Cork — The Rebel County

The number of Irish language speakers in Ireland has risen dramatically since 2011. In 2016 there were just under 4,900 people living in County Clare alone who speak Irish. This represents a 49% increase in Irish speaking residents compared to 2001. In County Kerry, where there are around 5,500 Irish language speakers, the number rose by nearly 40%. In both counties, the majority of those who speak Irish live in urban areas. In County Clare, 78% of Irish speakers live in towns and cities, while in County Kerry it is 79%. However, in rural areas Irish speaking communities still exist. In County Clare, 23% of Irish speakers live outside of urban centres, while in County Kerry this figure stands at 25%. The growth of Gaelicisation has been attributed to several factors. One is the fact that many young people choose to learn Irish because it is seen as a way to preserve the culture. Another factor is the increasing popularity of Irish music among younger generations. Finally, the economic downturn in Ireland has had a positive effect on the number of Irish speakers. Many Irish speakers became unemployed during the recession, which forced them to seek work abroad. When they returned home, they brought their knowledge of Irish with them.

Cork County is home to the biggest collection of Irish castles and gardens outside of Ireland. These include the world famous Blarney Castle, the ruins of the medieval city of Clonakilty, and the beautiful gardens of Ballymaloe House. There are over 1000km of beautiful beaches along the coastline. Many of the towns and villages boast stunning scenery and there are many great walking routes nearby. Inland there are plenty of things to do. You could take a trip to the Blarney Stone, visit the historic town of Kinsale, go fishing off the coast, or enjoy some golfing.

There are over 10,000 native Irish speakers living in County Kerry alone. In addition, there are more than 5,000 students attending Irish classes in County Cork. And according to the latest census figures, more than 4,900 people use the Irish language daily outside of the education system. The Irish Language Act 1998 states that Irish must be taught in primary schools in Ireland. However, it does not require secondary school teachers to teach Irish. This means that many students do not learn Irish during their secondary schooling. Despite this, the number of Irish speakers continues to grow. In fact, there are now more Irish speakers than English speakers in Ireland. In 2016, the Irish government launched a campaign called "Irish Is Now", encouraging everyone to learn the language.

Cork County is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Ireland. Located near the village of Skibbereen, it is believed to date back to around 3200 BC. This site is known as Loughscrohan Bog, and it is located within the Burren National Park. The bog is thought to contain the oldest evidence of human habitation found in Ireland. Archaeologists believe that people lived here during prehistoric times due to the presence of animal bones, tools and pottery fragments. These items have been dated back to around 3000 BC. There are many different ways to experience the area including walking, cycling, horseriding, fishing, golfing, and sailing. You could even go kayaking or canoeing. The county contains three UNESCO World heritage sites, making it a great location for families looking for adventure.