SPOTLIGHT ON CORK WELCOME TO CORK, IRELAND Cork is a proud city of approximately 150,000 people that sits on the River Lee and at the head of Cork Harbour, the second biggest natural harbor in the world. It is a city of renowned learning with a world-class university and many specialist colleges. It is home to a thriving business economy that includes giants in the pharmaceutical and technology industries. With more than 24 festivals, a rich music and arts history, and successful professional sports teams, Cork was recently named the European Capital of Culture. Contents Climate and Geography 02 Cost of Living and Transportation 03 Visa, Passport, Language, and Currency Information 04 Lifestyle, Sports, and Attractions 05 Culture, Shopping, and Dining 06 Schools and Education 07 GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS l SPOTLIGHT ON CORK l 01 SPOTLIGHT ON CORK Cork Climate Graph 100oF 10 in. CLIMATE 80oF 8 in. The climate of Cork, like the rest of Ireland, is mild oceanic and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. Temperatures 60oF 6 in. below 32°F (0°C) or above 77°F (25 °C) are rare. 40oF 4 in. Cork has an average of roughly 48 inches (1,228 mm) of precipitation annually, most of which is 20oF 2 in. rain. The low altitude of the city, and moderating influences of the harbor, mean that lying snow very rarely occurs in the city itself. Cork is also a JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC generally foggy city, with an average of 97 days High Temp Low Temp Precipitation of fog a year, most common during mornings and during winter. Average High/Low Temperatures Low / High Despite this, however, Cork is also one of Ireland's January 37oF (3oC) / 45oF (7oC) sunniest cities, with an average of 3.9 hours of o o o o sunshine every day and only having 67 days where July 54 F (12 C) / 66 F (19 C) there is no "measurable sunshine", mostly during and around winter. Average Precipitation Rain 47 in. (1,200 mm) Snowfall 2 in. (25 mm) GEOGRAPHY Cork City is second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and sits in the middle of County Cork – the largest county in Ireland. The city sits on the south coast and is bordered by the four counties of Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary & Waterford. The city’s Gaelic name of Corcach Mór na Mumhan or the ‘Great Marsh of Munster’ says a lot about its location with it actually being built originally on a group of fortified islands in the middle of River Lee. In the 19th century these were covered over to form most of the streets we see today. In fact most people don’t realize the original river channels still run beneath them. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS l SPOTLIGHT ON CORK l 02 SPOTLIGHT ON CORK COST OF LIVING Just like any medium-sized city, Cork has an array of different neighborhoods that range from poor to very expensive. However, when compared to Dublin, Cork is very reasonable, as it is less expensive in almost every cost of living category than the capital city. Living costs in Ireland do depend on your location, employment, and circumstances. Below are the median home purchase price and median monthly rent for the city of Cork. Key Metrics Median Home Price Median Monthly Rent €192,598 €1,137 Approx. $208,150 USD* Approx. $1,229 USD* *Based on exchange rate at the time of publishing TRANSPORTATION Airport Cork Airport (ORK) Bus and Rail Cork's Kent Station is the main railway station in the city. From here, services run to destinations all over Ireland. The Cork Suburban Rail system also departs from Kent Station and provides connections to parts of Metropolitan Cork. Public bus services within the city are provided by the national bus operator Bus Éireann. Long distance buses depart from the bus terminal in Parnell Place to destinations throughout Ireland. Other Ferries are used to reach locations in and around Cork, as well as destinations across the Irish Sea and the English Channel. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS l SPOTLIGHT ON CORK l 03 GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS l SPOTLIGHT ON CORK l 03 SPOTLIGHT ON CORK VISA AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS Type of Business Visas The Business Visa is the typical visa issued to business travelers. Note that visa requirements are dependent on the nationality of the traveler. While some nationalities are required to obtain an entry visa from the Irish Embassy or Consulate General in their home country, visa-waiver nationals do not require a visa to enter the country but will be subject to immigration controls upon arrival in Ireland. Basic Requirements 1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment; 2. Valid passport. For relatively new passports, copies of previous passport are also required; 3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Ireland; 4. No intention to permanently reside in Ireland; 5. A ticket for