Cork Area Guide

County Cork is a coastal county located in the southwest of Ireland in the province of Munster and is the largest county in Ireland. County Cork nicknamed "The Rebel County" was home to historical figures such as Irish revolutionaries Michael Collins and Terence McSwiney and sporting greats Christy Ring and Roy Keane.

Cork City in county Cork is the second largest city in Ireland. The city, which lies on the banks of the River Lee, is home to Cork Harbour, a major Irish seaport and one of the world's largest natural harbours. The city has long been dismissive of Dublin and many locals refer to it as the ‘People’s Republic of Cork’. The city has a huge cultural reputation. It is a burgeoning arts, music and restaurant scene and was the European Capital of Culture in 2005. Among a long list there are many famous sites and sounds of Cork City such as St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, The Opera House, Shandon Bells, The English Market and The Guinness Jazz Festival.

Moving outside Cork City, West Cork is a popular tourist destination and is noted for its rugged natural beauty, fine beaches and distinct social atmosphere. West Cork is home to many beautiful towns, small villages and islands including Bandon, Crosshaven, Clonakility, Skibbereen, Baltimore, Mizen Head, Schull, Bantry, Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Glengarriff and Castletownbere. Fascinating maritime pasts can be found in the towns of Kinsale, Cobh and Youghal. In the east and north of the county are the thriving and growing towns of Mallow, Charleville, Mitchelstown, Fermoy and Midleton which are all in easy commuter distance of Cork City.

The transport network in County Cork is first-rate. Cork airport is 8km south of Cork city and provides direct flights to European destinations. The M8 motorway connects Cork and Dublin, the N20 to Limerick, Shannon & Galway, and the N25 to Waterford and the N22 to Killarney. Trains from Kent Station in Cork City include routes direct to Dublin, Limerick, Tralee and Killarney.

Home Services in Cork