Cork city takes its name from the marshy land on the banks of the River Lee - the Irish form of its name means marsh - on which St. Finbarr founded a monastery around AD 650. The city's narrow alleys, waterways and Georgian architecture give it a distinctly Continental feel.
Cork has long been a place of commercial importance, largely due to the excellence of its harbour. It is an export centre for the agricultural produce of the south, and the many industries in the city include brewing, distilling, hosiery, flour milling, bacon curing, chemical and paint works, clothing and footwear factories. Many of the cities leading families became known as the 'merchant princes' of Cork due to their power, prestige and money. The city is dominated by the river Lee which separates into two channels creating an island in the centre where most of the city centre is built.
| Further Information |
| Cork city (extract) in Lewis Topographical Dictionary of Ireland 1837 The foundation of the city of Cork is generally ascribed to St. Barr or Finbarr, in the early part of the 7th century: his relics, which were enclosed in a silver shrine, were carried away from the cathedral, in 1089.... More |