Location
Cork is sitting at the mouth of the River Lee in Ireland's South-West.
Population
189,692 (third among the twenty largest cities and towns in Ireland, second largest city in the Republic)
History
Like so many coastal settlements in Ireland, Cork was established by the Vikings in the 10th century. The Anglo-Normans spotted the potential strategic importance of the site and the natural harbor and built a walled, fortified town two centuries later. Cork was stripped of her walls after the siege of 1690 and expanded in a utilitarian manner without much regard for civic amenities like parks. Thriving on trade in pickled meat and butter Cork provided food for many sailing ships, only the advent of steamers and the connected predictability of journeys slowing this roaring trade. While the larger merchants and the corporation still thrived, the majority of the population declined into poverty. This only stopped with industrialization in the early 20th century and from 1926 onwards the notorious slums were cleared.
Cork today
The 1980s saw a complete change of economy - heavy industries closed, but chemical factories and IT companies replaced them with a vengeance.
What to expect
Cork is not really a pretty city - the streets are still narrow and this combined with the River Lee (despite being crossed by around 25 bridges and the Jack Lynch Tunnel) still makes traffic a nightmare. Urban renewal schemes are, however, in progress and Cork has become more "touristy" in the last years.
When to visit
There is no real "season", but Cork in the dark and usually wet winter months can have a seriously depressing effect.
Places to visit
Most Cork attractions are south of the River Lee's North Channel. On the northside the Church of St Ann's Shandon, St Mary's Dominican Church and the Butter Exchange (now the Shandon Craft Center) are well worth a visit. More southerly attractions include the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, St Finbarr's Cathedral, the "National Monument" and the Red Abbey. Venture westwards out of the city center and you can visit Cork City Gaol as well as a Radio Museum. Paul Street and surrounding areas form a multicultural, slightly bohemian quarter while Fitzpatrick's Second Hand Shop on George's Quay provides some bargains and a colorful photo opportunity. Also have a look at the City Hall and the Court House. And do not miss the "English Market", a covered market built in 1786 and still busy with traders and buyers every weekday.
Places to avoid
Parts of the northern inner city are rated as "rough" working-class neighborhoods.
