Cork - Part 1 - experiencing the city

Ireland’s second largest city is first in every important respect - at least according to the locals who cheerfully refer to it as the ‘real capital of Ireland’!  I have to admit, by this point in my travels I actually was wishing I wasn’t going to Cork - after having spent so much time in smaller, more rural communities I wasn’t sure I wanted the hustle and bustle and energy level of a big city again...but I’m so glad I went!  I loved Cork!!
Because there’s so much to say and see about Cork I’m going to break it into two blog posts.  In this one I’ll give you some history and information about the city and photos that are more ‘general’ from when I was walking around and exploring.  In a second blog post I’ll focus more on some specific attractions in Cork.

The city centre of Cork is actually set on an island which makes it incredibly easy to navigate.  It has a very liberal and youthful feel to it, and after the economic recession you can see where it is revitalizing itself with spruced-up streets and lots of snug pubs!

Cork has a long and bruising history, inextricably linked with Ireland’s struggle for nationhood.  The story begins in the 7th century, when St Fin Barre founded a monastery in the midst of a corcach (marshy place).  By the 12th century the settlement had become the chief city of the Kingdom of South Munster however, Irish rule was short-lived and by 1185 Cork was in the possession of the English.  It changed hands regularly during the relentless struggle between Irish and Crown forces.  It survived a Cromwellian assault only to fall to the merciless champion of Protestantism, William of Orange.  Cork prospered in the 18th century but a mere century later famine devastated both county and city, and robbed Cork of tens of thousands (and Ireland of millions) of its inhabitants by death or emigration.  The ’Rebel City’s’ deep-seated Irishness ensured that it played a key role in Ireland’s struggle for independence.  The Irish mayor was killed by the Black and Tans (British auxiliary troops) in 1920 and then his successor died in a London prison after a hunger strike.  To end that year, the Burning of Cork by British forces took place in 1920 during the Irish War of Independence.
Today Cork is a very young city - 40% of the population is under 25 and at just 11%, it has the lowest percentage of over 65s in Europe.

The best sight in Cork could really be the city itself - and you can soak it up as you wander the streets.

 The north and south channels of the River Lee both run through Cork, creating an island which is the city centre.

Patrick’s Hill, the county’s steepest hill at 23% gradient, is located pretty much smack-dab in the middle of the city

 St. Patrick’s Street - Cork’s main shopping street

 Cork City Hall is a very notable building made from limestone. This building, completed in 1936, replaced the previous one which was destroyed by the Black and Tans during the “Burning of Cork”.

The English Market.  This covered market traces its origins back to 1610, and the present building dates from 1786.

 That night I met a new friend, Pat - the brother-in-law of a friend of mine from home.  First I had a Guinness, then I had a Beamish, then...