County Cork coat of arms
Dubbed the "Rebel County", Cork is known throughout Ireland for its independent (and sometimes a bit cheeky) spirit, having produced such individuals as Michael Collins, the family of James Joyce and Henry Ford (in fact, Ford's first European plant opened in Cork in 1917). Comic Tommy Tiernan once joked that, had astronaut Neil Armstrong been from Cork, after his first steps on the moon, he might've remarked, "Well, it's not Cork," and this sums up the Corkonian attitude perfectly. Cork people are proud of their county and of their uniquely sing-songy Irish dialect, which is largely unintelligible to the rest of Ireland and, indeed, the world.
Haven Coast, Inchydoney beach, Co. Cork
The largest county in the Republic of Ireland, Co. Cork is understandably a popular holiday destination for Irish and international tourists alike. It enjoys warm weather and a huge coastline dotted with scenic villages and golden beaches.
Blarney Castle, Co. Cork
Kinsale Harbour, Co. Cork
Cork is also known for its love of food and has become a gastronomic destination in recent years. Fresh produce and artisanal Irish foods are available at places like the Cork English Market in Cork City – purportedly Queen Elizabeth's favourite stop on her 2011 tour of Ireland – while gourmet restaurants and culinary schools, including the celebrated Ballymaloe House and Cookery School are a way of life in Cork.
English Market Cork, Co. Cork
Cork has the type of rolling green hills so often associated with Ireland, as well as rivers – the Bandon, Lee and Blackwater run through the county – and mountains, such as Slieve Miskish, the Caha Mountains and, of course, the ever-so-scenic Beara Penninsula in West Cork, a popular spot for holidaymakers, thanks to its quaint villages along the rugged coastline.
Allihies and Slieve Miskish Mountains, Beara, Co. Cork
In Cork City, you can explore intriguing Irish history, from Viking invaders (9th-10th centuries) to the butter trade (17th-20th centuries), while the surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities, from the infamous Blarney Stone to the colourful shops of seaside Kinsale and some of the best whiskey in Ireland at the Midleton Distillery.
Ballymaloe House, Hotel and Restaurant, Co. Cork
Our team of researchers and genealogists at has put together the following '101-Must-Visit' locations and trips for you for Cork. We only pick the best locations to visit, dine in or stay at, and the best ancestral research resources we can find in that area. Enjoy!
Thanks a lot Sean! It wouldn’t keep me from going anyway, but now I feel more confident!
Gerusa Bernardes, don't worry at all about the accent difference between Irish English and American English.. .not a problem whatsoever.
I´ve been planning my trip to Ireland, specially to Cork since 2009, it´s been 10 years now! I´m finally getting on the plane this February. I´m brazilian, and have lived in the U.S for 3 years, and I´ve been working as a teacher since I came back from U.S ( 2011) , AND the thing that scares me the most is about the accent difference that I might find once I arrived there... Is this true? should I be that scared? Is it Irish English so different from American English as people use to say?
...Gail, it is not expensive to move to Cork. But it is a great city and beautiful county, so you may never leave! West Cork in particular is absolutely beautiful. And great craic.
Is it expensive to emmigrate to cork
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