Your language study trip to Ireland has barely ended, and our organization is already inviting you to start planning your next one as soon as the new school year begins! To help you do just that, the LEC teams invite you to dive into the heart of Cork…Here’s a quick look at the city!
The country's second-largest city
During a language study trip to Ireland, it is in the south of the Emerald Isle that you’ll have the chance to visit Cork. It is the country’s second-largest city in terms of population, behind the capital, Dublin. In fact, in 2011, the city had 119,230 residents—a figure that makes it comparable to a French city like Metz, for example. On the island-wide scale, Cork drops to third place, as Belfast ranks second after Dublin in terms of population.
The capital of the province of Munster
Cork serves as the capital of the province of Munster, a region you may have the privilege of exploring during an upcoming language study trip to Ireland with LEC. Colonized by the Danes, the city was later conquered by the English, beginning in the 12th century. Built on the coast, the city witnessed, in the 19th century, the exodus of millions of Irish people to America. In 2005, it was named European Capital of Culture, succeeding Lille.
From Manchester United to Game of Thrones
A center of both Gaelic culture and religion, Cork is home to a university and several museums, including the must-see Cork Museum. Soccer star Roy Keane, the iconic captain of Manchester United for eight years, was born here, as was the young actor Jack Gleeson, famous for his role as the detestable Joffrey Baratheon in the hit series Game of Thrones.
The Cork Jazz Festival
Still a major passenger and commercial port, Cork hosts the Cork Jazz Festival every year—a must-see event for anyone who loves the music of John Coltrane, Nat King Cole, and Miles Davis!