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Rough Guide to Ireland. On Ireland’s southern coast, Cork’s shoreline is punctuated by secluded estuaries, rolling headlands and historic harbours, while Cork city itself is the region’s hub, with a vibrant cultural scene and nightlife. |
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Fodor’s Ireland 2010. Cork is a spirited place, with a formidable pub culture, a lively traditional-music scene, a respected and progressive university, attractive art galleries, and offbeat cafés. The city received a major boost in 2005 when it was named a Capital of Culture by the EU—the smallest city ever to receive the designation.Thanks to its accomplished chefs and the bounty of farms, fields, lakes, and coast, County Cork has become a little paradise of fresh, rustic Irish cuisine. |
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Frommer’s Ireland 2010. It’s far smaller than Dublin, but Cork is a busy, attractive, artsy place that combines the conveniences of a city with an appreciation for rural life. For travelers, it offers plenty to see and do, and has the added attraction of a burgeoning restaurant scene that has been making headlines around Ireland. For many, West Cork is Ireland’s ultimate destination.
It’s impossible to make good time on the roads here, as they tend to be narrow and sinuous, twisting along rivers, through valleys, around mountains, and passing through lovely small towns. Those willing to slow down and go with the flow are amply rewarded. |
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Lonely Planet has included Cork in its prestigious list of Top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2010. Cork buzzes with the energy of a city that’s certain of its place in Ireland. Indeed, so confident is the former ‘Rebel City’ that locals only half-jokingly refer to it as the ‘People’s Republic of Cork’. The city has long been dismissive of Dublin and with a burgeoning arts, music and restaurant scene, it’s now getting a cultural reputation to rival the capital’s. |
