Cork has quite the reputation, one way or another. The Emerald Isle's biggest county spanning 2,900 square miles, is tucked in the south west of the country, its lush green hinterland edged by the wild Atlantic. The name comes from the Gaelic, Corcaigh, meaning marshy place, and it's known as 'the Rebel County' because of its long history fighting for independence down the centuries. These days, however, Cork is especially recognised as the food capital of Ireland: the bounty from these verdant pastures and cold, clean waters makes the region a mecca for artisan producers, chefs, food champions and more. Such commodities are no new discovery though - in the 1700s, beef and butter were exported far and wide and Cork was the largest butter market in the world.
The city itself - thewas gradually covered over. Today, history can be found on every street, in every hidden square, down every winding lane, all connected by a web of 30-plus bridges, making it easy to explore.
