History of Cork

The name Cork comes from the Gaelic word, corcaigh, which means ‘marsh’. The city has had a long and turbulent history, resulting in its nickname, The Rebel County. It is the birthplace of the famous Irish revolutionary, Michael Collins. Cork's history dates back to the 7th century, when St Finbarr founded a monastery on the site of the current St Finbarr's Cathedral. As a result, a settlement steadily developed around this area over the years.

Early history

The Vikings arrived in 820 AD and destroyed both the abbey and the town. They eventually managed to exist alongside the local people and built a new settlement on one of the islands in the marshes.

The seafaring and trading abilities of the Vikings proved to be of great benefit as they provided wine, salt and other commodities. The descendants of the settlers intermarried with the native Irish and became known as the Ostmen or Eastmen. They established Cork as an important trading centre and this was further enhanced with the coming to power in the 12th century of the MacCarthys of Desmond, who established Cork as their capital.

Norman conquest

In 1172 Cork, along with many other towns in the region, was captured during the Norman invasion. The Ostmen had their property confiscated and they were expelled from the city. The Normans strengthened the town's defences with huge stone walls and repelled the advances of Cromwell.

The town fell once more to William of Orange during the Siege of Cork, in 1690. It was from this point that it started to prosper and become a recognisable city. Many of the marshes were reclaimed and the canals within the city developed to allow for waterborne trade.

Remains of this period can still be seen throughout the city in the 18th century bow-fronted houses and church architecture. The prosperity of the 18th century was followed by a devastating famine, which led to the death and migration of many of the city's population.

Recent history

Cork has always prided itself on its independence, which led to violence during the Anglo-Irish and Civil wars. The Black and Tans were responsible for fires that destroyed most of the city and a wave of terror including the murder of the mayor, Thomas MacCurtain, in 1920. The next mayor was jailed as a Republican and died in a London prison after 74 days on hunger strike.

The renaissance of Cork is reflected in its nomination as European Capital of Culture in 2005. This inspired further developments in order to meet the standards expected for this prestigious award. The main street through the city centre received a makeover and street furniture and pedestrian areas were added. Regeneration work is attracting a number of new leisure activities and cultural interests. The population continues to grow and new service industries are being established.