onward travel from Ireland; 6. If the applicant has ever been refused entry to another country, this must be stated and the original refusal letter from the authorities of that country submitted; 7. Proof of funds; 8. Evidence of travel/medical insurance. EMPLOYMENT PERMITS Basic Requirements The principle visa category for temporary employment in Ireland is the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Employment Permit. This is a category for employers to sponsor approved skilled workers to work in Ireland on a temporary basis. Note that there are nine different categories of Employment Permit in Ireland including, but not limited to permits FIRICI CORCAIGH (CORK FACTS) designed for foreign nationals to fill critical skills positions, fulfill contractual agreements for services, and to complete internships. Language Please reach out to Envoy for more details of these permit categories. The language spoken in Cork is English. Street signs and official buildings are signposted in both English and Gaelic, the Process Overview indigenous Irish language. Despite this, you are highly unlikely The process for obtaining an ICT Employment Permit is as follows: to hear any Gaelic spoken on your travels across town. You 1. ICT Permit Application – filed with the Department of Jobs, are, however, likely to come across a lot of cursing in casual Enterprise, and innovation (DJEI) in Ireland; 2. Entry Visa – for visa conversations. Relax, it does not carry the same connotations it nationals only; 3. GNIB Registration – within 90 days of arriving might in other languages. in Ireland, the employee and any accompanying dependents will be required to register their presence with the Garda National Currency Immigration Bureau (GNIB); 4. Re-Entry Visa – visa nationals who will The currency in use in Cork is the Euro. Cash machines (ATMs) need to travel outside of Ireland during their assignment will need to are widely available. Most hotels, shops, restaurants and some obtain a multiple-entry visa to exit and re-enter Ireland. bars accept all major credit cards. If you plan on visiting a pub it is advisable to bring some cash. You will also need cash for *This summary is intended for informational purposes only and is not an authorized taxis and most public transport. The exchange rate (at time of guide on how to obtains work authorization publishing) is $1 USD = €0.93 Euro. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS l SPOTLIGHT ON CORK l 04 SPOTLIGHT ON CORK LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT Grounded, witty and irreverent, “The People’s Republic of Cork” likes to set itself apart from the rest of the country. The rebellious attitude that was present during the War of the Roses still resonates within Cork’s inhabitants. However, the people are extremely friendly and fun-loving. With year-round festivals, historic castles and cathedrals, and wonderful museums, people in Cork never lack for something amazing to do. SPORTS Pro Teams Cork Constitution - Rugby Avondale United FC - Football (Soccer) Cork City FC - Football (Soccer) Major Venues Knights Stadium Temple Hill Turners Cross Other Sports Australian Rules Football Car Racing Cricket Gaelic Games Sailing OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE Parks and Trails Fun Attractions Historic Sites Discover More Cork Heritage Park Blarney Stone Blackrock Castle cork.ie Fitzgerald's Park Church of St. Anne Blarney Castle cork-guide.ie Lough Park Fota Wildlife Park Cork City Gaol discoverireland.ie Richmond Hill Funderland Dundanion Castle ireland.com Tramore Valley Park Garnish Island Elizabeth Fort visitcorkcounty.com GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS l SPOTLIGHT ON CORK l 05 SPOTLIGHT ON CORK SHOPPING & DINING Cork's Delicacies From Malls to Markets Located at the mouth of a harbor in southern Ireland, The retail trade in Cork city includes a mix of modern shopping Cork is full of fresh seafood. Its lush countryside provides centers and family owned local shops. Other shopping arcades dairy, produce, and livestock. Of course being a major ferry are in the city center, including the Cornmarket Centre, terminal, food influences come from all over the world. Merchant's Quay Shopping Centre, and a retail street called Thoughts of beer may start with Beamish and Murphy’s "Opera Lane." but craft breweries, such as award-winner Rising Sons, as Cork's main shopping street is St. Patrick's Street and is the well as Elbow Lane, the Franciscan Well, and the Cotton Ball most expensive street in the country per square foot after Brewing Co, provide character in a pub scene that is thriving Dublin's Grafton Street. Cork is home to some of the country's in Cork. leading department stores. ART & CULTURE Cork has some wonderful, historic theaters that attract top acts from around the world. There are also many museums and art galleries in Cork that will engage the minds of visitors of all ages.