This half-joking, half-serious saying is a common saying among many people living in the southwestern city of Ireland. Join Travellive to explore the famous places in County Cork to understand the pride that each local person carries when thinking about their city.
Cork city centre
Cork is spelled Corcaigh in Irish, meaning "marsh". This is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, located in the southwest of the country with a population of about 130,000 people. This place is famous for Murphy's beer, Jazz music, Barry's tea, English Market, Jameson distillery, Blarney Castle, Lee River, University College Cork (UCC)... - things that Cork people believe have helped make Ireland known to many people.
A corner of Saint Patrick Street in Cork city centre
One special thing is that when you come to Cork, you can visit many beautiful and famous places without spending money. Located right in the city center, just a 15-minute walk from Saint Patrick's main street is Saint Patrick's Hill. Here, you can see the whole city. For those who love photography or outdoor activities but do not want to move much, this hill will definitely be the ideal place to relax on the weekend with family.
Panoramic view of Cork city from Saint Patrick's Hill
Another equally famous place is Saint Fin Barre’s Church. With its long history and unique Gothic architecture, this church has been a source of pride for locals for generations. Most university student tours choose this church as a must-see destination when coming to Cork.
The famous Saint Fin Barre Cathedral
Another equally interesting place is the English Market located on Saint Patrick's main street. Unlike the culture of Asians who often go to the market to buy fresh food, most Westerners choose supermarket chains to buy packaged food and strictly check the quality. However, if you have the opportunity to visit the English Market in Cork, you will be surprised because it is not much different from an Asian market. Foods that are very limited in supermarkets such as internal organs are very popular in this market. Fresh seafood is sold in abundance. More specifically, on the occasion of the "Culture Night" anniversary in September every year, the English Market will become a stage for bands to perform and at the same time a place to visit so that visitors can have a clearer view of the diversity of products in this city.
A stall selling pickled olives in the English Market
Last on this list but not less famous is University College Cork (UCC). This school, known as "Ireland's Hogwarts", has held the number 1 position in the list of the most beautiful schools in Ireland for many years. Not only that, UCC is always in the top of the best universities in Ireland in particular and Europe in general. Being admitted to UCC is one of the honors that any student desires.
UCC University - known as the Hogwarts of Ireland
Cobh Harbour
Historically, Cork was chosen by the Vikings as a trading and trading center due to its favorable geographical location for water transport. That is why the seaports here were invested and developed very early. Among them, Cobh is the largest and busiest port in the city. This place is famous for its colorful rows of houses, creating an interesting highlight in the architectural landscape mainly made of gray stone.
The colourful houses that make up the Cobh port brand
Coming to Cobh, you can choose the Titanic experience tour to learn about the history of this famous ship. Especially, Cobh was the last stop of the legendary ship Titanic before it crashed and disappeared forever. Tickets to visit this experience tour are about 10 euros. Here, you will be guided through different documentary screening rooms to listen to short stories related to the people who held the fate of the Titanic. A simulation model of the ship is also placed in the exhibition room for visitors to see and take pictures. More interestingly, each guest participating in this tour will be given a ticket to board the ship, on which is written the name of a random person who was a passenger on the legendary ship. At the end of the experience, each person will compare the name on the ticket with the name on the board of those who survived and died in the sinking incident that year.
Titanic experience tour tickets
Cobh Harbour is also the birthplace of Sonia O'Sullivan, the famous 1995 Olympic Gold Medalist athlete of whom all Irish people are very proud. Her life-size statue stands in the centre of Cobh Harbour.
Statue of legendary athlete Sonia O'Sullivan
A street corner in Cobh port
West Cork
Continuing west of County Cork, you will discover a majestic natural landscape of cliffs and sea. West Cork is as beautiful as a painting and somewhat reminiscent of Cape Dai Lanh in the far east of Vietnam, in Phu Yen province.
Mizen Head Bridge from above
Located on the southwestern tip of the rugged Kilmore Peninsula, Mizen Head is a dramatic cliff face jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is almost completely isolated from the rest of the peninsula by a deep gorge. The tip of Mizen Head was the last piece of Europe sailors would see before crossing the Atlantic.
The steep cliffs
The blue sea water flows between the steep cliffs.
It was because this was one of the most feared spots in Europe that the famous Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi chose this location to build a radio signal tower to send the first transatlantic telegraph messages.
Signal station area
Mizen Head is not geographically the southernmost point of Ireland (that title belongs to nearby Brow Head), however in the minds of natives, Ireland still extended from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
Coming to West Cork, you can choose poetic lakeside resorts like this to enjoy the fresh, peaceful air on sunny weekends.
A resort in West Cork
Tourists enjoy green spaces and fresh air in West Cork
Kinsale
Kinsale is a fishing village located in the west of County Cork, right next to the Bandon River. It is famous for its small, colorful shops. Coming here, you will feel like you are shrunk down and lost in a toy city with full of house models, bookstores, and restaurants.
Kinsale is famous for its fresh, delicious seafood, so if you have the opportunity to come here, don't miss out on enjoying the flavors of these famous dishes.
Another place that cannot be missed is Charles Fort, built in the 17th century, on the site of an old stronghold called Ringcurran Castle. This military fortress was named after King Charles II as a way to commemorate the revered king. The unique feature of this architectural building is that it is designed in the shape of a star. Come here and admire the ruined walls, you will better understand the historical changes and feel the steps of time that have left their mark on this place.
With its location next to the River Bandon, Kinsale is also a favorite spot for those who love water sports or more gentle activities such as fishing and sightseeing on a cruise.
Indeed, Kinsale is an ideal destination for all visitors. Coming to Kinsale, you can both explore the culture and relax and enjoy the rich cuisine that represents Ireland.
Reading up to here, perhaps readers have understood to some extent why Cork people are always confident in talking about their city as a real capital. And although not officially, Cork has always been a city that anyone living in Ireland is proud of to friends around the world.
