Known in Ireland as the “second city,” Cork City is, at its essence, abuzz with business, art, and culture. Known for its rebellious political history as the pedestal of the National Fenian movement, Corkonians hold their head high as a representation of Ireland's success. It is in fact the booming epicenter of commerce for Ireland's southwestern coastal corner.

Dissected by the River Lee into various subsections (called quays), the city gives way to a wide, natural harbor that once gave trading ships a direct entrance into the city.

Here are some of the best sights to check out while you are in Cork City:

Cork Butter Museum

The Cork Butter Museum (021 430 0600) invites travelers to learn about Ireland's deep-rooted history in butter exportation. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Admission 2.50/3.50.

St. Ann's Church

Arranged with limestone and sandstone façades, St. Ann's Church (021 450 5906, www.shandonbells.org) is one of Cork's most important landmarks. It houses the unreliable “four-faced liar” clock. A climb to the top means you might get to ring the bells. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 A.M.–4 P.M. Admission 5/6.

Crawford Municipal Art Gallery

A school of design turned gallery, the Crawford Art Gallery (021 490 7855, www.crawfordartgallery.ie) houses the lovely works of nineteenth-and twentieth-century Irish and international artists, including Paul Henry and Jack Yeats. Open Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday, 9 A.M.–5 P.M.; Thursday, 9 A.M.–8 P.M. Admission free.

Cork City Gaol

Deservingly the most popular sight in Cork City, the Cork City Gaol (Cork City Jail) (021 430 5022, www.corkcitygaol.com) offers an audiovisual showing, along with tours taking travelers through the reconstructed cells. Located about one mile from the city center, take a stroll here to learn about what it would have been like as a prisoner in times past. It does an exceptional job of bringing to life the horrors of the correctional system of the day. In the same edifice, the former governor's house is now the Radio Museum Experience, depicting the history of radio in Ireland and the world. Open March–October: daily, 9:30 A.M. — 5:00 P.M. November–February: daily, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Admission 4–6/7.

Old English Market

The city of Cork's most astute attraction is the famous English Market, located near the pedestrian intersection of Oliver Plunkett Street and Grand Parade. Guidebooks and food-specialty television programs alike rave about it. From gourmet blood pudding to pig's head to splendid sun-dried tomatoes, this is an epicurean's dream. Open Monday–Saturday, 9 A.M.–6 P.M. Admission free.

Cork City Tours

You can hop on and off a Cork City Tour Bus (021 425 5100) that goes to the city's most interesting sights. Or, you might opt for the moderately popular Cork City Historic Walking Tours (www.walkcork.ie, April–October, 10 A.M., 2 P.M., 4 P.M. 5/10). Both tours start at the tourist information center, on Grand Parade.