Cork is in the province of Munster on Ireland's south coast and is a proud city of approximately 150,000 people that sits on the River Lee and at the head of Cork Harbour, the second biggest natural harbour in the world.
Exciting, historical and full of life, Cork will certainly bowl you over. As one of the main cultural hubs of Ireland, the Rebel city is brimming with fascinating and exciting experiences. Cork Public Museum, the Crawford Gallery and Cork City Gaol are must-sees and if you fancy being outdoors, there are three highly recommended walking tours that bring you on a journey through the city's most important streets and buildings like Shandon Steeple (also known as St. Anne’s) and the South Parish area that hosts Cork's oldest building: Red Abbey.
The name 'Cork' derives from the Irish 'Corcach Mór na Mumhan' which means the 'great marsh of Munster' and refers to the fact that the center of Cork City is built on islands, surrounded by the River Lee, which were marshy and prone to episodes of flooding. The waterways between the islands were built over to form some of the main streets of present-day Cork. The oblong-like shape of the center-city island, bounded by the north and south channels of the Lee gives Cork City much of its physical charm.
Modern Cork history is both fascinating and turbulent. From the Titanic's last port of call in 1913 to the country's famous battle for independence led by Corkman General Michael Collins - a trip to the museums to discover the city and county's history is a must.