Ireland

Cork is Ireland's second-largest city after Dublin, and one of the country's most popular cities to visit. It's located in the south of Ireland, and is connected to two bodies of water - the River Lee and Cork Harbour. In fact, the name Cork comes from an Irish word meaning "marsh," so the city's water ties go back a long way, to when the city was established in 1185. There have been people living in this area, however, for more than 1,400 years.

Today's visitors to Cork enjoy the city's small-town feel. The city center is easily navigable on foot, and the lack of major tourist attractions right in the city doesn't stop people from having a great time. Undoubtedly the biggest tourist sight in the area is the Blarney Castle, which is an easy day-trip from Cork.