In one case, though, it is true. Cork did lie at the center of the world - the world of butter to be exact!
I have just written an Irishman's Diary in the Irish Times newspaper about the Cork Butter Exchange. For much of the 19th century, the Cork Butter Exchange was the largest butter market in the world and Cork branded butter could be found on all continents.
Read the article here.
Entrance to the Cork Butter Exchange.
Aerial view of the Cork Butter Exchange (bottom right) and Firkin Crane (circular building in center), taken from St. Anne's Church spire (Shandon Bells).
If you visit the Shandon area of Cork City, it is worth your while to walk up the 132 steps to the viewing platform of St. Anne's Church to get a panoramic view of the Butter Exchange and the other associated buildings nearby.
The Butter Museum is just beside the entrance to the Butter Exchange and is worth a visit to get an understanding of how important this industry was to Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries and continues to be.
The Firkin Crane is also worth a visit if you are interested in dance.
