County Cork
County Cork is located in the most southerly part of Ireland, in the Province of Munster. It is without a doubt the largest county in all of Ireland and is the major population centre for the region, with about 175,000 people making this county their home. County Cork is called the Rebel County, probably due to the number of residents who defied national rule in the country’s many past civil disputes.
County Cork comprises 7500 square kilometres and is home to the famous Blarney Stone. It also is home to Cobh Harbour, which historians may remember as being the Titanic’s last port of call before its ill-fated trip out into the Atlantic where it met its demise.
The county contains a bit of everything in terms of typography. It has rich farmlands, as well as many river valleys. There are also tall sloping sandstone hills in the western part of the county, along with a magnificent coastline that borders the Atlantic Ocean in such a way as to create some great bays, complete with secret coves cut from the towering rocks above. Kilometres of soft golden sand beaches ring the coastal area and make great places for a family picnic or a refreshing swim in the summer months.
There are many towns of note in County Cork including Cork City, which has always been a seaport of great importance to Ireland. Because the River Lee flows right through the city, there are a lot of bridges. The unique thing about the city is the way its residents speak to each other, sort of in a sing-song type cadence. The residents of Cork City are also well-known for being talkative and if you head to the town, be sure to take advantage of some of their friendly conversation. They are very open in discussing their country and what their lives are like there.
Cobh is another town in Cork. It’s an exceptionally beautiful place to visit and its terrain is similar to that of San Francisco in the US. The streets all climb a steeply sloping hill, at the top of which one can find St. Coleman’s Cathedral, with its world famous carillon of 47 bells. Cobh is located on the Great Island, one of three in the Cork Harbour. It is the place from which many dirt poor Irishmen left their homeland to build a new life in the United States, and many died in the process.
In fact, one of the most famous daughters of Ireland is Annie Moore. She was just one of Ireland’s countrywomen to make the trek to the United States when it opened its borders to immigrants from poorer nations. She survived the trip and became the very first emigrant to be processed at Ellis Island.
There are many things to see and do in County Cork. Probably the most famous is the Blarney Castle and Estate, home of the famous Blarney Stone. There is a legend that says if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you will receive the gift of eloquence for the rest of your life. But there’s more here than just the Blarney Stone. There is an entire village square to discover, with shopping opportunities galore. There’s the world-famous Woollen Mills, one of the largest craft outlets in all of Ireland.
If shopping isn’t your thing, you can tour Blarney Castle. Situated on acres and acres of natural woodland, visitors can also walk its trails and marvel at the beauty of the well-maintained estate.
The Bantry House and Gardens is an expansive estate house that overlooks Bantry Bay. Replete with acres of beautiful gardens, the visitor can take a self-guided sound tour of the property, complete with musical accompaniment and dramatic sound effects. The property also boasts a tea room that serves a variety of delicious treats, as well as a family-style B & B.
For the golfer in the family, there are several first class 18-hole golf courses within a short two to five miles from the village proper. There are also ample selections of quiet country lanes that make great walking trails. There is plenty of fishing in the many area lakes, and sports and leisure centres surround the whole village area.
County Cork is a great place for a family holiday since there is lots to appeal to the wee ones too.
From swimming to visiting a model railway village, and even taking a tour of a real gunpowder mill, children will be delighted for hours on end. When a full day winds down, there are many fun restaurants and eateries all over County Cork that appeal in particular to kids. County Cork has a wide variety of accommodation, from small cottages to luxury hotels, so there is something to suit just about every budget.