Cork, Ireland

Description — Cork, Ireland

Cork is a city in the south-east of Ireland (the country’s second-largest), the administrative centre of the county of the same name. Founded in the 6th century by St. Finbarr, who laid the foundations of a church on the southern bank of the River Lee. Cork is strict and businesslike during the working day; as dusk falls, it suddenly transforms, becoming the hub of lively nightlife with a host of colorful clubs and pubs.

In addition to sightseeing the city itself - the Protestant cathedral, numerous churches, and breweries - tourists flock here to visit Blarney Castle and give the local stone a kiss for good luck.

Cork is of particular interest, probably because the city is literally built on water. Its heart lies between tributaries of the River Lee, and some of the modern streets were only recently canals, along which merchants’ houses and warehouses were located. The city of Cork got its name because it was originally founded on marshy lands. In Irish, such an area is called sòrcaigh (a bog). Today, of course, all the bogs have long since disappeared, and Cork has turned into a beautiful thriving city with a special atmosphere of universal harmony and love of art.

Despite the fact that Cork’s territory is effectively removed from the coast, it is connected to the sea area thanks to the narrow Passage West channel, which links the city’s infrastructure with the homonymous harbour.

Climate

The character of the weather in this area is significantly influenced by the North Atlantic Current, thanks to which a moderate oceanic climate prevails here. Winter in Cork is fairly wet but not cold (+4…+7 °C). It’s worth noting that during the winter season, the region experiences hurricanes and storms often enough. In summer, the weather is mild and there are no large amounts of precipitation; the average temperature is about +20 °C. The most favorable time to visit the city is July and August.

Cork, Ireland
Colorful houses of Cork
Red Abbey
St Finbarre’s Cathedral
St. Ann's Church, Shandon
Cork Prison
Blarney Castle
Connaught Castle
Kilbrittain Castle

Location on the map

Sights

Red Abbey

Thanks to the narrow streets and Georgian architecture in Cork, you feel especially cosy. The oldest building in the city is the Red Abbey, built in the 14th century. Unfortunately, to this day only the central bell tower has survived.

St Finbarre’s Cathedral

One of Cork’s main architectural landmarks, built in honor of its founder and patron saint, Saint Finbarr. The cathedral is Protestant, but unlike many churches of this denomination, which are plain and almost without decoration, St Finbarr’s Church can boast beautiful mosaics inside and a carved portal (the church entrance) outside, as well as a tall bell tower and large clock. You can climb to the top of the cathedral tower via a narrow, steep staircase and take in views of the entire surrounding area from there.

St. Anne’s Church, Shendon

One of the highest points in the city is the belfry of St. Anne’s Church (Shandon). From there, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city. The church is also famous for the largest tower clock in Cork and its 8 bells. On all four sides of the Shandon Tower, there are clocks known to locals as “The Four Faced Liar.” They got this name because the time on each clock face differs slightly throughout the hour. The reason is that the numbers on the dials are handcrafted from wood and gilded, so they vary in thickness and size. And only when the minute hand reaches 12 do they align.

Korka Prison

One of the historical accounts of the city’s “rebellious” spirit, whose residents have always fought for Ireland’s independence. True, this prison didn’t hold political prisoners (those who were too spirited were immediately sent to English institutions), but rather petty thieves and swindlers. Inside, in the cells, prison-life scenes are recreated with wax figures: a prisoner praying before a priest, a young “pickpocket” being beaten with a whip, guards playing cards, or a lone convict dragging himself around the courtyard in gloomy circles. Behind each sculptural composition is a real story, written in the brochure-guide that is handed out upon entry (there is also a version in Russian). While in Cork’s prison, you can also peek into an interactive theater, the main show of which is the trial of criminals.

What to see

Blarney Castle

Of the “countryside” monuments of history and culture, the most famous is the mysterious Blarney Castle. This is a stone medieval tower 27 meters high. Originally, the castle was built in the 10th century and consisted of wood, but it was destroyed. In the 12th century, a stone structure was erected on the same site, and in the 15th century it was significantly remodeled and expanded. Today, the castle is a partially preserved four-sided structure. In the lower part of the castle are rooms that once served as living quarters, while in the upper sections there are arrow slits and a guardroom. The castle’s main relic is the Stone of Eloquence, which is set into one of its walls. According to legend, it grants eloquence to everyone who kisses it.

Connaught Castle

Connaught Castle is a beautiful medieval castle with a rich history. It was built in 1550 by Sir Thomas Roe FitzGerald, who rightly inherited the title and extensive lands of his father. However, his younger half-brother Garrett plotted against Thomas and launched a rebellion, as a result of which Thomas lost everything in 1583, and the castle was burned and looted. But in 1599 Thomas’s son, James, regained the castle and restored it. In 1653 the castle was destroyed again by fire, and then left abandoned for a long time. However, in the 18th century it was restored once more. At present, the castle is in very good condition. It has five floors connected by a spiral staircase, plastered facades, and stained-glass windows.

Kilbrittain Castle

Kilbrittain Castle is one of the oldest castles in Ireland, built in 1035. In the Middle Ages, the castle was a powerful fortress-this is evidenced by the surviving stone gate and walls up to two meters thick. In the lower part of the castle there are semicircular rooms with fireplaces, and you can reach the roof, crowned with traditional battlements, by means of a stone staircase. There are also rooms that once housed kennels, where the famous Irish wolfhounds were kept. Today, Kilbrittain Castle operates as a hotel.

Recommended excursions

Cork Sightseeing Tour

You will see the Red Abbey, historic cathedrals and churches, St. Patrick’s Street, the opera house, the Crawford Art Gallery, and much more.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.