Cork was founded by St Finbarr in the 7th century (around 610AD).

Finbarr was a monk and had been living with other monks in Gougane Barra in West Cork . (The River Lee rises in Gougane Barra)

The religious community in Gougane Barra had became very overcrowded so Finbarr decided to leave and form another community of his own.

He decided to followed the course of the River Lee until he came to a suitable place. The place he chose was where St Finbarr`s Cathedral now stands. Here, on the wooded slopes above the River Lee, he built a small wooden church.

Below him he could see the river wind its way through the marshy swamps towards the sea. The name 'Cork' comes from the Gaelic word 'Corcaigh' which means 'marshy place'. Finbarr was joined by many other monks who wished to pray together. Gradually a small religious community was formed and what a busy life this community had.

They lived in wooden huts , they farmed the lands around the settlement and they fished in the Lee. They also kept bees for their honey as well as made their own clothes. The community probably had a school for the sons of the local chieftains as well as a guesthouse where travellers could find shelter and food. The monks prayed many times throughout the day and they also copied holy books by hand. Local families (clans) traded with the monks and some even came to join them in their prayers.

Finbarr died sometime around 650 AD in Cloyne with his great friend St Colman, but it is almost certain that his body was brought back to Cork and laid to rest in the churchyard where the Cathedral now stands.