Discover Cork

This brochure gives you an overview of just some of the main things to see and do during your visit to Cork.

Food Markets English Market – (see Things to see 7)

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Marina Market – (see Things to see 12)

Wilton Farmers’ Market – every Tuesday from 10:00-14:00. Wilton Shopping Centre

Ballincollig Farmers’ Market – every Wednesday from 10:00 – 14:00. Ballincollig Shopping Centre, Main St, Ballincollig P31 YA47 Mahon Farmers’ Market – every Thursday from 10:00-14:00. Mahon Point Shopping Centre, mahonpointfarmersmarket.com

Further information

Coal Quay Food Market – every Saturday from approx 9:00-14:00 on Cornmarket St.

For more information about where to stay, dining options, public transport, festivals, events, attractions and suggested itineraries in Cork City visit www.purecork.ie While in Cork why not call into the Cork City Tourist Information Office, 125 St Patrick’s St, Cork. T12 AE81

Douglas Farmers’ Market – every Saturday from 10:00-14:00. Outside Douglas Village Shopping Centre, douglasfarmersmarket.com

FRONT

Blackrock Village Market – every Sunday from 10:00-14:00. The Pier, Blackrock

Public Transport Cork has an extensive network of city bus services – buy your ticket from the driver. If you’re in Cork for a few days it may be worth buying a “leap card” which you can top up and use to access cheaper bus fares.

Cork City Council, Tourism Section, City Hall, Cork.

tourism@corkcity.ie www.corkcity.ie

Further information at buseireann.ie and leapcard.ie

Commuter rail trains operate from Kent Train Station to Fota, Cobh, Midleton and Mallow – irishrail.ie

Public bike scheme – bikes are available at 36 stations around the city. For visitors to the City, there is a convenient 3-Day Subscription option available for € 3. The first 30-minutes of each hire is at no charge, for longer hires a charge applies. bikeshare.ie

Things to see & do in Cork city

INCLUDES CORK CITY MAP

Published by Cork City Council

PUBLISHED BY CORK CITY COUNCIL

Opening hours were correct when going to print but are subject to change. Last admissions can be 30 mins – 1 hour before closing. Admission fees generally offer a range of discounts for seniors, students, families etc. For the latest information check the relevant website 13. Glucksman Gallery 14. Cork Public Museum 15. Fitzgerald’s Park 16. Cork City Gaol 17. Old Cork Waterworks Experience 18. Ballincollig Regional Park & Gunpowder Mills 1. Blarney Castle 2. Shandon Bells & Tower 3. Butter Museum 4. Crawford Art Gallery 5. St. Peter’s Cork 6. Triskel Christchurch 7. English Market 8. St Fin Barre’s Cathedral 9. Elizabeth Fort 10. Nano Nagle Place 11. Blackrock Castle Observatory 12. Marina Market Céad Míle Fáilte go Corcaigh This brochure gives you an overview of just some of the main things to see and do during your visit to Cork City. While you’re here we hope you also enjoy the wonderful food and drink, shopping and entertainment options that make a visit to Cork truly memorable. things to see Welcome to Cork City

8KM

N20

Church St

Camden Pl

Lavitt’s Quay

Wandesford Quay

N22

Old Blackrock Rd

10KM

BUS STATION TRAIN STATION

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Franciscan Well Brewery Tour – G Hysterical Histories – I Lavit Gallery – M Ocean Escapes - B Rebel City Distillery - A Rising Sons Brewery Tours – H Stand Up Paddleboarding - F Underground Donut Tour - J

Cork Bike Hire – A Cork City Bus Tours – K Cork City Cycle Tours - C Cork City Culinary Tour – D Cork Harbour Cruises – B Cork City Ramble – D Cork Ghost Tour – E Discover UCC Tours – N Fab Food Trail Cork – L

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

POST OFFICE

CITY HALL

N27

PUBLIC TOILETS

things to see

1 - Blarney Castle Just 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which traditionally confers the gift of eloquence on all who kiss it. Our 75 acres of gardens are a joy to explore! Featuring a deadly Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Magical Rock Close and numerous walks and trails

the gardens are a constantly changing and evolving environment and each visit is a new experience.

