Cork, by miles Ireland's biggest county, has over 170km of amazingly diversified coastline. This variety includes agreeable resorts e. G the port of Kinsale, with a lot of reminders of Cork's prosperous seafaring past, and the narrow Sheep's Head spur, where visitors are free to ramble among gorse, granite and pasture. Further inland one can find many dairy farms, snuggled amongst low mountains and evergreen plantations. Locals only half-jokingly refer to the county as the 'People's Republic of Cork'.
Cork city, the capital city of the self-styled "rebel county", is well known for its independent spirit, with much to offer both culturally and socially in its compact, colourful centre, found on an island in the Lee estuary. Its favored diners, cafs and the famous English Market ensure that Cork's culinary reputation is recognised around the planet, both inside and outside the city. It is acutely aware of this reputation too , giving it a selected energy and confidence. Inhabitants of the 'Rebel City' have long seen themselves as equally worthy of the notice given to Dublin, citing its humanities and music scene as being a worthy rival to that of the capital's.
Narrow 17th century alleyways and modern landmarks eg the opera house sit beside one another in the centre of the city, which was given a new energy when it became the European Capital of Culture in 2005. More new buildings, bars and arts centres ensure that this new force continues apace. Regardless of this, the city hasn't forgotten its conventional roots, evident in the live music sessions held in snug pubs in the week, and the ready welcome givn by locals. Excellent local product is supplied by the new diners which constantly spring up round the city.
The long and bruising history of Cork is insolubly linked with Ireland's struggle for nationhood ; a tale which commenced in the 7th century, when St Finbarre founded a priory on acorcach ( marshy place ). In following centuries this priory extended to become the chief city of the Dominion of South Munster by the twelfth century. By this time the settlement had survived raids and infrequent settlement by Norsemen. Irish rule had a short life-span, however - by 1185 the English ruled Cork. During the relentless struggle between Irish and Crown forces, it changed hands regularly. It survived Cromwellian attack only to fall to the Protestant William of Orange.
Cork became an international exporter of butter, beef, beer and whiskey in the 18th century, but the potato famine finished this period of prosperity. Millions were forced to emigrate, as their selections were reduced to a new life abroad or starvation.
Due typically to its implicit patriotism, Cork was a main player in Ireland's fight for nationhood ; local heroes include Mayor Thomas MacCurtain, rubbed out by the Black and Tans in 1920 and his inheritor, Terence MacSwiney, who died in London's Brixton jail after a hunger strike.
The British were at their most aggressive in Cork, and St Patrick's St, the Town Hall and the Public Library bore the brunt of this agression when they were torched. The Civil War of 1922-23 was fought mainly in the fields of Cork.
Cork city, the capital city of the self-styled "rebel county", is well known for its independent spirit, with much to offer both culturally and socially in its compact, colourful centre, found on an island in the Lee estuary. Its favored diners, cafs and the famous English Market ensure that Cork's culinary reputation is recognised around the planet, both inside and outside the city. It is acutely aware of this reputation too , giving it a selected energy and confidence. Inhabitants of the 'Rebel City' have long seen themselves as equally worthy of the notice given to Dublin, citing its humanities and music scene as being a worthy rival to that of the capital's.
Narrow 17th century alleyways and modern landmarks eg the opera house sit beside one another in the centre of the city, which was given a new energy when it became the European Capital of Culture in 2005. More new buildings, bars and arts centres ensure that this new force continues apace. Regardless of this, the city hasn't forgotten its conventional roots, evident in the live music sessions held in snug pubs in the week, and the ready welcome givn by locals. Excellent local product is supplied by the new diners which constantly spring up round the city.
The long and bruising history of Cork is insolubly linked with Ireland's struggle for nationhood ; a tale which commenced in the 7th century, when St Finbarre founded a priory on acorcach ( marshy place ). In following centuries this priory extended to become the chief city of the Dominion of South Munster by the twelfth century. By this time the settlement had survived raids and infrequent settlement by Norsemen. Irish rule had a short life-span, however - by 1185 the English ruled Cork. During the relentless struggle between Irish and Crown forces, it changed hands regularly. It survived Cromwellian attack only to fall to the Protestant William of Orange.
Cork became an international exporter of butter, beef, beer and whiskey in the 18th century, but the potato famine finished this period of prosperity. Millions were forced to emigrate, as their selections were reduced to a new life abroad or starvation.
Due typically to its implicit patriotism, Cork was a main player in Ireland's fight for nationhood ; local heroes include Mayor Thomas MacCurtain, rubbed out by the Black and Tans in 1920 and his inheritor, Terence MacSwiney, who died in London's Brixton jail after a hunger strike.
The British were at their most aggressive in Cork, and St Patrick's St, the Town Hall and the Public Library bore the brunt of this agression when they were torched. The Civil War of 1922-23 was fought mainly in the fields of Cork.
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