Cork (County of Cork)

This week, we visited Cork. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and the third most populated city after Dublin and Belfast. It is the main city and administrative and economic capital of Cork County.

The city has a population of 125,622 inhabitants.

The city is located along the Lee River, which flows through the city.

The inhabitants of the city often tend to say, if you talk to them, that they live in the "true capital of Ireland".

We went to Cork by train, since the city is quite far from the farm (2h30 by bus). This is not the city we preferred to visit. It is a very touristy city with a large city centre, but there are not many cultural sites to visit.

I'll list the most interesting things to do in Cork :

- English Market, open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, it is an ideal place to go shopping if you are looking for local products or if you are looking for stocking up on French cheese. This covered market features a wide variety of fresh products with meat, fish, spices, fruits and vegetables, sauces, chocolates, cakes and cheeses... However, the prices are quite excessive.

- St Patrick Street, is one of the main streets of the city. You can find all types of shops, restaurants and fast food. This street has been elected twice as Ireland's best shopping city.

- St Marie et St Anne's Cathedral, located in the centre of the city, is a sumptuous cathedral. It dates back to 1808 and offers a unique view of the city of Cork from the bell tower. However, admission to visit is charged, 6 euros for an adult.

- Cork City Goal. It is a 19th century prison that is now transformed into a museum. The external architecture of the building is rather nice. However, only one wing of the prison is accessible, which makes the 8€ entrance fee a little excessive.

A little out of town from the city of Cork, you have to take the car or a bus, you have the beautiful castle of Blarney. It is a castle that was built almost 600 years ago. At the top of its tower, you can see the famous Blarney Stone. It is not free, but you will have the opportunity to kiss the stone, which, according to legend, offers the gift of eloquence.