Open Daily: Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec 09:00 – 16:00 Apr & Oct 09:00 – 16:30 May-Sept 09:00 – 17:00

Admission: € 10- € 22 (< 6 yrs free) 021 4385252 • info@blarneycastle.ie www.blarneycastle.ie

Parts of gardens only

2 - Shandon Bells and Tower St. Anne’s Church

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, with its gold salmon weathervane, St Anne’s Church Shandon is one of the oldest churches still in use in the city. Visitors to the Tower can ring the famous Shandon Bells, climb 132 steps then experience a spectacular view of the city at 36.6m/120ft.

Opening Hours: Jan/Feb/Nov/Dec

Mon- Sat 11:00-15:00 10:00-16:30 10:00-16:00

Sun/Bank Hol

11:30-15:00 11:30-16:30 11:30-16:00

Jun-Sept

Mar-May & Oct

Admission: € 3- € 6 (tower) Free admission to church 021 4505906 • info@shandonbells.ie www.shandonbells.ie

Church interior only - on request

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3 - Butter Museum

5 - St. Peter’s Cork

The Butter Museum is a unique institution,

Every great city has its old town and, in Cork, it’s the North Main Street. St. Peter’s Cork is its highlight

celebrating one of Ireland’s great success stories, the butter trade. Located in historic Shandon, the story

and is an integral part of Cork’s history. This

begins with the central role of dairy culture in Ireland, the internationally important Butter Exchange in 19 th century Cork and the traditional craft of home butter making. Opening Hours: Mar-May: Wed–Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 11:00- 16:00 Jun–Sept: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 11:00-16:00 Oct-Nov: Wed–Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 11:00- 16:00 Dec-Feb: Weekends only Sat 10:00-16:00 Sun 11:00–16:00 Admission: € 1.50- € 5, (<12 free in a family group) 021 4300600 • info@thebuttermuseum.com thebuttermuseum.com

deconsecrated church has been beautifully restored and designed with a contemporary and tasteful style. St Peter’s has an innovative cultural and heritage programme of events, and regularly hosts exhibitions and events.

Opening Hours: Mon– Sat 10:00 – 17:00

Admission: F ree 021 4278187 • info@stpeterscork.ie www.stpeterscork.ie

4 - Crawford Art Gallery

6 - Triskel Christchurch

With an expansive national collection of artworks featuring sculptures, paintings and watercolours the Crawford is located in one of the city’s most historic buildings. As well as 3 centuries of Irish Art,

Triskel Christchurch is a fully refurbished neoclassical Georgian Church and is over 300 years old, although there’s been a church on the site since at least 1050. It was the main civic church of Cork City in the 17th Century. Features worth noting are the Townsend Window, the Modest Man and the Crypt.

the Gallery hosts many temporary exhibitions by contemporary national and international artists. Don’t miss its stunning Café and quaint bookshop. Opening Hours: Mon -Sat: 10:00 - 17:00 (Late opening Thurs 20:00) Sun & Bank Hols: 11:00-16:00 Admission: Free (Free public tours 18:30 on Thursdays & 14:00 on Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays 021 4805042 • info@crawfordartgallery.ie www.crawfordartgallery.ie

Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 16:00-21:00*, Thurs-Sun 11:00-18:00* *also home to Triskel Arts Centre, availability depends on film screening and performance times Admission: Free 021 4272022 • triskelboxoffice@triskelartscentre.ie www.triskelartscentre.ie

Crawford Art Gallery is expected to close for major redevelopment in Autumn 2024 for approx 2 years. See web for updates

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things to see

7 - English Market The iconic English Market is situated in the heart of Cork City. A covered food market, it has been trading since 1788 and is one of the oldest municipal markets in the world. Renowned for the quality and range of produce – from local fish and seafood to European delicacies as well as

