Case Study: Cork City

Smith's map of Cork from 1750 (Copy)

A map of Cork dating from 1750, showing the two channels of the River Lee. It clearly shows that Cork city centre developed in between these two channels.

Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Smith's map of Cork from 1750 (Copy)
Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Smith's map of Cork from 1750 (Copy)

A map of Cork dating from 1750, showing the two channels of the River Lee. It clearly shows that Cork city centre developed in between these two channels.

Courtesy Cork City Libraries

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Cork is in the province of Munster. The name 'Cork' is from the Gaelic (Irish) term 'Corcach Mór Mumhan'. This terms means the 'great marsh of Munster'. It refers to the fact that Cork city is built on islands. The centre of Cork city developed between the north and south channels of the River Lee. The islands were marshy and are still liable to flood after a period of heavy rainfall. As Cork grew as a city, the channels (canals) between the islands were built over. This resulted in the formation of some of the main streets of present-day Cork, such as Grand Parade and St. Patrick's Street. This makes Cork city the 'Venice' of Ireland.