Cork has quite the reputation, one way or another. The Emerald Isle's biggest county, spanning 2.900 square miles, is tucked in the south west of the country, its lush green hinterland edged by the wild Atlantic. The name comes from the Gaelic, Corcaigh, meaning marshy place, and it's known as 'the Rebel County' because of its long history fighting for independence down the centuries. These days, however, Cork is especially recognised as the food capital of Ireland: the bounty from these verdant pastures and cold, clean waters makes the region a mecca for artisan producers, chefs, food champions and more. Such commodities are no new discovery, though in the 1700s, beef and butter were exported far and wide and Cork was the largest butter market in the world.
The city itself - the second largest after Dublin, and mischievously called 'the real capital' by Corkonians - has a remarkable topography. Its centre is set on an island in the River Lee, which splits into two channels. A thousand years ago, this was a marshy wetland that was gradually covered over. Today, history can be found on every street, in every hidden square, down every winding lane, all connected by a web of 30-plus bridges, making it easy to explore.
Bridging History
Get to know this compact city with a tour. Knowledgeable guide Noel Walsh peppers his easy-going stroll with amusing asides, all the while putting the city's layered story into context. There are famous sites such as the Church of St Anne with its glinting 11-foot golden salmon weathervane and Shandon Bells, along with lesserknown gems. In Hollywood's heyday, the now-defunct Art Deco Savoy Cinema hosted the Cork Film Festival, and the likes of Sophia Loren and Gregory Peck sprinkled stardust on the city's pavements. corkcityramble.ie
An Irish Institution
Denne historien er fra October 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra October 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Collecting Dioramas MINIATURE WORLDS
From elaborate taxidermy museum displays to humble folk art creations, a diorama can transport us to another time and place
Pride of place LEEDS CREAMWARE
In its heyday the pre-eminent rival to Wedgwood's Queens ware, Leeds creamware is still much revered by collectors for its understated elegance
Bohemian Rhapsody
An exuberant approach to decor, with rooms enveloped in colour and pattern, has brought this historic home merrily into the 21st century...
THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME Rory Hutton
The accessories designer on his love of silver spoons and Sévres porcelain
European HERITAGE B&Bs
Is there anything more inspiring than staying somewhere that's both beautifully stylish and imbued with history? Rhiannon Batten explores five gems across Europe, from Sweden to Spain...
STAR SALES
A Hitchens painting, a museum-quality teapot and a Parisian chocolate box are all top of the lots
Textile designs by artists
Influential 20th-century fine artists and sculptors, from Picasso to Barbara Hepworth, gained additional status as textile designers until decline set in during the 1970s
Period DRAMA
A painstaking renovation has brought this 1725 former Huguenot silk weaver's house in London's Spitalfields back to life
An artist's RESIDENCE
Rustic details and a restrained palette lend a sense of simplicity to this lovingly restored Friesian bakery
Carefully Curated LIVING
This lovingly restored Gustavian manor has become both home and showroom for its owners, Maria & Jan Åke, who deal in European antiques
