WELCOME TO CORK

History, culture, scenic splendour and a reputation as the food capital of Ireland - County Cork has it all. Sharon Parsons explores its vibrant city of the same name, along with a few gems further afield

- Sharon Parsons

Cork has quite the reputation, one way or another. The Emerald Isle's biggest county, spanning 2.900 square miles, is tucked in the south west of the country, its lush green hinterland edged by the wild Atlantic. The name comes from the Gaelic, Corcaigh, meaning marshy place, and it's known as 'the Rebel County' because of its long history fighting for independence down the centuries. These days, however, Cork is especially recognised as the food capital of Ireland: the bounty from these verdant pastures and cold, clean waters makes the region a mecca for artisan producers, chefs, food champions and more. Such commodities are no new discovery, though in the 1700s, beef and butter were exported far and wide and Cork was the largest butter market in the world.

The city itself - the second largest after Dublin, and mischievously called 'the real capital' by Corkonians - has a remarkable topography. Its centre is set on an island in the River Lee, which splits into two channels. A thousand years ago, this was a marshy wetland that was gradually covered over. Today, history can be found on every street, in every hidden square, down every winding lane, all connected by a web of 30-plus bridges, making it easy to explore.

Bridging History

Get to know this compact city with a tour. Knowledgeable guide Noel Walsh peppers his easy-going stroll with amusing asides, all the while putting the city's layered story into context. There are famous sites such as the Church of St Anne with its glinting 11-foot golden salmon weathervane and Shandon Bells, along with lesserknown gems. In Hollywood's heyday, the now-defunct Art Deco Savoy Cinema hosted the Cork Film Festival, and the likes of Sophia Loren and Gregory Peck sprinkled stardust on the city's pavements. corkcityramble.ie

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