County Cork

County Cork (Irish: Contae Chorcaí) is the most southwesterly and the largest of the modern counties of Republic of Ireland. Cork is nicknamed "The Rebel County", as a result of the support of the townsmen of Cork in 1491 for Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the throne of England during the Wars of the Roses. In more recent times, the name has referred to the prominent role Cork played in the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and its position as an anti-treaty stronghold during the Irish Civil War (1922-23). Attractions include the Blarney Stone and Cobh (formerly Queenstown), the port where many Irish emigrants boarded for their voyage to the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa and also the last stop of the Titanic, before departing on its doomed journey. The city of Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and capital of the province of Munster.

The remote western area of the county, known as West Cork, is a popular destination for tourists, who visit the small villages and islands including Sherkin Island, Oileán Chléire or Cape Clear Island and Dursey Island. Mizen Head, the "southwesternmost point in Ireland" is also in West Cork, as is Sheep's Head. In recent years land in the far west of the county has become in high demand internationally, and large numbers of EU citizens have settled in the area, along with celebrities such as Jeremy Irons and director Neil Jordan. West Cork is noted for its rugged natural beauty, fine beaches and distinct social atmosphere, which is more relaxed than most of the country.

With an area of 7,460 square kilometers County Cork is the largest county in Ireland and contains the third-largest city. Cork City, Corcaigh meaning marsh land is a bustling city delightfully situated on the river Lee. Part of Cork's success as a community is due to it's beautiful surroundings but the city owes much of its prosperity to the sea and the river with one of the best natural harbours in Europe. North Cork the inland area of County Cork with mainly lively and bustling towns like Mallow which is located on the banks of the Blackwater river and is one of Ireland's main coarse and game angling centres. West Cork which attracts many tourists each year to it's prime locations like the Beara Peninsula which is shared with County Kerry. It commences at Bantry and passes through Castletownbere before entering County Kerry. East Cork a beautiful area with many attractions and towns like Cobh, which is a small town located on Great Island with a beautiful harbour, and Youghal.