Cork

:For other uses of Cork, see Cork (disambiguation). Cork City redirects here, for the football club, see Cork City FC

History

Cork is a historic city, with the city charter being granted over 800 years ago by King John in 1185. Cork has its beginnings in a much earlier monastic settlement, founded by St Finbar. Over the centuries, much of the city was rebuilt, time and again, after numerous fires and attacks by Vikings or Norsemen. 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. In 1825, over 1800 Irish residents depart from Cork to emigrate to Peterborough, Ontario, Canada assisted by Peter Robinson (who organized the scheme on behalf of the British Government). This results in the area known as "Scott's Plains" being renamed "Peterborough" as a tribute. The centre of Cork was gutted by fires started by the Black and Tans in the War of Independence, part of the British government 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.

Related Topics:
King John - 1185 - St Finbar - Viking - Norsemen - Mayor of Cork - 1318 - 1900 - Peterborough, Ontario - Black and Tans - War of Independence - British government - Irish Civil War - Treaty - National Army

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Railway heritage

Cork city was one of the most rail orientated cities in Ireland. It has boasted a total of perhaps 8 stations at various times. The main route, still much the same today, is that from Dublin. Originally terminating on the city's outskirts at Blackpool, the Glanmire tunnel now connects it to the city centre terminus (nowadays actually a through station) of Kent Station. The town of Cóbh, on Great Island, east of the city, is also connected — though the route originally had its own terminus perpendicular to the current station. This also connected to the East Cork seaside town of Youghal, until the 1980s.

Related Topics:
Dublin - Blackpool - Terminus - Kent Station - Cóbh - 1980s

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Other rail route terminating or traversing Cork city were the Cork, Blackrock and Passage railway, lines to Macroom and Blarney, as well as the famous West Cork Railway connecting Bantry, Skibbereen, Clonakilty and many other West Cork towns. West Cork trains terminated at Albert Quay, across the river from Kent Station (though an on-street rail 'system' connected the two for rolling stock and cargo movement).

Related Topics:
Macroom - Blarney - West Cork Railway - Bantry - Skibbereen - Clonakilty

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The city also boasted its own tram system until the beginning of the 1930s, which ran from the City Centre out to the suburbs. Placenames today still tell of the routes, such as Tramway Terrace in Douglas.

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All that remains of the once-extensive public transport system is the line to Dublin (also serving Mallow, County Kerry and Limerick) and that to Cóbh. The only rail projects currently under consideration are an enhanced suburban service along the current lines, and a connection towards Youghal (probably only as far as Midleton).

Related Topics:
Mallow - County Kerry - Limerick - Youghal - Midleton

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