Cork is the largest of all the Irish counties, and in many ways the most varied.
Rich farmlands and river valleys contrast with the wild sandstone hills of the west. Above all there is the magnificent coastline, scooped and fretted by the Atlantic into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden strands.
The main features of County Cork include the long valleys of the River Blackwater, the Lee Valley and the valley of the River Bandon. Roads in general follow the river valleys. The county of Cork covers just less than 3000 sq. miles and the capital of the county is Cork City at the mouth of the River Lee.
The northern part of County Cork has high mountains and is totally different in character to other parts of the county. The western part of the county is a most important tourism area with its many miles of coastline and spectacular scenery. The inhabited islands of Cork are also located off the West Cork coastline. The islands are very special places and are well worth visiting for a day visit or longer break. Cork is an important dairy county.
