The largest of the Irish counties, County Cork has all the excitement and vibrancy that city life offers, together with large swathes of beautiful rural countryside. Located in the province of Munster, with Limerick and Kerry close-by, Cork is a great destination choice if you're interested in touring the south-west of Ireland.

Cork City is a vibrant and modern city (viewed by its inhabitants as Ireland's true capital!). The plethora of festivals, its excellent local food and restaurants, combined with an active and lively nightlife, and a variety of places to stay, makes Cork an excellent choice to enjoy a city break. The English Market (recently visited by the Queen) is the perfect place to sample some of Cork's delicious local produce, or simply to wander around and enjoy the sights and smells.

Getting there is easy, with Cork airport, just 7 kilometres to the south of the city, which is served by over 20 carriers. Airlines such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus will connect you to Dublin, three London airports, and many destinations on mainland Europe and beyond

Bus and train services to Dublin are plentiful with the train journey from Dublin Heuston to Cork Kent Station taking three hours. Bus Eireann offers value between Dublin and Cork and has great local routes around the county to the other population centres such as Carrigaline, Cobh, Mallow, Youghal and Fermoy. The Cork to Swansea Ferry has rejoined the list of ferries available.

Finally, you can consider car hire, which gives you the freedom that needed to explore the county at a leisurely pace. Both Cork and Dublin airports have car hire facilities with all the main operators represented.

Cork's History

Like so much of Ireland, County Cork has a rebellious history, littered with tragedy and triumph alike. In the late 15^th Century, Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne during the War of The Roses came to the area to enlist support. The Battle of Kinsale in 1601, lead to over three centuries of English rule.

County Cork was at the heart of the turbulent times of the early twentieth century when independence was sought and Michael Collins is one of its most famous historical figures.

Attractions and Outdoors

Walking and hiking, angling, sailing and marine sports are all popular. With a stretch of coastline including Ireland's most southerly point, Brow Head, County Cork leads the way in sea angling, where places such as the Beara Peninsula in West Cork offer sea, beach and rock angling. Children will love the chance to go out and catch a glimpse of the minke and pilot whales and basking sharks which are frequent visitors off shore. For inland fishing, consider places such as the River Blackwater.

With 35 quality golf clubs, County Cork is perfect for golfing enthusiasts. Walkers, both serious and recreational will delight in the walks on offer, both rural and urban with guided history walks a specialty. Look out for the West Cork Walking Festival. The county is full of historic buildings and parks, and kids in particular will love places such as the fantastic Fota Wildlife Park, one of the most modern safari parks in Europe.

Festivals

County Cork comes into its own if you are a festival or music loving person. A city the size of Cork is great, giving you the population base and facilities that you need to really hike up the atmosphere. Cork has numerous pubs where musical entertainment, both planned and unplanned, takes place, and you should be lucky enough to find one with the atmosphere and roaring log fire that will live long in your memory.

There are organised festivals throughout County Cork, and the Cork Folk Festival in September is one not to miss. Five days of folk concerts, impromptu sessions, dancing, both set and sean nos, culminating in The Grand Parade and the Ceili Mor. Top artists are booked to appear every year. The Jazz Festival at the October Bank Holiday is a great way to sample great jazz and a lively atmosphere.