Cork City is larger than life. It's a city of tall tales and legends. It's a city of myths and heroes ... a place where being ordinary is never enough ... and being the best is demanded.

As far back as the seventh century, St Fin Barre, its founder and patron saint, set a blistering pace. And over the years local politicians and sportsmen from Terence McSwiney to Christy Ring have been identified with that spirit of fierce pride, determination and independence which has come to exemplify "Rebel Cork".

Today that drive for excellence is reflected in virtually every aspect of this dynamic and modern city of Cork: from the world-beating industries which crowd around its historic harbour, to its academic institutions which rank amongst the best in Europe, to its vibrant cultural and sporting life which enthrals locals and adopted-Corkonians too.

Cork City has changed dramatically over the past decade. But its roots are deep. Visitors today find a truly 21st century community which embraces the future but values its past; where work is taken seriously but leisure is equally valued, and above all, where the craic is mighty and nobody stays a stranger for long ...

Cork features as one of the top 10 best cities to visit in the Lonely Planets Guide 'Best in Travel  2010'

Top 10 things to do in Cork
• Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney castle
• Walk amongst the animals at Fota Wildlife Park
• Dine out in Kinsale, the gourmet capital of Ireland
• Relax on the spectacular beaches or at one of the award winning spa's
• Get off the beaten track at the National Mountain Bike Centre
• Play a round on a championship course
• Take a scenic costal drive around West Cork
• Fun for all the family at West Cork Model Railway Village
• Retrace the steps of Irelands Emigrants at Cobh Queenstown Story & walk the Titanic trail
• Experience Corks abundance of water based activities from whale watching to learning to sail.