Cork is Ireland's second largest city with its city center on an island between two channels of the River Lee. Consequently Cork features a large number of bridges and one tunnel.

Downstream is Cork Harbour, an industrial area and busy port that will become an important hub with the EU after Brexit.

 

It started in the early 600s with a monastery set up by St Finbarr, nicknamed Barra.

The first Viking raiders arrived around 820 and a century later they had set up a flourishing Norse trading post.

 

In 1920 Cork was burned down by British forces and a few years later it saw military action again as the capital of the short-lived Munster Republic.

 

Today Cork is a lively city that is well worth a visit. St Patrick Street features many shops in Georgian buildings. Close-by is the old English Market.

One can enjoy a view of the city from the ramparts of the17th century Fort Elizabeth and stretch the neck in checking out the large salmon that functions as wind vane on St Anne's Church.

 

In June 2018 we spent a few hours in a friendly and sunny Cork.