County Cork Map

Cork is the largest of all the Irish counties, and in many ways the most
varied. Rich farmlands and river valleys contrast with the sandstone hills of
the west. The Blackwater, Bandon and Lee are the chief rivers of Cork.

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
about AD 650. Since the 19th century, when Cork was a base for the National Fenian
movement, the city has had a reputation for political rebelliousness.

Kinsale, half an hour west of Cork city, is one of the prettiest small towns in Ireland and
is world famous for its cuisine. Built in 1446, Blarney Castle houses the renowned
Blarney Stone. Millions of vistors come to the castle each year to kiss the stone
and receive the magical eloquence legend has it that the stone bestows.

The Provinces of Ireland