Cork is Ireland's second largest city, but according to the locals it's the "real capital".

The River Lee flows in two channels through this incredibly dynamic city, which includes lively pubs, historic buildings and an abundance of things to do and see. So here are 27 excuses for you to pack your bags and come visit the Rebel County of Ireland!

1. There's an incredible variety of fresh produce at the English Market

2. You can enjoy a vibrant artisan food scene that surrounds the county

3. It's home to Ireland's most renowned country house and cookery school Ballymaloe

4. There's a strong jazz influence to be felt right throughout the city – especially during the upcoming jazz festival

5. Not to mention it's home to Indiependence, one of Ireland's best festivals

6. University College Cork boasts one of the most beautiful campuses out there

7. They've raised some incredible sportsmen and women

8. You'll find the finest selection of beer, lager and stout in Cork in the Franciscan Well Brewery, which dates all the way back to 1219 – and is a cracking location to enjoy a pint

9. You can take a stroll around the stunning Fitzgerald Park (and try the shaky bridge)

10. Or visit the breathtaking Fota Island Wildlife Park

11. It's home to the famous Murphy's Stout, and the smell of hops defines the south of the city

12. And it's basically packed to the rafters with amazing pubs

13. The Marquee gigs in the summer are unmissable

14. As is the atmosphere at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on a match day

15. The tallest building in Ireland is in Cork city

16. And the River Lee that runs through the city is a great spot for a leisurely stroll

17. The gorgeous history-packed town of Cobh is a stone's throw away

18. Corkonians are the best in Ireland when it comes to being super-hospitable

19. You can spend an evening in the modern Opera House (the old one burned down, and gave Corkonians a great chance to show how they turn a crisis into opportunity...)

20. You can also head to sunny Kinsale for the day, which has a disproportionate number of top-class restaurants

21. Or go and kiss the majestic Blarney Stone

22. Or taste the delicious delights from Clonakilty

23. You could visit any one of the many Druid stone circles

24. Or experience a taste of Irish heritage at the Jameson Distillery near Midleton

25. You can capture Cork from a different angle by kayaking on the River Lee

26. Or even more daringly, try a trip to the former prison on Spike Island

27. And if you're looking for a real excuse to visit Cork – it's the people here that really make it an incredible place

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