IRELAND 2012: Cork City and Blarney Castle

Myself at University College Cork

In Scotland, we have our national capital Edinburgh. And then we have Glasgow, our other main significant city on the central belt.

In the Irish Republic, there's Dublin which is the capital. And then there's Cork - regarded as the second biggest city in the Republic of Ireland.

But why do you think I tried to draw a comparison between Scotland and the Irish Republic's main cities? You may have already guessed but, like in Scotland between Edinburgh and Glasgow, there's a little rivalry between the Irish Republic's two main cities.

Since the Irish liberated themselves from British rule, Cork has been popularly referred to as "the real capital" because it was the central point where opponents of the Anglo-Irish treaty were based during the Irish Civil War nearly a century ago.

But despite being smaller in terms of population of the current capital, Dublin, it remains as a major city in the country attracting investment from all over the world and housing a substantial proportion of the Irish population in the south of the country at approximately over 100,000 people.

Flowing through the middle of the city is the River Lee, dividing the city yet a super help if you're looking for a artistic view of the city centre. Particularly when the sun is out.

Sadly, again, this was another day of my trip when the sun just wasn't prepared to pop through the skies. But that didn't stop me from walking around the city centre, University College Cork and even making a trip to Blarney Castle in County Cork.

There's quite a fair bit to do in the city centre. You could treat yourself to some home made produce in the English Market. It is very popular not just amongst local people but tourists as well. Whether you want some fresh organic produce, fresh items from the bakery or even something delicious from the fishmonger then look no further.

Blarney Castle, County Cork

If you love spending your money then Cork is blessed with a centre full of shops. But the highlight of the city, in my humble opinion, is walking to one of its most famous institutions - University College Cork. Its been around for over 150 years and is a highly regarded educational institution across these islands. It is the educational heart of the province of Munster. The quad area on campus is blessed with some extraordinary architecture. It even reminds me a little of St Andrews in Fife.

And finally, Blarney Castle. The home of the world famous Blarney Stone. Sadly I didn't get to kiss it, because I'm such a coward. I was frozen with fear when I reached the top of the castle only to find that I was exposed to a major height down below if I had to kiss the stone. Even though the lovely gentlemen at the top tried to encourage me to do it, I just couldn't. But I still got to see it. Does that still count?