Cork is the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland. This is a busy and working city during the daytime that changes drastically at night. After sunset, Cork doesn’t fall asleep but shines with the lights of numerous pubs and nightclubs. Many tourists from all over the world come here to see local landmarks and visit the gorgeous and old Blarney Castle.
First mentions of Cork date back to the VI-VII centuries. Saint Finbarr established the first monastery in the area, founding the first settlement. When Cork was finally free from the continuous attacks of Normans, the settlement became the center of the South Munster Kingdom. However, Ireland didn’t rule the settlement for a long time. The English crown set up its authority in the region in 1185. The countries fought for this region many times since then. The 18th century marked the start of a prosperity period for Cork. However, the hunger, which started in the county, caused many deaths. Many people had to leave the region in search of a better life.
Approximately eight kilometers away from Cork, there is a charming village named Blarney. In 1446, Dermot McCarthy ordered to build a castle in this area. A large dungeon, which is 85 feet tall and 18 feet wide, is the base of the castle. The McCarthy family lived in this castle together with their knights. The castle was also home for numerous vassals. The master’s bedroom was on the ground floor, and the second floor was the location of a grand hall and a security room. The scary “room of murderers” was situated nearby. People in this room watched visitors and could pour boiling water on them and kill them with arrows in case of a need.
The family’s rooms were on the third floor. There was also a chapel here. The higher floor was dedicated to a banquet hall. Below the giant stone castle, there are still numerous underground passages and caves. Many tourists know about Blarney Castle because of a magic stone. According to a local legend, this stone can bring good luck and gift a talent of eloquence and persuasion. To get the stone’s gift, one needs to kiss it.
This region is rich in castles, and it is very interesting to visit them. The mysterious atmosphere of the gorgeous stone buildings is a great bait for curious travelers. Medieval Connagh Castle is one more landmark that is worth visiting. Thomas Fitzgerald built this castle in the mid-16th century. His stepbrother Garrett, who was several years younger, organized a rebellion, and the castle was plundered and destroyed during it. The son of Fitzgerald restored the castle. In 1653, a large blaze destroyed the historic building. The castle was in ruins for many years until it was restored again in the 18th century.
Having learned the sad story of the castle, many tourists find it hard to believe that the giant stone building was once in ruins. Nowadays, this is a gorgeous five-story building with a spiral staircase, neat facades, and colorful stained-glass windows. Halls and rooms of the castle do not have any signs of the previous disasters that took place here in the past.
There is one more attraction that all tourists enjoy visiting. This is a street named after Saint Patrick. This is the main boulevard in Cork, and so there are many shops here. The statue of Theobald Mathew is a popular meeting spot for locals. He was a famous priest and a fighter with alcoholism. The street is named after Saint Patrick as he is famous as the country’s patron.
In the evening, consider visiting a popular pub in Cork, Franciscan Well Brewery. This pub regularly hosts a beer festival. Franciscan Well Brewery is located on the riverside, and the area is attractive and picturesque. Visitors can try different beer types here. There are many of them here – up to ten. First, visitors can sample the beer and then order the one they liked the most. The venue is cozy and perfectly suitable for an evening out after a busy day.
Travelers can fly to Cork from Dublin. There are also trains that connect these two cities. A train ride from Dublin lasts three hours. There are shorter routes. For example, it takes one and a half hours to reach Cork from Limerick and Killarney, and two hours – from Tralee. A bus ride usually lasts from two to four hours depending on the city of departure.
Sightseeing in Ireland: things to see
Bunratty is the youngest, but no less popular castle in Ireland. It was built just a couple of centuries ago, but was made in elegant style of early medieval. One of the castle’s halls is used for theatre performances. Various banquets and entertaining performances are also not rare in the castle. Castlerock is one more interesting historic place. Long time ago there was a castle on the rock. That castle was used for crowning ceremonies, most important meetings and events. In the beginning of the 17th century the castle was destroyed by a fire and now only ruins remind of the beautiful building.
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