Cork (county)

Cork county (1991 pop. 410,369), 2,881 sq mi (7,462 sq km), SW Republic of Ireland. Cork is the county seat. Largest of the Irish counties, it has a rocky and much-indented coastline (Bantry, Dunmanus, Roaringwater, Courtmarsherry, Clonakilty, and Youghal bays, and Kinsale and Cork harbors). The interior has wild rugged mountains rising as high as 2,239 ft (682 m) and fertile valleys (notably of the Bride, the Blackwater, the Lee, and the Bandon). The main occupations are farming (dairying, raising livestock, and growing grains and sugar beets) and fishing. There is a growing manufacturing sector, centered around the city of Cork, which includes products as diverse as tweed cloth and electronic components. There is a large oil refinery at Whitegate. Cóbh is an important transatlantic harbor. Tourism is important, and notable attractions include prehistoric remains (dolmens and stone circles), the ruins of medieval abbeys and churches, and Blarney Castle.

Cork County and county town in Munster province, s Republic of Ireland. Largest of the Irish counties, Cork has a rugged terrain with fertile valleys and a rocky coastline. The chief occupations are farming and fishing. The Danes occupied Cork in the 9th century, but Dermot McCarthy drove them they out in 1172, and then he swore allegiance to the English throne. Oliver Cromwell occupied Cork in 1649. Many public buildings were destroyed in nationalist uprisings in 1920. The city has Catholic and Protestant cathedrals, the University College of Cork (1845), and a large harbour. Cork is renowned for its tweed and linen. Area: 7462sq km (2881sq mi). Pop. (2002 est.) 438,400.