Cork is the second largest city in Ireland. Besides the city’s attractions—numerous churches, a Protestant cathedral, and breweries—tourists also enjoy Blarney Castle.

Cork Attractions
The Red Abbey, the oldest building in the city, was built in the 14th century and served as a refuge for Augustinian monks. The abbey was named for the building material it was constructed from—reddish sandstone.

Cork is also home to two other interesting religious buildings: St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Finbarr’s Cathedral. The former was built in 1808. St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, the cathedral of all Cork Protestants, was built in the 19th century on the site of older religious buildings.

St. Patrick’s Street
Another popular tourist attraction is St. Patrick’s Street. This is the city’s main boulevard, lined with numerous shops. A statue of the priest Theobald Matthew, known for his campaign against drunkenness, is a traditional meeting place for locals. The sculpture is located next to St. Patrick’s Bridge.

St. Patrick is a national treasure of Ireland. Not only are numerous cathedrals, churches, and other buildings dedicated to him, but even children’s fairy tales have been written about him.

Blarney Castle
There are several castles near Cork. Of these, Blarney Castle is the most famous and popular. Located in the village of the same name, it dates back to the 10th century. The current buildings date back to the 15th century and include a central citadel and a dilapidated tower surrounded by fortified walls.