Like so many other places in Ireland, Cork is a long-enduring city with a varied history of troubles and turmoil. With a sacred origin in the 6th monastic settlement of St Finbar, Cork was reconstructed several times due to destructions caused by the Vikings or the Norsemen.
Later in the 17th century, together with Dublin and Limerick, for instance, it became a fortified city that was used by the British as a basis for the invading raids of the country. An important trade centre, Cork can rival with Dublin or Belfast in terms of cultural value and touristic attractions.
University College Cork
A sightseeing tour of Cork requires special emphasis on great buildings with a stunning architecture that date back to the medieval times. However, there is a pleasant mixture of other styles too: there are Georgian, Victorian and modern edifices creating a colourful atmosphere of a thriving city. One of the first sights to visit is Saint Finbarre’s Cathedral, a landmark of Cork and a proof of the city’s long Christian tradition. The edifice dominates the city scape with its three impressive spires and the dimensions of the ancient walls. After all, it has been in place since the 7th century!
With a three-century theatrical tradition, Cork has one of the largest Opera Houses in Ireland, which was designed and built in the 19th century to meet the entertainment needs of the local people. It has always housed more than opera concerts, so, it is a popular location for lots of cultural events from ballet to modern dance shows, to pantomime and stand up comedy. The entire neighbourhood is also known as the Emmet place.
For exquisite art work and fine collections, the best sight is The Crawford Municipal Art Gallery. The building that houses the galleries is both modern and classic in style, combining Georgian elements with modern lines. It mainly represents and promotes local Irish artwork on a regular basis, but you will also find temporary exhibitions here as well. What tourists consider most interesting is the rare collection casts of classic statues from the Greek and Roman antiquity. Some of the programs promoted by the Gallery include art education and value orientation aimed at teenagers.
Blackrock Castle, Cork
Cultural life is rich and diverse, as all year long there are lots of concerts and festivals that make Cork great fun! For instance the Cork Jazz Festival is considered among the most prestigious cultural events of it’s kind in Europe. Held in late October every year it brings together thousands of well reputed musicians and music fans. Another cultural event worth mentioning is the Cork Film Festival that mainly supports short film productions. For detailed information on the artistic life of the city, try the tourist information centre to learn more on what is going on in Cork.
As for food, Cork local traditions are rich and varied, the most famous including Tripe, Crubeens and Drisheen. Tripe represents some type of edible offal made from part of the stomach from various animals, it is very spicy and has a unique taste. Then Crubeens are pig trotters eaten with boiled cabbage. If you intend to order such a dish don’t worry about cutlery items, as you eat it simply with your hands. As for Drisheen, this is the Cork black pudding made as a mixture of animal blood – usually from pig or sheep – with milk, fat, salt and breadcrumbs cooked as a sausage in an intestine. It is usually flavored with spices.