Cork, located in the Republic of Ireland, is the country's second largest city and is the 3rd most populated city in the country after Dublin and Belfast. Nicknames given to the city include 'The Rebel City' and 'Leeside'. Its official motto states: Statio Bene Fida Carinis, which translates as 'A Safe Harbour for All Ships'. The city belongs to the province of Muster and in Cork County. It was founded in the 6th century and gained city rights in 1185.

The name 'Cork' is derived from the Irish word 'Corcach', which means 'Marshy Place'. Residents of Cork, known as Corkonians are known for referring to the city as the 'real capital of Ireland'. The nickname 'The Rebel' came about in 1491 after cork showed support for the English Pretender Perkins Warbeck.

Cork is known for its local traditions and the English spoken in the city is injected with a local dialect that's unique to the area.

The city is served by Cork Airport and by a local bus line. A local ferry service moves passengers from Rushbrook to Passage West and links the R624 highway with the R610. Brittany Ferries also offer a direct sea link from Cork to Roscoff in France. A link between Swansea and Wales is planned to reopen in 2009.

Places of interest in Cork include St Finbarre's Cathedral. St Patrick's Street is known for the architecture of the buildings located in it. One of the city's most famous buildings is the Tower of Shandon. The Cork city hall is another notable structure in the city. It fronts the River Lee and is illuminated at night.