Cork, Ferries and Ferry Crossings

Welcome to the Cork (Republic of Ireland) section of FerryCrossings.org, the site for information about major UK, Eire and continental ports and the ferries between them. Our site includes an introduction to a number of ports and feature pages about the various crossing ways, lanes and routes and companies operating between them to help you plan your journey and discover interesting travel destinations along the way.

Port of Cork, Republic of Ireland (Eire)

Cork, in the south-west and second largest city in the Irish Republic, is in County Cork in the province of Muster. The city is on the River Lee, and Cork harbour is a large natural harbour, second only, in size, to that of Sydney in Australia. Reputedly founded over 1000 years ago by St Finbar it has always been an important trading port. Cork's commitment to developing the cultural life of the city through the arts and music was recognised when the city was voted the European Capital of Culture for 2005. The visitor to the city can enjoy galleries, museums, music and theatre. Throughout the year the city hosts festivals covering a variety ot interests including music and film. Cork is also home to the National Sculpture Factory. The city is set in a beautiful and unspoiled area of the country and, within Cork itself, can be found parks, lakes, rivers, wildlife centre, leisure and sports activities and a host of other attractions. It is also the base from which the visitor can explore Bantry, The Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Mohr and, of course, kiss the famous 'Blarney Stone' in Blarney Castle.

Like many places in Ireland there was a strong Viking presence in the 9th and 10th centuries followed by the invasion of the Normans from England. During the Middle Ages the port flourished exporting hides and woollen cloth and importing wines and luxury items for the more affluent members of society. In the late 15th century Cork chose to support Perkin Warbeck who was claiming to be the rightful king of England. Several prominent citizens of Cork followed him to England but, when the rebellion was crushed, they were all executed. This episode led to Cork becoming known, and remembered, as 'Rebel Cork'. Queen Elizabeth of England built a fortress to dominate the city and its inhabitants, and during the years of The Commonwealth, in England, Cork was captured by Cromwellian forces. A repressive act of 1666 forbade the export of Irish cattle to England so, to circumvent this act, beef and butter were exported instead. During the 18th century the port of Cork continued to thrive and beef and butter continued to be exported to Britain and Europe and then also to North America.

The 19th century saw Cork become a magnet for a poverty stricken population unable to eke out a living in the countryside. Conditions deteriorated drastically during the years of dreadful famine in the middle of the 1800s. It was from Cork that so many desperate emigrants sailed for a new life in America or other countries. Despite these factors Cork continued to improve both socially and economically. However, the early years of the 20th century saw Cork devastated by a contingent of the 'Black and Tans', when they burned part of the city in 1920, during the struggle for Irish independence. The 20th century witnessed the decline of manufacturing and industry in Cork that was also suffered throughout the British Isles but the latter years of the millennium saw Cork emerge as a re-energised, busy port, with brewing, distilling and food processing industries of particular importance. Tourism has also become a major factor in the city's regeneration and every effort is made to meet the needs of visitors to the city.