Cork

Cork -meaning "marsh",is acity in Irelandlocated in theSouth-West Regionin theprovinceofMunster. With a population of 125,622, itis thesecond largestcity in the state and thethird most populouson theisland of Ireland.

The city is built on theRiver Leewhich splits into two channels at the western end of the city; the city centre is divided by these channels. They reconverge at the eastern end where thequaysanddocksalong the river banks lead outwards towardsLough MahonandCork Harbour, one of the world's largest natural harbours.

The city'scognomenof "the rebel city" originates in its support for theYorkistcause during theEnglish15th centuryWars of the Roses.Corkonians often refer to the city as "the real capital"in reference to the city's role as the centre ofanti-treaty forces during theIrish Civil War.