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| Cork, South, Ireland |
Cork city centre is built on an island in the centre of the River Lee, which means, when you travel around you find yourself constantly crossing bridges!! The River Lee flows into Lough Mahon and then into Cork harbour, which is one of the world’s largest natural harbours. The city is a major Irish port, with quays and docks sited along the broad waterway of the Lee River on the city’s east side. As the city grew the urban sprawl climbed from the island up the steep banks on either side of the river, with today, the greater metropolitan area supporting a population of 380,000 (2006 census), the city itself has a population of 119,143 (2006 census).
The establishment of Cork began on this swampy island, when St Finbarr came to the area to slay the last Dragon in Ireland, and founded a monastery in approximately 650 A.D. The site of the old monastery is now the current site of St Finn Barre’s Cathedral, a beautiful three spired cathedral of French-Gothic architecture. This original monastic centre grew into an extensive and wealthy establishment which in time attracted the attention of the Vikings, who in typical Viking tradition, raided and burnt the infant town!! So began the history of Cork, which over time has been the attention of the Anglo-Normans in 1172, and Oliver Cromwell in 1649. These intrusions have fostered a strong independence within the culture, especially in Cork where in the 19th century, the city became the centre of the Fenian movement and played an active part in the struggle for Irish independence.
All of this history has created a rich and colourful culture, leaving us with an interesting city, with many historical buildings, landmarks, festivals, pubs and breweries (Murphy’s and Beamish Stout) worthy of attention.
Places to visit.
The Cork Public Museum for an insight into life in the town.
St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, built by renowned Victorian architect, William Burgess.
St. Anne’s Church. North of the city, this church houses the Bells of Shandon!!
Cork City Gaol, located 2 kilometres from Cork’s main thoroughfare, now restored with the tourist in mind!!
The Gunpowder Mill, manufactured gunpowder from 1794 to 1903.
Cork Butter Museum.
Blarney Castle Estate, home of the famous Blarney Stone, just 8 kilometres north of the city.
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| Accommodation | Tours |  |
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Clarion Hotel
Cork
 |  Superbly located overlooking Cork's famous River Lee and facing the inspired architecture of City Hall, the Clarion Hotel is only 2 minutes walk to the business, shopping and entertainment centre of Cork City.
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Introduction to Ireland
7 days |  Dublin and the scenic best of the Irish Republic await you on this beautiful journey, a top seller. In Dublin enjoy an afternoon orientation drive around this vibrant city. A scenic ride through horse-racing country leads you to the National Stud and then to Limerick. Next, savour the breathtaking v... |
Best of Ireland and Scotland
14 days |  This tour is suitable for both seasoned and first-time travellers who want a comprehensive tour of Ireland and Scotland. At first glance it appears a very busy tour but there are enough two night stays and leisurely driving days to make it enjoyable. Starting in Dublin and ending in Edinburgh also... |
Best of Ireland
10 days |  The Best of Ireland tour is a great way to get an overview of Ireland and it's many towns. With 10 days to explore all the major towns & cities whilst enjoying the country side as you travel and seeing numerous attractions along the way.
Beginning in the capital Dublin & heading south to Waterford ... |
Britain & Ireland Discovery
22 days |  This is a well paced tour for those who want a comprehensive tour of Britain and Ireland.
After leaving London you will visit the University city of Oxford, fall in love with the picture perfect Cotswolds and spend your first night in Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. The ladies will enjoy the W... |
Irish Highlights
7 days |  Irish Highlights tour features all the main attractions throughout the southern areas of Ireland, a very impressive and scenic region with quaint towns of thatched roof's, gigantic cliffs and medieval cities.
Ireland has something for everyone and this tour enables you to experience all the nooks a... |
Country Roads of Ireland
12 days |  This is a great tour for those wanting to experience both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The tour starts in Dublin and then travels north alongside the beautiful Mountains of Mounre to Belfast. Continue along the coast to Carrickfergs and Ballygally Bay. From there to Derry, stopp... |
Focus on Ireland
8 days | The Focus on Ireland Tour is a good tour for those wanting to see exactly what Ireland has to offer. The Tour heads west from Dublin travelling to Galway, then down through the West Coast to Limerick and the thatched cottages of Adare. From there to Killarney for a three night stay where you will ... |
Wonders of Britain & Ireland
12 days |  Through the cities of London, Bath, Salisbury, Dublin and Oxford, experience the Britain and Ireland of a simpler time. On this tour see medieval castles and churches that have stood for centuries, admire Ireland's breathtaking Ring of Kerry and stand in awe before the mysterious Stonehenge.
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Irish Experience
11 days |  Experience the Emerald Isle as you visit both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Magnificent sights include the impressive basalt columns of the Giants Causeway, Galway Bay, the Antrim Coast and the Lake District, before exploring the coveted cities of Belfast, Dublin, Londonderry, Omagh and Limerick.
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Ireland
8 days | Ireland is famous for Guinness, the Blarney Stone, good music and craic! Take in many of the famous sights on this fantastic jaunt around the country. Enjoy cosmopolitan Dublin and its many bars, learn about the tragic history of "the troubles" in Belfast and Londonderry, before enjoying the scenery... |
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