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About the Cork, Ireland Program

The Cork program is a USAC specialty program during the summer term and a partnership program during the semester terms. Learn more about on-site program elements and the city itself below.

About Cork

A view of historic buildings, the river and bridge in Cork, Ireland.

  • Distance from Dublin: 160 miles
  • Distance from Killarney: 54 miles

Cork, the second largest city in Ireland, is located near the southern coast of the island. The city is a busy seaport and home to a large number of industries including electronics, pharmaceuticals, brewing, and food processing. Recognized as a European Capital of Culture, Cork boasts international arts, film, and jazz festivals, a lively performing arts scene, and a growing artisanal culture of cafés, restaurants, markets, and boutiques. There is a good mixture of educational, sporting, and cultural interests in the city. Among Cork’s cultural offerings are an art school with public painting and sculpture galleries, an opera house, three performing arts theatres, and a city museum. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on the local football team, Cork City FC, at Turners Cross Stadium in the southern part of the city. Also known as Ireland’s food capital, there are plenty of culinary delights to savor – fresh produce at the iconic English Market, traditional Irish fare at local pubs, and several Michelin star restaurants.

The environment surrounding Cork is as varied as it is beautiful. The city is situated on the River Lee, at the head of the inlet of Cork Harbor – with the sea just to the south, mountains, hills, and river valleys to the north and east, and the well-known Lakes of Killarney a couple hours to the west. Nearby attractions include Blarney Castle and Gardens, the quaint seaside towns of Cobh and Kinsale, the Ring of Kerry, and the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way.