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County Cork - The Rebel County

Check out what's happening in Cork City

Wild rocky view in Mizen Head, Clonakilty gourmet pub, and West Cork coastline

For the millions who have holidayed here, this county is the icing on Ireland's cake.

Whether it's the rugged landscape and rural bliss of Mizen Head and Glengariff; the charming towns of Schull and Kinsale or the cosmopolitan vibe of the city, Cork has got it all.

It combines rural bliss with sophisticated living, meaning even the smallest of towns can offer a good day out with a decent meal, a bit of banter and a spectacular beach, mountain or view of rolling countryside nearby.

In the summer west Cork is teeming with holidaymakers – sheltered coves and plenty of self-catering accommodation make it attractive to families while sailing schools, diving schools and golf, not to mention the bars and restaurants are a draw for all-comers.

Cork, the largest county in Ireland, is a proud county that takes three things very seriously indeed – sport, food and politics.

It was home to historical figures such as Irish revolutionaries Michael Collins and Terence McSwiney - who died on hunger strike in 1920 after being charged with sedition. It's for this reason Cork is known as the Rebel County or The People's Republic.

On the sporting front it has a huge hurling and rugby tradition while on the food front, Cork is a gourmet county renowned for its fresh farm produce and sea-food restaurants.

Ballymaloe House and its cook books and cookery schools is a household name and the Allen dynasty who run it – Myrtle, Darina and now Rachel have influenced Irish cuisine over three generations.

The town of Clonakilty has given its name to the eponymous black and white pudding while Mitchelstown is renowned for cheese.

It is to weather-beaten west Cork that most holidaymakers flock, with the coastal landscape and heathery retreats popular with Irish tourists.

The east of the county and inland regions of the county are known for their rich and rolling farms – many of them dairy farms supplying the cheese industry.