County Cork
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County Cork (Irish: ) is the most southwesterly and the largest of the modern counties of Republic of Ireland. Often called "The Rebel County", the region is so named because it has often taken a position in major conflicts contrary to that of the former ruling British Empire. Attractions include the Blarney Stone and Cobh (formerly Queenstown), the port where many Irish emigrants boarded for their voyage to the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa and also the last stop of the Titanic, before departing on its doomed journey. Cork City, the county's capital, is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and capital of the province of Munster.
The remote western area of the county, known as West Cork, is a popular destination for tourists, who visit the small villages and islands including Sherkin Island, Clear Island and Dursey Island. Mizen Head, the "southwesternmost point in Ireland" is also in West Cork, as is Sheep's Head.
In recent years land in the far west of the county has become in high demand internationally, and large numbers of EU citizens have settled in the area, along with celebrities such as Jeremy Irons and director Neil Jordan. West Cork is noted for its rugged natural beauty, fine beaches and distinct social atmosphere, which is more relaxed than most of the country.
West Cork has a disproportionately large population of artisans, musicians, poets and playwrights.
History
In 1601 the decisive Battle of Kinsale (Irish: ) took place in County Cork, which was to lead to English domination of Ireland for centuries.
The Rebel County
County Cork is known as the "Rebel County" and not just for its past links with Irish Republicanism, it was actually named so by The Crown in 1499 as a derogatory label but was embraced by the people of Cork with pride.
Cork is also known as the "Rebel County" due to its history of involvement in the fight for home rule, both in the original struggles in the late 19th century and then in winning independence in the beginning of the 20th century. Michael Collins, a key figure in the Anglo–Irish War, was born near Clonakilty and assassinated in Béal na Bláth, both in West Cork.
Language
County Cork has two Gaeltacht areas where the Irish language is still the primary medium of everyday speech. These are Múscraí (English: ) in the north of the county and Oileán Chléire (English: ) an island in the west accessible by ferry.Economy
The South-West region comprising of Counties Cork and Kerry contribute € 22.298 billion (2002 values) towards the Irish GDP, making the Cork and Kerry region wealthier than Glasgow city or Edinburgh city [link] PDF.Towns and villages
- Adrigole, Aghabullogue, Aghada, Allihies
- Ballinascarthy, Ballincollig, Ballineen,Ballinhassig, Ballinlough, Ballinspittle, Ballycotton, Ballydehob, Ballydesmond, Ballygarvan, Ballylickey, Ballyvourney, Baltimore, Bandon, Banteer, Bantry, Barleycove, Blarney, Buttevant
- Carrigaline, Carrigtwohil, Castletownbere, Castletownroche, Castletownshend, Castlemartyr, Charleville, Clonakilty, Cloyne, Coachford, Cobh, Cork, Courtmacsherry, Crookhaven, Crossbarry, Crosshaven
- Doneraile, Douglas,Drimoleauge,Drinagh, Dromahane, Dunmanway,Durrus Village
- Enniskeane
- Fermoy, Fountainstown
- Glandore, Glanmire, Glengarriff, Glounthaune, Goleen, Gougane Barra, Glenbrook, Cork
- Innishannon
- Kanturk,Kealkill, Kilbrittain,Kilcrohane, Killeagh, Kilmeen, Kilmichael, Kinsale, Knocknagree
- Ladysbridge,Leap
- Macroom, Mahon, Mallow, Midleton, Millstreet, Mitchelstown, Mizen Head, Monkstown
- Newcestown, Newmarket, Newtownshandrum
- Oysterhaven
- Passage West
- Ringaskiddy, Rockchapel, Rosscarbery, Rostellan, Rylane
- Saleen,Schull, Shanagarry, Skibbereen
- Timoleague, Tower
- Union Hall
- Whitegate
- Youghal
See also
- County Desmond
- Historic Cork Gardens
- Lighthouses in Ireland
- List of Cork people
- Munster Irish
- Puffin Lightvessel
- Unite* Corks Gay Youth Group
External links
- [Cork County Council]
- [Guide to County Cork for Tourism & Business]
- [Activities Events, West Cork Ireland]
- [West Cork Directory]
- [Map of Cork]
- [People's Republic of Cork]
- [Cork's local radio station, streaming live online]
- [Cork tourist information]
- [westcork.com - guide to West Cork, includes Bantry guide]
- [Cork / Kerry GDP]
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