Cork City
At it's heart is the River Lee which lends the city a distinct ambience, especially at night when, dappled with the city lights, the tidal swell lazily pushes back up the river (thus endorsing - or explaining - the enigma of in the morning it appears to flow one way and the afternoon, the other). The river separates to form an island which is not immediately noticeable but explains the presence of water and bridges in the city centre and on this island is the centre proper.

New and old rub shoulders throughout the city which at any turn changes from wide street to narrow lane, and everywhere is afflicted by delightfully chaotic car parking which in itself helps underscore the pleasant pace of things. It is unconceivable to think of anyone getting stressed-out while driving the streets.

This said, do not mistake a slower pace for being behind the times, that the city certainly is not. It's streets encompass some of the country's finest stores and the arts in particular have special pride of place with its citizens who seriously enjoy and promote them.