Luxury Suites Cork, Ireland

 

Named after Cork cities old fort (sean dún), Shandon lies north of the River Lee and is the northernmost point of the medieval city. Shandon was one of a number of settlements in and around ancient Cork, with a medieval church dedicated to St. Mary built close to the site of the fort. One of the most iconic sights on the Cork skyline, the steeple at St. Anne’s Church in Shandon is famously known for the golden fish that sits on top. ‘Goldie the Fish’ is based on an ancient Christian symbol, and is also an ancient symbol of Cork city itself. 

 

The Shandon Bells are always a popular tourist destination for guests to Hayfield Manor, with visitors able to ring the iconic bells for themselves and the observation deck offering incredible views of Cork city.

 

The second largest natural harbour in the world, Cork has a fascinating maritime and export history, with its importance to the city signified by the merchant ship that adorns the City crest. Throughout the centuries Cork was seen as a vital trading port, with the quays regularly lined with merchant and cargo ships from all over the world. Some of Cork’s most notable exports included oats, wheat, beef, and most famously butter, with the development of the Cork Butter Exchange in the 1700’s, which became the largest butter market in the world. 

 

Named in honour of Henry Ford and the Ford family. The Ford families connection with Cork dates back over 300 years and continued throughout the 20th century, with Henry Ford opening his Cork factory on the 17th April 1917. This was the first factory Ford had purposely built outside of America anywhere in the world. Henry Ford settled on Cork as the place for his first factory abroad as it was in Ballinascarty, County Cork where the Ford family emigrated from in 1832 after living in Cork for over 300 years. The Ford facilities in Cork employed over 7,000 workers at their peak, making them by far the largest employer in Ireland. The Ford brand and family continue their legacy in Ireland to this day, with regular collector and vintage events taking place in Cork and beyond.