County Cork - Towns

Cork city is Ireland’s second largest city and takes its name from the marshy land on the banks of the River Lee on which St. Finbarr founded a monastery around AD 650. The city’s narrow alleys, waterways and Georgian architecture give it a distinctly Continental feel.

The north side of the city is dominated by the 18th century St Anne’s church. The church’s salmon-shaped weathervane was chosen by local monks to assert their right to fish for salmon in the river Lee. The church houses a small collection of 17th century Bibles and the letters of poet John Donne. The Cork Public Museum in Fitzgerald Park traces the city’s role in the struggle for Irish independence. The Crawford Municipal Art Gallery on Emmet Place houses an excellent permanent collection of work by Irish artists such as Jack Yeats and Sean Keating as well as works of the British Newlyn and St Ives’ schools. Cork City Jail first became a prison in 1824 and the 35-minute tour of the restored cells is a fascinating and moving experience. Check out the National Radio Museum upstairs where you can see collections of interesting old radios.

Since the 19th century, when Cork was a base for the National Fenian movement, the city has had a reputation for political rebelliousness. Today, this mood is reflected in the city’s attitude to the arts and its bohemian spirit, which is very much in evidence at the lively annual jazz festival in October. For a wide choice of different cuisines head for the pedestrian area between St Patrick’s and Paul Sts. If you’re self-catering or planning a picnic head for the English Market – a covered fruit and vegetable market established in 1610. Now selling a wide range of hand-made and exotic foods as well as the original fruit and vegetables, it is a food lover’s paradise. Sample some locally brewed Murphy’s or Beamish stout at one of the city’s many lively pubs.

Services in Cork City

Guest Houses | Bed & Breakfasts | Hotels  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Pleasantly situated on the southern shore of Courtmacsherry Bay is the pretty village resort of Courtmacsherry, with a background of woods. There is bathing, boating, angling and tennis, and many interesting walks in the area.

Services in Courtmacsherry

Guest Houses | Hotels  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Small village on the Cork-Macroom road whose main point of interest is Howard Mills, an old established flour mill which is still powered by the traditional stone millstones.

Services in Crookstown

Bed & Breakfasts  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Crosshaven , on the west side of Cork Harbour, 17 miles (27 km) from Cork city, is a favourite seaside resort of Cork people and an important yachting centre. This sheltered fishing port is also a haven for yachts people. The Royal Cork Yacht Club is based there: founded in 1720 at Cobh, it is the oldest sailing club in the world. Tim Severin's 'Brendan', the leather boat in which he crossed the Atlantic in imitation of Saint Brendan, was built here (the boat itself can be seen at Craggaunowen, Co. Clare). Cork Harbour is guarded at this point by the comparitively modern fortification of Fort Meaghe (Camden Fort) and, on the opposite shore, Fort Caralisle. The great liners the 'Queen Mary' and the 'Queen Elizabeth' used to sail majestically in their day between these two headlands into Cork Harbour. Crosshaven, famous for its pubs, offers many facilities including shore or deep-sea angling, wreck fishing and boat or yacht charter. Nearby scenic bays, with sand and pebble beaches, attract many visitors on warm summer days.

Services in Crosshaven

Guest Houses | Bed & Breakfasts | Hotels  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Services in Doneraile

Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

GoIreland.com operated by Gulliver Ireland, FEXCO Center, Killorglin, Co.Kerry, Ireland