Cork

Cork smell's like rain. Even when it's not raining, somehow the smell still lingers in the air. It's like the buildings and sidewalks have been coated so thoroughly with rain that it's impossible to wipe off. What rain even smells like is impossible to describe, but most of us have been outside after It rains, and It's a heavy scent.  But it's a scent that brings about comfort. Rain is just what comes along with being in Ireland, and stepping out into the streets and smelling rain is something I associated with my new home. 
The streets are always filled with people. Some are going to work, others grabbing food, students rushing to class. Cars break for pedestrians  and buses maneuvering their way through the tiny streets. Cork is alive during the day, and when you walk into the center city you realize that people are always around. The city center during the day is filled with people, and the shops are all lines up next to each other ranging from cute shops in nooks, to large department stores that are packed with pushing people. 
Walking the streets of Cork is refreshing. It's about a 30 minute walk into town from University College Cork, and my favorite place to go to within the city center is famous! There is a place called the English Market, it holds everything you could possibly need food wise. The name stems from the English Queen visiting It, and stating It was her place in Ireland. So after that, it was called the English Market. 
The English Market is like any large market place, but it's all inside. Venders sell fresh produce, meats, bread, seafood, jams. Really anything you could want is available, and it's all fresh. Plus, as a college student since I'm on a budget I don't like to spend too much, but the English Market has wonderful products and I can get everything I need for the week for less than two euro. The shops are set up next to each other, and it's also a place where people socialize and meet up for a cup of coffee! It's directly in the center of town, so It makes a great meeting point.
Cork holds the Blarney castle, which holds the myth of if you kiss the blarney stone at the top of the Castle, you will get the gift of gab. This castle was one of the first places in Cork that we went to, and its surrounded by lush gardens of plants, waterfalls, and other herbs. It's legend is what makes it so popular to tourists, but really it's just something that they made up to get people to come. It definitely worked. I know I fell for it.
The University of College Cork also holds a lot of history. The main quad holds a large building that looks almost medieval. It's a busy place with students always walking around, but when it's empty, it's a fun place to explore.

Cork is a city filled with views and houses perched on hills of pure green. It's always busy, but its a safe town that holds adventures, and people who make the place even better.