Cork Midsummer Festival

Since Cork was founded by St Finbarr over 1000 years ago it has grown from a trading merchant city to a cosmopolitan vibrant 21st Century City of today. Rich in history and tradition yet increasingly urbane and sophisticated, the ever-evolving City of Cork is a vibrant place with a unique blend of contemporary style and old world charm. Although Ireland’s second largest City, the fiercely proud and independent locals like to claim Cork is ‘the real capital’ of Ireland, large enough to boast a fine array of attractions, yet easy to navigate and warmly welcoming.

Set on an island in the River Lee, Cork’s streets expand up the river banks on either side to the ornate French Gothic spires of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and the soaring tower of St. Anne’s where you can ring the famous Shandon Bells. The City itself has a long and fascinating history, and many fine buildings line its streets, from the imposing City Hall to its poignant 19th-century City Gaol.

Around the City centre pedestrian laneways and narrow streets, small boutiques, gourmet food shops, top-notch restaurants and a host of interesting pubs and clubs fan out across the City. Cork is renowned for its culinary flair and vibrant cultural scene, and offers a wide selection of contemporary galleries, acclaimed museums and cutting-edge theatres hosting the best from the national and international arts scene.

Live music spills out the doors of the City’s traditional watering holes and trendy bars, and a strong festival programme attracts the best of film, jazz, folk, literary and musical talent year round. Renowned for their friendliness and enthusiasm, the people of Cork create a buzzing atmosphere in the City, the numerous City parks are popular for outdoor games and gourmet picnics sourced at the central and celebrated English Market, a covered system of stalls selling everything from fine cheeses to exotic home-baked breads. Elsewhere the Coal Quay market is the place to unearth hidden treasures, rummage through the bric-a-brac and find the ultimate souvenir of the City.

Photographs by provision