CORK

Cork City is the 3rd big city in Ireland, after Dublin and Belfast and has always been a very important seaport. It began on an island in the swampy mouth of the River Lee (Corcaigh means a marsh), and little by little climbed up the steep banks on either side. Today the river streams through Cork city in two main channels, and that you understand that you constantly crossing bridges.

Some main streets are built over channels where ships nestled up their anchor-chains a century ago. Along the South Mall you will find large gateways at street level and under steps heading to a higher main door. These once upon a time were boathouses, when traders arrived at their warehouses by water. As the hilly streets go up and down the voices of the citizens do the same. They have a distinctive sing-song cadence, favourite of national comedians, and in addition Corkonians are considered to be the most talkative of all the Irish.

St. Finbarr is the beginner and patron saint. He founded a monastery in the 7th century where St. Finn Barre's Cathedral now stands, and it developed into an extensive and wealthy establishment. It attracted the attention of the Viking sea-pirates who invaded and burnt the infant city, but returned later to settle and trade. But Cork has always had a reputation for independence and stubborn resistance: it came to be known as "Rebel Cork".