However, as time passed, Cork transformed into a bustling urban center, and its growth can be traced back to the arrival of Norseman (Viking) settlers between 915 and 922.

These settlers founded a trading port, which helped establish Cork as an important trading center in the global Scandinavian trade network, much like Dublin.

Despite the influx of Norsemen, the ecclesiastical settlement continued to thrive alongside the Viking longphort, and the two developed a symbiotic relationship.

The Norsemen provided essential trade goods that the monastery could not obtain, while the church provided a safe harbor and, possibly, military aid to the Viking traders.

Today, Cork’s rich history can be experienced through its numerous museums and historical landmarks, which offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Any art or culture enthusiast should make sure to visit this city to explore its vibrant history.