Cork

Founded in the sixth century as a monastic settlement, reputedly by Saint Finbar, and urbanised between 915 and 922 when Norse settlers established a trading port; Prince John granted its charter in 1185. The centre is an island between two channels of the Lee, which meet downstream at its eastern end and run out towards Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It was once fully walled, and remnants survive around South and North Main streets. It is called the rebel city for its support of the Yorkist cause in the Wars of the Roses.