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Choose Cork

Ireland's second-largest city is full of culture, charming people and an array of indigenous and multinational companies.

Why relocate to Cork?

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Known as the ‘Rebel County’ and ‘The Real Capital’, Cork is the largest county in Ireland. Situated on the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way, it is every photographer’s dream, with rolling hills, hidden coves, and arguably some of the best beaches in the country. Certainly, the city itself—scarce a millennium-old—breathes history from every stone. Named European Capital of Culture in 2005, Cork City is home to lively art, food, shopping and sports scene.

The busy local economy is supported by a number of third-level institutions. University College Cork (Ireland’s first 5-star university) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) are just some of the institutions ensuring this county is at the forefront of Irish education and cutting-edge research. A city on the rise, Cork is set to be the fastest-growing city in Ireland in the next 20 years. Yet never do their people lose track of the craic, charity, and charm that make Corkonians famous the world over. Thus, it’s easy to see why it has been voted the third friendliest city in the world!

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Business Environment

Cork is home to indigenous and multinational companies and leads at the forefront of many industries, including Pharmaceutical, Medical Technology and ICT, amongst others. Therefore, numerous organisations are choosing this county as their home due to the vibrant city life, cheaper rent and relatively shorter commutes to/from work. Recently, Collins McNicholas conducted a Tech Talent Survey which highlights the growing opportunities in the ICT sector and has many testimonials from individuals who relocated to Cork.

You can view current job opportunities in the Cork area here.

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Area of Interest – Kinsale

One of the most renowned areas in Ireland is Kinsale, in West Cork, which was voted the food capital of Ireland. Kinsale is a scenic, traditional Irish seaside town, steeped in history with Charles Fort being one of its key attractions. In particular, lauded by lovers of music, food, and artists alike, it was deservedly awarded the “Top Foodie Town in Ireland in 2018”. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, various sporting activities and walking tours, Kinsale really has it all; a beautiful and popular destination along the Wild Atlantic Way.

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Testimonials

Alexandra Varlot Testimonial - Choose Cork
Alexandra Varlot - French Account Manager for Voxpro

I worked in Dublin and Belfast in the past but had never even visited Cork before, so it’s nice to be in a different place. Generally, I think that people make the place and I’ve met some really nice people, so now it feels like home.

Currently, I live in Mahon and my commute to work is much nicer now than in the past – and shorter too. It’s a five-minute cycle along the lake and it’s a beautiful way to start the day with the pink and orange sunrise reflecting on the lake. In comparison to Dublin, life in Cork is much more affordable. I’m renting a large house with three friends and we even have a gym room. That sort of lifestyle wasn’t affordable when I lived in Dublin.

For me, the best thing about living here is the social environment and how authentic, kind-hearted, helpful and encouraging the people around me are; that’s what makes Cork a great place to relocate to.

Joe Driver - EMEA Sales Director for AlienVault

In 2006, I was working in London at a recruitment consultancy placing candidates into IT/finance organisations, when my Irish girlfriend said she wanted to move home. While my lengthy daily commute from Cambridge to London was getting to me, I didn’t know if I wanted to up sticks and live in Cork. Also, I wasn’t sure it was the right move for my career. So, I did some research and quickly realised the potential and opportunities in the South within my current field and in high tech. Then, we packed up and moved.

Once in Cork, I quickly landed a job at another recruitment consultancy, on a higher salary and with a much shorter commute. While I enjoyed recruiting, I decided I wanted to move into high-tech sales. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of promising high-tech opportunities and secured a role at Dell EMC as a sales manager. After three and a half years, I was approached by a cybersecurity start-up, AlienVault, to help launch their EMEA headquarters. In four years, AlienVault has expanded its Cork team to over 40 employees to support the hundreds of new customers and MSSPs in EMEA. In addition to this, I personally have had a rapid progression in my career path at AlienVault.

Finally, looking back, moving to Cork was the right decision. It has provided tremendous opportunities for me career-wise and is a very liveable, fun and family-friendly city. Consequently, my then girlfriend is now my wife and we have two children.

Joe Driver Testimonial - Choose Cork

Family Life

Most noteworthy, Cork is a wonderful place to raise a family, with a wide range of amenities available in both the city and county. The county has a large number of educational facilities, numerous primary and secondary schools and multiple third level institutions, including University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology. There is a very proud sporting tradition with Cork City Football Club, Munster Rugby and numerous GAA teams representing the region. Also, it boasts sporting icons such as soccer player Roy Keane and Irish Track & Field Athlete Sonia O’Sullivan as local sporting heroes.  There are many fun family attractions available in Cork, including Blarney Castle, Mizen Head, Fota Wildlife Park, and the annual Glow Cork Christmas Markets – just to name a few!

Cork Family Life

Lifestyle

Cork was voted the “Capital of Culture” and it is easy to see why – home to such events as the annual Cork Jazz Festival and Culture Night. The city has a bustling theatre scene with Cork Opera House and The Everyman Theatre – there’s always something to entertain you!  From music to sports, nature, historical walks, culture and entertainment – it has something to please everyone. It has many local wonderful cafés, shops and restaurants, and these continue to grow every year. The county boasts literary and entertainment greats as natives, such as Frank O’Connor, Graham Norton and Cillian Murphy. Here Corkonians warmly welcome tourists from all over the world who visit Ireland’s largest county for its beautiful beaches, legendary food and lively culture.

Cork Lifestyle - CIT
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