the quays cork

Although the river now plays only a minor part in the city's economy, much of Cork's commercial activity still takes place around the Quays (pronounced 'kays' in the Cork accent). The south Mall, which covers an arm of the River Lee, was a waterway until the late 18th century. Boats were once moored at the foot of a series of stone steps, some of which are still intact today. These led to merchants domestic quarters above. The arches below led to warehouses where goods were unloaded .