Known as Corcaigh in Irish Gaelic, Éire´s second largest city (pop. 224,000) lies a 2½-hour drive south of Dublin. Ensconced between two channels of the River Lee, its history stretches back to its 6th-century founding as a monastic settlement (even earlier than Dublin), and these days amid its mostly Georgian architecture it has a maverick reputation, a cosmopolitan and progressive air, and a pretty good foodie scene (including some great international offerings, (such as Thali Nepal Restaurant, hands down one of the best Nepali/Indian eateries I´ve ever come across).

Read more in my post Our Wonderful Recent Tour of Ireland´s "Greatest Hits."

David Paul Appell