Cork

Cork: history & character

Cork — Ireland's second city with 210,000 inhabitants — was founded by Saint Finbarr's monks in the 7th century on a marshy island at the confluence of the River Lee, then transformed into a fortified town by the Vikings in the 9th century (the name comes from Gaelic "Corcaigh": marsh). In the 19th century Cork became the major emigration port for Irish leaving for North America — it was from Cobh, 20 minutes by train, that the Titanic departed in 1912. Now nicknamed the "Rebel City" for its role in the War of Independence, Cork cultivates a fierce local pride around its Victorian English Market, its 25,000 University College Cork students and its food scene: three Michelin-starred chefs in a city smaller than Bordeaux. For travellers with a dog, Cork is one of Ireland's most welcoming hubs: Fitzgerald's Park in the heart of the centre, Ballincollig Regional Park (200 hectares with off-leash zone) 8 km away, traditional pubs that maintain the "snug" practice (small wood-panelled side rooms where dogs are admitted), and Cork Harbour with Cobh, Fountainstown and Garrettstown all under 30 min by car for beach walks. Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann carry leashed dogs free of charge.