Second city of Ireland after Dublin, Cork has the appearance of a capital city, a status that its 210 000 inhabitants ardently claim. Cork is home to several historical monuments, art galleries, museums, theaters and countless typical pubs. Taking advantage of the current benefits of the European Union, many European students choose Cork for their studies and many French people can be found here. Like Ireland as a whole, the city has experienced a rapid economic growth, thanks to the importance of its port nestled in a huge bay, and to the establishment of leading companies. This prosperity (unfortunately slowed down by the 2008 recession) has not erased the beauty of the landscape and the kindness of the inhabitants.Affectionately referred to as "the real capital of Ireland" by its residents, Cork has a proud tradition of resisting English rule. Indeed, it was here that the 1492 rebellion against the King of England took place, and since then it has been known as "Rebel Cork" - the local sports teams are nicknamed "The Rebel".Compressed between the two arms of the River Lee, the center of Cork is very concentrated and it is not difficult to find your way around. This is what makes the city so pleasant, and it is easy to identify the key points. St Patrick Street is the backbone of the city center, always bustling, with its many stores, bus stops serving the outlying areas and its alleys that connect it to Oliver Plunkett Street, the most nightlife street. The city center is easy to navigate, starting from Grand Parade, another major shopping street. Cork also offers a stroll along its quays, where contrasts accumulate: large shopping malls or small second-hand shops, elegant houses or disused buildings, neo-Gothic churches or old, worn-out pubs. The general optimism of this city with its very young population makes it an ideal place to stay for a long time. It's nice to be able to count on a lively and joyful local nightlife when you come back from a walk in some of the surrounding villages.

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