University College Cork
Where Finbarr Taught, let Munster Learn
UCC was established in 1845 as one of three Queen’s Colleges to provide access to higher education to the population of Munster. Cork was chosen for the new college due to its place at the centre of transatlantic trade at the time and the presence of existing educational initiatives such as the Royal Cork Institution and a number of private medical schools.
The site chosen for the new college was dramatic and picturesque, on the edge of a limestone bluff overlooking the River Lee. It is believed that the monastery and school of St. Finbarr are located nearby with UCC’s motto: ‘Where Finbarr Taught, let Munster Learn.’ inspired by the eary Christian saint.
The buildings in the iconic Main Quadrangle are constructed with limestone and were inspired architecturally by the great grand univeristies of the Middle Ages. The strutures were designed by the gifted architectural partnership of Thomas Deane and Benjamin Woodward. The iconic image of UCC, it is set in landscaped gardens and surrounds.
Student superstition has it that to cross the Quad before graduation, or even to set foot on the grass, is to risk bad luck and failure in exams. On conferring days, graduates gather to cross the Quad together, and get their photograph taken there. Then it is often common for graduates and their families to visit some local hotels near UCC to clelebrate their acheivements and look for to the next stage of their lives.
For visitors to UCC, View a full list of some of the unique heritage displays avavilable on the UCC Campus by clicking here.
In the 2011 QS World University Rankings, UCC received a 5-star rating and was considered the university to be amongst the top 2% of universities worldwide. UCC is considerd as one of Ireland's leading research institutes and is subdivied into four colleges: Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science; Business and Law; Medicine and Health; and Science, Engineering and Food Science.
The Kingsley is uniquely situated on the banks of the River Lee, just a short 10 minute walk from the gates of UCC, making it the ideal accommodation choice for visiting friends and family visiting with a range of competitive B&B hotel deals in Cork, The Kingsley continues to lead the way as one of the premier family hotels in Ireland.
