Cork County’s “Rebel County” moniker dates as far back as the 15th century, to the War of the Roses. More recently, however, Ireland’s second city has emerged as one of the top destination spots for tourists since it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2005. Contemporary glass-and-steel offices and luxury condominiums now adorn the banks of the River Lee. Art galleries, performing arts festivals, bars and shops abound, and restaurants and local food producers have come into their own to make Cork a foodie paradise. A lot has certainly changed since my now husband, Ber Murphy, first brought me back to meet his family in 1989!
Ber is a Cork Man, born and bred, and I have been lucky enough to come to know his hometown over the past 20-plus years through his eyes. Isn’t he delicious? But I digress.
One of the first things you’ll notice if you’re ever lucky enough to visit Cork is that— despite unfair comparisons to its brasher, bolder sister-city, Dublin—the city exudes an unshakeable self-confidence and an identity all its own. From the unique singsong cadence of the Cork accent to the brain-teasing local slang, from its vibrant rebel history to its rich musical and literary roots, this is a place that, for many reasons, calls to me.
And so I’m off to join my love and my extended Murphy family to celebrate a new marriage, new babies, and sixth-decade milestone! Life is good. I’ll try my best to send a few posts from the Old Sod.
Smallpeace 
Michele, I hadn’t realized we had lived such parallel lives! I first met Fernando’s family (about 40 of them at once at his Dad’s 70th birthday!) in Paris in 1988! Amazing how fast 20 years goes by, especially when you have true love as a constant companion. I recognize your sentiments as Paris has become a second home to me and my heart aches every time we leave it. Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy! Sounds heavenly! I trace my ancestry back to Ireland, so must get to Cork one day!