic Sea. And to the north the tranquillity of rural Ireland at its best. Driving or walking through the Cork scenery is a great way to experience the county but along the way make sure to stop off at some its wonderful sites. Garnish Island, situated in Bantry Bay, Glengarriff is covered by lovely gardens just right for a slow stroll or Bantry House, the stunning ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry. Take a day to enjoy Kinsale, the picturesque and now fashionable fishing town sitting on the south west coast that has a world class reputation for great food and dining. Or travel to Cork’s southern most tip to see the amazing Mizen Head. Visit the Keepers House and Engine Room and climb the 99 steps of the lighthouse.

The History of Cork

Cork’s history has been turbulent and challenging from its Viking invaders, through the terror of the Black death to the horror of civil war. Its people have included both poor rural settlers and vastly wealthy lords. But all of this has shaped Cork into the wonderful place it is today. From many centuries Cork was controlled by the English authorities following the Tudor conquest of Ireland and there was an influx of English settlers. During the 18th century French settlers also arrived and the Huguenot influence can be seen in Cork city today with street names such as Huguenot Quarter and French Church Street. As the new 19th century came and went the population of county Cork grew rapidly and many of the poorer rural people flocked to the cities and towns to find work and food. As the great famine took hold many people were forced by circumstances to emigrate and Cork became a major demarcation point for people moving to the UK, America and Canada.  In the last century the county was engaged in the bitter battle for independence which ended in the 1920s after which the county and its people set to, to rebuild their homelands.

County Corks history and beauty can be seen in its houses, farms and cottages set in rural villages, fishing communities and bustling towns and cities. Many of the original rural crofts have long since disappeared but a tour of the county will find many an example of pretty Cork cottages or Cork farmhouses that give you a glimpse into the counties past.  There are also many country residences and stately homes built during the 18th and 19th century in county Cork as the farming and industrial wealth grew. An excellent place to see a fantastic range of Cork houses, homes and building is Youghal which is located in the south of the county.  Youghal is a heritage town where the past has been preserved in its buildings. The best way to see Youghal is to take a guided walking tour or you can take a map and explore for yourself. On the way you will see the Clock Tower, Shalom House, the harbour or Tynte’s Castle  and be walking in the footsteps of both its famous residents – Sir Walter Raleigh, Edmund Spenser – and the many towns residents past and present.

To experience County Cork to the full take a driving and walking tour around the county. Not only will you be able to take time to enjoy the sites but you can also book into a wonderful range of Cork holiday cottages and live the Cork life too!