The big city in the south of Ireland; inevitably a rebel against central government. Centred on a narrow island in the River Lee, the city sprawls its neighborhoods across the surrounding slopes. While there are many attractive sites in the region, the city is well worth a visit in its own right, even if it’s only a one-day stopover.

01. Custom House

Cork’s customs warehouse is a historic building. Built along the River Lee as a hub for customs operations and storage, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of trade. Today, it is at the centre of real estate ambitions to take advantage of the site in the centre of the city, the narrow plot leading to high rise construction.

02. City Hall

Cork City Hall was rebuilt and completed in 1936. The old version had originally been a corn exchange before being converted into a city hall, and was largely destroyed during the War of Independence in 1920. Its classical architecture is both sober and imposing, mainly due to the central elevation of the clock tower.

03. St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral

The Protestant cathedral was completed in 1879, on a monastic site established in the 7th century and rebuilt several times. The monastery was founded by St. Fin Barre, the city’s patron saint. In the 19th century, the architect chose a project beyond the city’s financial resources, recycling studies carried out for buildings in Istanbul and Lille, France.

04. Grand Parade

Grand Parade, located in the heart of the city centre, used to run along the city wall, but when it was demolished, it formed a wide artery where shops and businesses were set up. The grand avenue hosts a variety of events, from markets to parades. At its centre is the emblematic National Monument, commemorating the Irish patriots of 1798, 1803, 1848 and 1867.

05. Saint Patrick Street

Covering a former branch of the River Lee, this street has become the city’s main commercial thoroughfare. Its wide sidewalks lead to many of the city’s leading department stores, and numerous bus services connect it to the city’s various neighborhoods. The renovation of its street fixtures and fittings, blending tradition and modernity, contributes to Cork’s identity, an artery dear to the city’s soul.

06. Butter Market

In the popular Shandon district, the Butter Museum is housed in part of the old Butter Market. Dating back to the 18th century, it showcased the region’s famous butter production, exporting it around the world to become the world’s leading exporter. The museum recalls this period and also shows what life was like in Cork and the surrounding area in the past.

07. Courthouse

The neo-classical colonnade on the façade dates from 1830, while the rest of the building burned down in 1891 and was rebuilt in 1895. During the 2005 renovation, an inner courtyard was covered by a glass roof, providing more space. The conspicuous presence of court buildings in Irish towns stems from their role in the long struggle for Independence.

08. City Gaol

In Cork, people can go to prison for EUR 10. If that’s the price of admission today, it may have been a minor offence punishable by a harsh sentence in the old days, after the prison was built in 1818. Thereafter, it was mainly a women’s prison. Several of the cells are decorated with their significant occupants, such as Countess Markievicz.

09. Fitzgerald Park

Cork city centre is densely built-up, with little space between the two slopes plunging down to the River Lee. In 1902, it was decided to convert the area just occupied by the International Exhibition, near the centre and the University, into a park. A museum and a series of sculptures give it a cultural dimension.

10. University

University College Cork (UCC) was founded in 1845 on land formerly occupied by the monastery of Saint Finbarr. Its campus combines historic buildings with modern facilities, providing an inspiring learning environment for over 21,000 students. The university enjoys an excellent reputation for research.