Cork, in southeast Ireland, is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, after Dublin.

Two branches of the River Lee run through Cork.

According to legend, the city of Cork was founded by Saint Fin Barr more than one thousand years ago.

The earliest human settlement in Cork that we know about is a monastery that was built in the sixth or seventh century.

Today, Saint Fin Barr's Cathedral is located on the site of that monastery. Saint Finn Barr's was designed by William Burgess in 1862 and resembles a medieval French cathedral.

By the 18th century, Cork had grown to become a major European port city, attracting many English, Dutch, Welsh and Huguenot immigrants.

Ships traveling from Europe to colonies in the Americas stopped at Cork to for supplies.

Cork's English market, which was founded in 1788, has been at its current location since the 1840s.

Today, popular cultural attractions in Cork include Cork Opera House and Crawford Art Gallery.

The building that houses Crawford Art Gallery was built in 1724 and was originally a Customs House.

Those who wish to partake in outdoor activities can visit Cork's Fitzgerald Park

Fota Wildlife Park, on Fota Island, is just 15 minutes away from the city.

Saint. Anne's Church in Shandon District, north of the City Center, was built in 1722. An earlier church on that site was destroyed during the Siege of cork in 1690.

Two sides of Saint Anne's Church are made of white limestone, the other two are made of red sandstone.

Visitors to Saint Anne's Church have the opportunity to ring the church bells. The strings on the bells are numbered and music sheets, which show you how to play various tunes, are provided.

The Firkin Crane, a famous dancing school and performance center, is located in Shandon.