Cork

As soon as you visit Cork you will feel the atmosphere of pride and independence. Maybe this is because most of the city is actually on an island, or perhaps because historically Cork has always fought for independence, so getting the name The Rebel County. In any case, this city, the second largest in the Republic of Ireland, is great to visit - especially if you like walking up and down hills and steps!! Here are a couple of suggestions for you visit.

Firstly, go to Shandon Church, which was built in 1722. It has a tall tower with a 4 metre long salmon on the top of it and is Cork's most recognizable landmark. You can climb this tower, not only to get a good view of the city but also to play the bells at the top. The tower is square, and each face has a clock. The local people call this the four-faced liar, because if you stand at the bottom and look up, each clock seems to tell a different time.

Next you can visit the Old City Gaol, spelt G A O L. This is an old word for prison. This place was terrible and people were sent here even for stealing a loaf of bread - remember this was during the Victorian era which was extremely strict. Thousands of people were even sent to Australia and America as punishment, and indeed the Gaol is now visited by many of these people's descendents. It's a museum with a very disturbing atmosphere.

As you walk along the River Lee you'll see the City Hall. This is a grand building in the Georgian architectural style. Take a photo and move on.

If you feel the desire to do some shopping, you must visit the Coal Quay market. You can buy almost anything here but more importantly you can listen to the amazing shouting of the stallholders. The legendary Irish wit will impress you. They all have the gift of the gab. What's that? Oh yes, the gift of the gab - the ability to talk a lot. Indeed, it is here in Cork that even you can get it. You simply have to visit Blarney Castle, just outside the city, and then ask for the Blarney Stone. Tradition says that if you kiss this stone you will immediately become very talkative. Almost all visitors to Cork do this, so why don't you?

Finally, after all that walking, bell ringing, shopping and kissing, it's time to relax with a drink. Ireland is famous for its stout beer, the black one with the white top, and maybe you've heard of Guinness. However, Cork has two stouts of its own, Beamish and Murphy's. Don't be surprised how proud Corkonians are of these two beers, or how long it takes to pour one. The barman will very slowly fill the glass just over halfway and then stop and wait. After a couple of minutes he'll fill it to the top. Now, don't do what I did and actually try to pick up the glass. The barman hit me with a large spoon - honestly! You must wait another couple of minutes. I waited for the barman to tell me, instead of risking another hit with his spoon. But I tell you, the wait was worth every minute. Careful not to drink too many of these, as it has the same effect as kissing the Blarney Stone!