Cork, Ireland Corcaigh Cork was originally a monastic settlement founded by Saint Finbarr in the 6th century. Cork achieved an urban character at some point between 915 and 922 when Viking settlers founded a trading port. It has been proposed that, like Dublin, Cork was an important trading centre in the global Scandinavian trade network. Cork is situated on the banks of the River Lee in the south of the country. With a city population of 119,418 in 2006, it is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the third largest on the island of Ireland. The patron Saint of Cork, Saint Finbarr (c.550-c.620) founded a monastery on the south bank of the River Lee approximately 1,400 years ago. A settlement grew up around this monastery and was added to (and ransacked) by Viking invaders during the ninth and tenth centuries. The town grew and the English Norman King Henry II, who had been requested by Pope Adrian IV (the only English Pope) to collect papal dues not paid, gave Cork city status in 1185. Cork slowly grew during the late middle ages, developing into a crowded, walled city, centered on North and South Main Streets. The city enjoyed a golden age of sorts during the seventeenth century providing butter to ships which plied the North Atlantic. During this period the city expanded and many Italianate residences were built on the hills to the North in Sundays Well and Montenotte. After a sluggish start following independence, the city grew substantially during the latter half of the twentieth century. Currently, as a result of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon, development is having a profound effect on all aspects of the city, including its appearance, mostly for the better. From a small merchant town, Cork has grown into a cosmopolitan and vibrant city that, within the Republic of Ireland, is second only to Dublin in size and importance. ‘Statio Bene Fide Carinis – A safe Harbor for ships is the motto of the city that is found on the coat of arms. Source: Wiki Travel Images: St Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork; Cork Citys main thoroughfare, St. Patricks Street
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:57:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015