How old is Cork City in southern Ireland

Asks Margaret

A. Cork City dates back to the 7th Century when its patron saint, St Finbarr founded an abbey and school there. A small town grew out of monastic foundations, but it only lasted until 820 when it was destroyed by the Vikings, who in turn built a settlement where Cork stands today.

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In the 12th Century the Normans invaded and fortified the city with huge, imposing city walls, which were destroyed nearly 500 years later during the Siege of Cork in 1690. During the 18th and 19th centuries Cork began to prosper due to its unique water-based position and by the fact that it was one of the most important dairy producing ports in Europe. Cork grew into the second largest city in Ireland, which it remains today.

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Q. Is it a good place to visit - and can you recommend some sights

A. It is a great place to visit - it has many great pubs, churches, and some great old buildings. Some of the best sights include the following:

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St Fin Barre's Cathedral: Stands on the original site of St Finbarr's 7th Century (650 AD) abbey and monastery. It has a triple spire, a great rose window, mosaic pavements and elaborate carvings and is a fine example of French Gothic architecture. More information on this cathedral is available from its website at http://cathedral.cork.anglican.org.

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Cork Jail: Located in Sunday's Well, the old Gaol dates back to the 19th Century - some of its cells have been renovated and restored to their original state and can be visited with an accompanying audio visual display.

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City Hall: is the headquarters of Cork Corporation and city administration. Its concert hall is the venue for concerts, festivals and functions.

It was opened in 1936 and is well known for its six limestone Tuscan pillars and copper-domed clock tower. The building consists of three sections, two wings comprising the Municipal Offices and an assembly hall, capable of seating 1,300 people.

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Crawford Art Gallery: houses many paintings and a great sculpture collection, which includes some Rodin bronzes. It is one of the city's most important buildings, which dates back to 1724. Today is houses art by many Irish artists including James Barry, Nathaniel Grogan, Walter Osborne, Paul Henry, Jack B. Yeats, Harry Clarke and Sean Keating. Website: http://www.synergy.ie/crawford/

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Cork Museum: Focuses on silver, glassware and the Republican history of the city.

The English Market: is a great place to shop for fruit, vegetables and fish. The origins of the market can be traced back to James 1 in 1610, but the present building dates from 1786.

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Coal Quay Market: is a great place to shop - it comprises a flea market, organic vegetable stalls and local arts and crafts.

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Corn Butter Exchange: formerly the centre of the dairy producing area, the 19th Century buildings that form the Butter Exchange have now been converted into craft workshops and the Firkin Crane Theatre.

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St Anne's Shandon Church: situated behind the Corn Butter Exchange this old church has a great tower with excellent views of the city, it also has an 11ft salmon weather vane that is known far and wide.

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Other important churches include: Father Matthew Memorial Church (1832), St Mary's Dominican Church at Pope's Quay (1932), St Mary's and St Anne's Catholic Cathedral (1808), The Franciscan Church (1953), St Patrick's Church (1836), Collegiate Chapel of St Finbar (1766) and St Vincents (1740).

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River Lee: runs in two channels through the city and is crossed by a series of bridges.

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Cork Vision Centre: located on North Main Street the Cork Vision Centre "explores Cork's evolution from past, through present, and onward to future development." It is an arts and recreational centre situated in the heart of the city that houses art exhibitions, recitals, receptions, launches, seminars and workshops. You can find out more information online at http://www.corkvisioncentre.com/corkvisioncentre/Main/HomePage.inc

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The National Monument: was erected to commemorate the Irish Patriots who died during the period 1798-1867.

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By Karen Anderson