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is the second city of the Republic of Ireland and the third most populous city after Dublin and Belfast. It is the administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city of the province of Munster. The city has a population of around 190,000. The city's name is derived from an Irish word corcach meaning "marshy place", referring to its situation on the River Lee. It is not unusual for inhabitatnts to refer to Cork as the "true capital of Ireland" or to feel they have a distinct identity from the rest of Ireland.
Industry
Cork City is at the heart of industry in the south of Ireland. Its main area of industry is pharmaceuticals. Engineering, manufacturing, and technical services are imporant to the economy of Cork. It is also home to several Breweries including Beamish and Crawford brewery which have been in the city for generations. Information technology employs many people now working in the many I.T. centres of the city. Much of Cork's economic success is due to its strategic location near a Harbour, a well educated workforce from two third level universities/ Institute of Technology and a pro business Government policy. Cork's deep harbour allows ships of any size to enter, bringing trade and easy import/export of products. Cork International Airport also allows easy access to continental Europe and Kent Station in the city centre provides good rail links for domestic trade.
Geography
The River Lee flows through the city, an island in the river forming the main part of the city centre just before the Lee flows into Lough Mahon and thence to Cork Harbour, one of the world's largest natural harbours. The city is a major Irish seaport with quays and docks sited along the broad waterway of the Lee on the city's East side.
History
Cork has its beginnings in a monastic settlement, founded by St Finbar in the sixth century. Like Dublin, Cork became an important trading centre in the Scandinavian trade network. The city was at one time fully walled, and several sections and gates remain. The title of Mayor of Cork was established by royal charter in 1318, and the title was changed to Lord Mayor in 1900. The centre of Cork was gutted by fires started by the Black and Tans in the War of Independence, part of the policy of reprisals at the time; it was also the site of some fierce fighting between Irish guerrilla leaders and British forces. During the Irish Civil War, Cork was for a time held by anti-Treaty forces, until it was retaken by the pro-Treaty National Army in an attack from the sea.
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