Cork City And The Celtic Tiger

Business in Cork prospered during the years of the so-called 'Celtic Tiger'. The building industry boomed due to a huge demand for new houses. Shopping thrived and new shopping centres were opened both in the city centre and the suburbs such as Mahon. This meant there were more jobs and less unemployment.

The city took on a continental air with new café bars and stylish new restaurants. The old Huguenot quarter around French Church Street, Paul Street and Carey's Lane has also been transformed. In the late 1970s these streets were shabby. Now they are among the smartest and liveliest streets in Cork city.

For the people of Cork city, the banks of the River Lee is a scenic playground. The people can enjoy scenic walks along the river at places such as Tivoli, the Lee Fields and the Marina. Many local rowing clubs have set up along the banks of the Lee.

Cork's transport newtork was improved enormously with the building of new by-pass roads and a tunnel under the River Lee. Life in Cork for many improved. Cork's main street, St. Patrick's Street, was refurbished.

St. Patrick's Street Today
Copyright Cork City Libraries

This photograph of St. Patrick's Street today shows some of the changes in Cork in recent years.