Queen Bids Farewell to Ireland with Spontaneous Royal Walkabout in Cork - Friday, 20th May 2011: Cork’s Lord Mayor Cllr. Micheal O’Connell said that the Queen’s decision to engage in an impromptu walkabout was a testament to the huge excitement and warmth that she experienced among the thousands of people who lined the streets of Cork to welcome her.

It’s estimated that more than 30,000 people crowded into Cork City Centre from early morning to catch a glimpse of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the final leg of their historic visit to Ireland.

Lord Mayor Cllr Micheal O’Connell said, “We had expected 25,000 people to come into the City Centre but the Gardai now estimate that more than 30,000 people came to raise a cheer to the Queen and extend a special ‘Cork royal welcome’ to her. St. Patrick Street - which was fully pedestrianised for locals to celebrate - South Mall and the Grand Parade were full to capacity and it was an extraordinary sight. You could feel the energy from the crowds. It’s a very proud day for Cork City and our people and I would like to thank everyone for making the Queen’s final stop in Cork one of the most fun, relaxed and celebratory on her trips.”

Cork City Manager Tim Lucey added, “I’m delighted that Her Majesty The Queen took the time to walk around the Grand Parade and soak up the atmosphere and experience the people, the passion and everything that has made this city famous for being a City of Welcomes. It was a huge honour to host the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in Cork City and I’m thrilled that she got to enjoy a more informal and fun experience to end her stay with us in Ireland. We expect another Royal visit far sooner to Cork City than the past 100 years we’ve waited. We feel we’ve made a new friend today and we extend a hand of friendship and warm welcome to the rest of the Royal family - and indeed all our friends in the UK - to come and visit us in here Cork.”