A Natural Harbour
Cork city is situated at the mouth of the River Lee and at the head of Cork Harbour. Cork Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ships and shipping have always been very important for Cork.
Settlement in Cork began on the islands in the River Lee. These islands could be reached by boats, which sailed into Cork Harbour and then up the river. The first recorded settlers were monks in the 6th or 7th centuries. They were followed by the Vikings a few centuries later, and the Vikings and monks eventually co-existed peacefully. Cork city began as a Viking trading post.
Throwing the Dart
An illustration from 1855 of the 'throwing the dart' ceremony in Cork.
© Cork City Libraries.Throwing the Dart
© Cork City Libraries.
© Cork City Libraries.
Throwing the Dart
An illustration from 1855 of the 'throwing the dart' ceremony in Cork.
© Cork City Libraries.The importance of shipping to the city can be seen in the 'throwing of the dart' ceremony. According to an old charter, the Lord Mayor is Admiral of the Port. In a ceremony, dating back to the 1700s, he throws a long dart into the waters of the harbour to remind people who is in charge. The tradition was not practiced for a number of years, but has recently been revived.