Cork

Cork is Ireland's third largest city, with a long history as an important seaport. The undulating streets offer a wealth of sights to see. The town boasts two cathedrals, St. Finne Barre's cathedral and the cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne. St. Finne Barre's cathedral can trace its history back to approximately 650 AD when St. Finbarr founded a monastic school on the site. The cathedral was built in 1870 in the French Gothic style. The cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne was built in 1808 in the Neo-Gothic style, with a 180 ft tower that was built 60 years later. This magnificent cathedral was refurbished in the mid 1990s to bring it up-to-date for modern needs.

City Hall, on Angelsea Street houses the city administration and the Cork Corporation. It is an imposing building, with a beautiful Concert Hall where concerts and festivals regularly take place. Leading up to City Hall is the South Mall which used to be part of the River Lee. The houses along this street have curious arches underneath the steps leading up to the buildings. These arches used to lead to warehouses behind the buildings when the houses were still on the waterfront.

For a little more light-hearted entertainment, visit the City Market. This market can trace its origins back to King James, and offers an amazing selection of freshly caught fish, locally grown vegetables, home-made breads, locally produced cheeses, and delicatessen.

Another interesting attraction is the old city gaol, which has been changed into a great day out, detailing what life was like for prisoners in the 19th century. The same building also houses the Irish Radio Museum.

Only 8 kms from Cork City is Blarney Castle, Ireland's oldest castle. The first structure on this site was erected in the tenth century, and was replaced with a stone building in the 13th century. The third castle on this site was built here in 1446, and this is the building we still see today. The famous Blarney Stone is set into a wall behind he battlements. Kissing this stone is said to give the person eloquence.

On the road to Cobh is the Fota Wildlife Park, which features many wild and endangered species. The landscape in the park has been created specially to resemble as closely as possible the natural environment of the animals featured. The park is normally open between April and October, but visitors are advised to check with the park in advance.

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Airport information

Cork International Airport is located six kms south of Cork City. The airport has one passenger terminal.

By car

Cork International airport is located on the N27 when approaching from the North, East, or West. When travelling to the airport from Kinsale, it is situated just off the R600.

By coach

Bus Eireann operate a service between the airport and the bus station in Parnell Place. On weekdays there two hourly services between 07.30 and 20.25. On Saturdays an hourly service operates between 07.30 and 20.25, with four services on Sundays and public holidays at 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, and 14.20.

By taxi

The taxi rank is located directly outside the passenger terminal. From the airport to the city centre or the train station costs between 10 and 13 EUR approximately.