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The city of Cork occupies an island in the river Lee. Like many Irish towns, it began as a monastic settlement in the Dark Ages. However, Viking invaders soon saw the location's potential close to one of the world's largest natural harbors and made the city their own.

The city of Cork was established by Royal Charter in 1185. Defensive walls surrounded the city in the medieval period, and you can still see remnants of the medieval city within the modern metropolis today. The walls were built to protect the city's English rulers from the hostile Irish natives in the countryside beyond. The city even played a role in England's War of the Roses in 1491 when an English nobleman came to Cork and tried to recruit its people to overthrow England's king.

In the 19th century, Cork became a center of Irish nationalism and opposition to British rule. In the years following the First World War, Ireland fought a war of independence from British rule, during which Cork was burned. But when Ireland finally gained its independence, Cork was rebuilt and began to thrive again. Nowadays, it's a hub of both industry and culture in southern Ireland, and represents a different side of the country from what you'll find in Dublin.

Home to Apple’s European headquarters, Cork is a city that faces the future without losing track of the past. Home to one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, Cork offers an experience unlike any other Irish town.

Shop in style at the English Market. This stylish covered market is the perfect place to pick up local delicacies and immerse yourself in Irish cuisine and culture.

Listen to the bells of St Annes. This charming church is known for the soothing sound of its bells. When the bells are ringing, you can also climb the spire for a great view out over the city and the surrounding countryside.

Take a tour of University College Cork. The picturesque campus of one of the country's premier universities is a great place to spend some time. Don't miss the Stone Corridor with its collection of ancient pagan gravestones.

See the darker side of Cork at the City Gaol. Opened in 1824, this jail housed both petty criminals and Irish Republican rebels during the War of Independence. Now, tours allow you to visit the old cells and imagine what life was like as a prisoner in 19th and early 20th century Cork.

Enjoy the vibe along St Patrick's Street. Cork's main shopping street is a lively place at any time of day or night. Along with all the familiar stores, you'll find plenty of pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy a leisurely drink or delicious meal and take in the atmosphere of the charming city.

Cork International Airport is Ireland’s second busiest. Flights leave here for destinations throughout Europe. Bus route 226 connects the airport with the city center.

Kent Station is Cork’s main train station and is a 10 minute walk from St Patrick’s Street. Trains to Dublin take a little over two hours.

Cork's bus network is based around St Patrick's Street, where the majority of buses stop. The network is easy to navigate and can take you to just about anywhere in the city.

While Cork may be Ireland's second-largest city, its center is highly walkable. If the weather cooperates, this is one of the best ways to see the town. Traveling on foot allows you to stop wherever you like and see attractions you might otherwise miss in a vehicle.

Bounce makes exploration easier by giving you a place to leave your heavy bags. Drop off your bags and they’ll be safely stored until you’ve finished making the rounds in Cork.

Blarney Castle: A large proportion of Cork's visitors come to see the legendary Blarney Castle. This impressive fortress dates back to 1446, when it was built by local chieftain Cormac MacCarthy to help maintain his power over the area around Cork. The castle is an impressive medieval monument and offers great views over the scenic Cork countryside, but it's most famous as the location of the Blarney Stone. Local legend holds that anyone who kisses the Stone will be granted the gift of eloquence, and on busy days, long lines of visitors can be seen waiting for their chance to participate in this ancient tradition. Large bags aren't permitted inside the castle, so make sure you leave yours at a luggage storage shop in Cork before you visit.

Fota Wildlife Park: You may not expect to run into exotic animals in Ireland, but that's exactly what will happen if you visit Fota Wildlife Park. Located outside the city of Cork, this not-for-profit zoo and conservation center allows you to get up close to animals such as kangaroos, chimpanzees, red pandas, and other exotic species. It makes a great day out for the family as you observe these charismatic animals and travel through their habitats on a specially designed train.

Killarney National Park: A little over an hour's drive west of Cork, you'll find yourself in one of Ireland's most celebrated natural areas. Killarney National Park is a magical landscape of rugged mountains, deep forests, and endless rivers and lakes. Hiking trails allow you to experience one of Ireland's last great wilderness areas. Home to the highest mountain range in the country, the park also contains Muckross House, a late 19th-century mansion that allows you to experience how the nobility lived in this area before it became Ireland's first National Park in 1932. You won't want to bring more than you need to the park, so make sure you drop off any heavy bags at a Cork luggage storage shop before you visit.

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Cork Christmas Market: The Complete Guide

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