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The County of Cork is situated in the South West of Ireland; it is the largest of all Irish counties and in many ways the most varied.
Rich farmlands and river valleys contrast with the wild sandstone hills of the west and above there is the magnificent coastline scooped and fretted by the Atlantic into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden sands.
Cork City is Ireland's third city (after Dublin and Belfast) and has always been an important seaport. It began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee (the name Corcaigh means a marsh), and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side.
Today the river flows through Cork City in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. Some of the main streets are built over channels where ships nuzzled their anchor-chains a century ago. Along the South Mall you will see large gateways at street level, under steps leading to a higher main door. These were once boathouses, when merchants arrived at their warehouses by water.
The best way to see the city and sample the flavour of its life is to walk. There is a signpost Walking Tour, so get a guide booklet and set off to explore the hilly streets and meet the people. |
