Cork

With a population of 140,000 inhabitants, Cork is Ireland's second largest city. It is situated in the extreme South of Ireland and impresses with its rich archaeological, cultural and literary heritage. You will see Victorian houses, antique shops and ornate churches. Besides this,...

With a population of 140,000 inhabitants, Cork is Ireland's second largest city. It is situated in the extreme South of Ireland and impresses with its rich archaeological, cultural and literary heritage. You will see Victorian houses, antique shops and ornate churches. Besides this, the town is known for its numerous bridges and winding, steep, cobbled streets. Cork is the anglicised version of the Irish word Corcaigh, which means marsh. The city centre was originally built on marshland and boats were able to navigate into the channels which separated the many islands. Many of the wider streets, such as St Patrick's Street, the South Mall and the Grand Parade, are actually built on former river channels. St Patrick's Street is Cork's commercial hub, and is known colloquially as either "Patrick Street" or "Panna". The center of the city forms an arrow-shaped island between the North and South channels of the River Lee. There are upwards of thirty bridges over the two channels. This, combined with the one-way traffic system, can make the centre a little bit confusing for first-time visitors. The River Lee flows from West to East, and outside of the centre, hills rise steeply to the Northside, while the Southside is flatter. St. Anne's Church watches over Shandon, just to the North of the river. The University is about 2 kilometres to the west of the centre. The Train Station is about 1 km to the East of the centre. Shops are generally concentrated around St. Patrick's Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Paul Street and North Main Street. Bars and Restaurants can be found everywhere, but especially around MacCurtain Street, Washington Street and Oliver Plunkett Street. Financial businesses are centred on the area around the South Mall and the Administrative heart of the city is on Anglesea Street.