County Cork

By: IRISHCENTRAL.COM | Published Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 5:03 PM | Updated Thursday, May 5, 2011, 4:41 PM

Irish Name: Corcaigh - "Swamp"

County Town: Cork

Nickname: The Rebel County

GAA Colors: Red and White

Famous People with Cork roots: Tip O'Neill, John Philpot Curran, William O'Brien, PM of Australia John Curtin, Nano Nagle (founder of Presentation order of nuns), Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Michael Collins, James Joyce, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, Former Taoiseach Jack Lynch, Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, Cillian Murphy, Henry Ford, Frank O'Connor

The county of Cork is the largest in the island and includes something for everyone. From the excitement and energy of Cork City to the unsullied countryside of West Cork and the coastal regions the county provides something for everyone to enjoy.

West Cork is located in the beautiful South Western corner of Ireland and the region stretches from the Ferryport of Ringaskiddy westwards as far as the Beara Peninsula. The landscape is one of unparalled beauty in which numerous activities and attractions can be found.

Along the coast there are centres for sailing, swimming, scuba diving and other water sports with golf, horse riding and fishing very popular a short step inland. The importance of water in the coastal regions of Cork is evident from the area's reputation as providing some of the best seafood in the country.

For those of a less energetic disposition the county provides the world famous Blarney Castle, allegedly the source of the Irish ability to charm in conversation. Cobh is also well worth a visit. A thriving seatown with a history to match Cobh was the main point of exit for Irish man and women throughout the famine period and beyond. More Irish people fled the country through Cobh than any other place in the island and a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre brings this home in a powerful manner.

With the history of the county, hinted at in its well-earned nickname of the Rebel County it's hardly surprising that a great many castles and manor houses dot the countryside, each with its own story to tell Ireland's oft tragic history.

Accommodation is available in all manner and sizes. Camping holidays are very popular in Cork and there is ample provision made for it. A variety of holiday cottages in some of the most salubrious settings imaginable compliments the best hotels and guesthouses Cork can provide.

Many places tout the fact that their visitors return again frequently as evidence of their attractiveness. If this is so then, as in so many areas, Cork excels with more and more visitors electing not merely to return but to move to the county on a permanent basis. And once you have seen the sun set over Kinsale, dined on the freshest seafood and wandered the county's hills and valleys you'll find yourself knowing why.

Common Surnames in Cork: McCarthy, Callaghan, McAuliffe, Fitzgerald, Sullivan, Murphy, Walsh, Connor and Connell