Our friend, Kitty, who lives in Ireland designs and sews quilts. They are beautiful and some of her wonderful quilts grace the beds in hotels in the United States. This is one of her designs.
The silver Aer Lingus 737 aircraft lifted off of the runway at Heathrow Airport and pointed its nose toward the Irish Sea and Ireland. The flight time was to be 55 minutes, leaving huge London with its noise and pollution. Soon we were over the sea, and then green -- all below green and beautiful. We landed at Cork Airport, a few miles outside of Cork City. This was a dream come true: Ireland at last!
Cork City is 160 miles southwest of Dublin, on the southern coast. One can get there by airline, ferry from Great Britain, train from Dublin, bus from other parts of Ireland and, of course, by automobile.
Cork, founded on a monastic settlement in the year 606, is a wonderfully interesting and beautiful city, with the River Lee running through its middle, and hills lifting parts of the city skyward. It is the capital of the ancient province of Munster. Historically, it is best known as a major international seaport, and as late as the turn of the century the city's quays were crowded with sailing ships from all over the world. Because Cork is located on the River Lee, one can see many bridges and water channels throughout it. Cork began on an island in a swampy estuary of the river. "Corcaigh" means marsh, thus the name Cork was derived. Today, the river flows through the city in two main channels.
Many of Cork's attractions are within walking distance of the downtown section. There is a good walking tour of the city on the Blarney Woolen Mills home page. There is a signpost walking tour of the city with an accompanying booklet. It is an easy city to explore. The Tourist Office is located at 42 Grand Parade and is well worth a visit or two. Visit it when you arrive!
The Irish are very friendly. Many years ago Daniel O'Connell, a figure from Irish history said, "The hospitality of an Irishman is not the running account of posted and ledgered courtesies, as in other countries; it springs, like all his qualities, his faults, his virtues, directly from the heart." If you're seen on a street corner reading a map and looking lost, people will stop and ask if you are okay. The Irish are among the friendliest people in the world, and they like tourists!
Food in Cork is delicious, and reflects an international flavor (Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Indian and others).
Some interesting sites to see in Cork City:
Cork is a modern area with very nice shopping malls and nice public facilities. The restaurants are excellent, and the city has many interesting and historical buildings. We enjoyed Cork City and will return again. It is a "moving" area with highway construction and restorations occurring. The weather is nice in the summer, but unpredictable, with the possibility of showers at any time. Warm weather could also sneak up on you -- the Cork residents love it! You will hear often from taxi drivers, "Tis a lovely day today" on those special sunny days.
Cork is a wonderful region which makes you feel comfortable and safe.
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