Cork (thing)

Second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Its name is derived from the Gaelic word Corcaigh meaning 'marsh'. The city was built on an island in the swampy estuary (now drained) of the river Lee.

Many of the river channels that ran through the city are now built over. One of the main thoroughfares was one such waterway. Today the boathouse gateways and anchorage points can still be seen among the shops.

St. Finbarr founded a monastery in Cork in the seventh century. St Finn Barre's Catherdral, in the French-Gothic style, now stands on that location. Cork is blessed with many fine churches in the Gothic tradition.

Vikings plundered the monastery but eventually settled and helped build the city into an important port. Henry II claimed the city following an Anglo-Norman invasion in 1172.

Cork has always rebelled against foreign subjugation earning it the sobriquet the 'Rebel County'.

Landmarks include

• Honan Chapel in University College Cork where many graduates wed.
• Shandon Tower has a clock on each face each telling the wrong time.
• The Beamish & Crawford brewery founded in the 17th century when porter could not be imported from London during bad weather. Porter has been manufactured here ever since (see also Murphy's).
• The Crawford Gallery and Crawford Art College.
• The Coal Quay flea market
• Father Theobald Matthew statue on Patrick Street. He was an advocate of temperance.
• Elizabeth Fort on a hill overlooking the city. This was a base for British troops embarking for the American War of Independence, Black and Tans suppressing the Irish War of Independence and Republicans during the Irish Civil War.
• The Engish market where much fine, fresh produce may be purchased
• The Montenotte area where the city merchants once resided.
• The Gateway Bar, the oldest public house in Cork (1698) frequented by the Duke of Wellington and the Duke of Marlborough.
• Patrick Street, the main shopping area of the city
• Patrick Hill whose steep incline has defeated many a cyclist.
• The County Hall an incongrous skyscraper, symbol of Irelands modernisation in the sixties.
• The Paul Street pedestrianised area of the city with cafes and bookshops
• The port where ships bringing Polish coal and such may be spotted.

Religon
The city is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic (92%) with a smattering of Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, Methodist and Jewish.

Shopping
Patrick Street, Oliver Plunkett street host high street stores and supermarkets.Vibes and Sribes is a purveyor of second hand music. Comet Records is good for trendy techno. Easons sells books and magazines. Digilog sells PC components. There are some charity shops and thrift stores.

Pubs
There are many interesting pubs to check out. For traditional music check out the Spailpin Faneach. The Bodega is a trendy bar. Nancy Spains is a gig venue.

Nightclubs
Sir Henry's is worth a visit. Freakscence on Wednesday is a popular night out for indie kids. The Savoy opened a few months ago and is the biggest club in the city.

The People
Cork people (Corkonians) are generally held to be the fastest speakers in the country. Their accent is especially held up to ridicule. The Cork accent goes up and down in pitch a lot. I've heard it compared to Chinese. Furthermore, there is a local lingo unique to the city. Corkonians believe that their city is the true capital of Ireland and that local boy Jack Lynch was the best Taoiseach (prime minister) the country every had. They also sing sentimental songs about the river Lee which flows through the city (sometimes known as the river Pee). Corkonians know their county is the best in the world at hurling.