Cobh (Cork), Ireland

Ireland’s second-largest city, Cork takes belligerent pride in its history of rebellion. It was founded in the 4th century by St. Finbarr, for whom its first cathedral is named. Hardly less sacred to its citizens is the Cork City Gaol, where its rebel heroes often resided. Visit the Crawford Art Gallery for its collection of native Irish painters, and Blarney Castle for a look at feudal history. Further afield, nearby Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown, has an Emigration Centre tracing the history of the great Irish diaspora.