County Cork is theepitome of everything that makes Ireland so popular, a beguiling combination ofvibrant cities and towns, a spectacular coastline, beautiful countryside, warmhospitality and amazing cuisine.
It is the largest county in Ireland by somedistance, but its vast hinterland of dairy farms, agricultural fields and lowmountains play second fiddle to a coast jam-packed with beaches, secludedinlets and coves and charming old fishing towns and villages. It is also hometo the buzzing metropolis of Cork,affectionately referred to by locals as “the real capital of Ireland”.
A City to Remember
Ireland’s second city, Corkis known for its culture, electric atmosphere, entertainment and ever-changingselection of pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants, which set the country’sculinary standards.
The compact and attractive centre is surrounded bypretty waterways, an island full of impressive Georgian parades, 17th centuryalleyways and modern attractions. The main shopping area is centred in andaround St Patrick’s Street, with many of the city’s best pubs and eateries tobe found at either end.
There are some fabulous attractions, a mixture ofold and new, to explore. The EnglishMarket in Princes Street is unmissable, with vendors selling tastylocal produce under an ornate vaulted ceiling. Grand St Fin Barre’s Cathedralin Bishop Street is lavish both inside and out while the imposing CorkCity Gaol graphically reveals how tough life was for 19th centuryprisoners. Cork Opera House also warrants a visit.
Corking Coastline
The stretch of coast running west from Corkcity to the lively town of Skibbereenis full of inlets and hidden coves, with some lovely sandy beaches and arelaxed atmosphere making the area popular.
Divided by Roaring Water Bay, vibrant Baltimoreand the buzzing little arts hub of Schull attract a cosmopolitan crowd.Baltimore is the archetypal maritime village, with life centred around a busylittle port and holiday homes filled with anglers and visitors heading for the nearby islands of Cape Clear and Sherkin.
Kinsale,with its handsome harbour, lively bars, great restaurants, independent littleshops and sheltered bay guarded by an impressive fort, is another popular portof call.
There are five giant fingers of folded rock runningalong the coast between Cork and Kerry, alloffering stunning views of each other and the wild Atlantic Ocean. They includeMizenHead, Sheep'sHead and the Beara Peninsula, a stunning landscape made even moredramatic by the backdrop of Glengariff’s dark mountains.
Kinsale and the city of Cork,in particular, have much to offer when it comes to sightseeing, but the countyis packed with fascinating attractions.
The charming hill town of Cobhwas the final port of call for the Titanic, a fact commemorated in a museumopened in 2012 to mark the centenary of the stricken liner’s only voyage. Subtropicalplants thrive on GarnishIsland, where a miraculous Italianate garden has been created on therocks, while BlarneyCastle, BantryHouse, the Mizen Head Signal Station and DrombegStone Circle are all well worth a visit.
