Cork City
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.
As the hilly streets go up and down, so do the voices of the citizens. They have a characteristic sing-song cadence, beloved of national comedians, and Corkonians are regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish.
St. Finbarr is the founder and patron saint. He founded a monastery in the seventh century where St. Finn Barre's Cathedral now stands, and it grew into an extensive and wealthy establishment. It attracted the attention of the Viking sea-pirates who raided and burned the infant city, but returned in later years to settle and trade. The Anglo-Norman invasion in 1172 resulted in both the Danish lords and local McCarthy chiefs having to submit to Henry II, but Cork has always had a reputation for independence and stubborn resistance: it came to be known as "Rebel Cork".
Eddie English Blog
Cork Week - Europe’s best fun regatta
The build up has begun............ not long to go now to one of the best Regattas in the world - Cork Week! This bi-annual feast of sailing and fun runs from 12-16 July at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven Co. Cork Ireland. This gathering of the "good, the bad and the ugly" of sailing has a place in everybody's heart - it is simply the best - great racing afloat for 5 days and a festival of fun ashore for over a week. I wouldn't miss it for love nor money. You too can get afloat with SailCork. Follow the link below and find out more about this fantastic regatta..........
