Cork, situated on the south coast of Ireland, is the country's second city after Dublin and the largest city in the province of Munster. Most of the city centre is located on an island in the River Lee, so there are many bridges from there to the other parts of the city.

The name Cork is derived from an Irish word meaning ‘marshy place', referring to its location on the Lee. The river flows from the city south to Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Being a major seaport, the city has as its motto Statio Bene Fide Carinis - ‘a safe harbour for ships'.

Ever since the Viking period, Cork has had a strong reputation for independence, and Corkonions often refer to their city as the ‘true capital of Ireland'. Over the last couple of decades the city has changed rapidly, with heavy investment in the city's cultural life and infrastructure. Cork was European Capital of Culture in 2005 and proved to the world what locals have known all along: the city has a unique, diverse and extremely welcoming culture.