9 - Elizabeth Fort Built in the aftermath of the battle of Kinsale Elizabeth Fort has watched over Cork for over 400 years. Since then the star shaped fort has been a military barracks, a convict prison for the transport of female prisoners, a food depot during the famine and a Royal Irish Constabulary

farm to fork fayre and award-winning producers. The stallholders, the produce and the atmosphere make this a unique shopping destination. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 08:30-18:00 (excl Bank Holidays) Main entrances on Grand Parade and Prince’s St

station. Enjoy panoramic city views from the restored ramparts and ancient bastions and discover our story while exploring the permanent exhibition.

Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10:00-17:00 Sun: 12:00-17:00 Closed Mondays from Oct-April Admission: F ree. Daily tour 13:00 € 3- € 5 086 103 2702 • elizabethfort@corkcity.ie www.elizabethfort.ie

Admission: Free. (Group visits must register in advance) www.englishmarket.ie

Courtyard only

Ground floor

8 - St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral Standing on the site of several earlier cathedrals dating back to 606AD, St Fin Barre’s is a

10 - Nano Nagle Place A unique oasis in the heart of Cork City with an immersive museum that celebrates the daring story

of Nano Nagle amid the wealth and poverty of 1700’s Cork. It also houses walled gardens, Nano’s Tomb, Good Day Deli Café, shop, and bookshop. The regenerated convent buildings host educational and Community projects

19th century Gothic Revival masterpiece designed by William Burges. Visitors are immersed in a rich experience of over 1,100 carvings, unique stained glass windows, marbled walls, frescoes, wood carvings, brass fittings and intricate floor mosaics alongside the historic cathedral organ in a ‘pit’ and a canon ball fired at the cathedral in 1690.

which your visit directly supports. A unique blend of history, culture, and community engagement, encouraging you to delve into Cork’s past and present.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-17:00 (incl. Bank Hols) Sun (Apr-Oct) 12:30-14:00 & 16:30-17:00 Admission: € 7- € 8 (<16 yrs free) 021 4963387 • stfinbarresoffice@gmail.com www.corkcathedral.com

Opening Hours: Tues–Fri: 10:00 - 17:00 Sat – Sun: 9:30-17:00

Admission: Museum admission € 4.50- € 7.50 Free to gardens, café, shop 021 4193580 • info@nanonagleplace.ie www.nanonagleplace.ie

Excl high altar/ chancel area

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11 - Blackrock Castle Observatory Housed in an historic 16th century fort with panoramic views of Cork harbour, MTU Blackrock Castle is home

13 - Glucksman Gallery

Visit an award-winning building within the historic grounds of University College Cork. The

to a research observatory and science centre. Take a guided tour through the heart of the castle, enjoy the wonder of our planetarium shows and immerse yourself in our selection of permanent and visiting exhibits. Delve further into space science and Ireland’s astronomy heritage with our friendly guides.

Glucksman Gallery is a cultural and educational institution that promotes the research, creation and exploration of the visual arts. Named in 2007 as one

of the 1001 buildings you must see before you die, the Glucksman is a hive of cultural activity that includes exhibitions, talks, creative workshops, art courses and gallery shop.

Castle Rd, Blackrock. T12 YW52

Opening Hours: See website for latest opening hours.

Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 11:00-17:00 (Closed Mondays)

Admission: € 6- € 9 (pre booking strongly advised) 021 4326120 • info@bco.ie www.bco.ie

Admission: Free. Suggested donation € 5 021 4901844 • info@glucksman.org www.glucksman.org

Ground floor

12 - Marina Market

14 - Cork Public Museum Situated within walking distance of the city centre in the beautiful Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork Public Museum

The Marina Market is at the beating heart of Cork’s community and food scene. With over 35 food vendors

exhibits Cork’s rich and diverse heritage. Marvel at archaeological exhibits that trace over 7,000 years of human settlement in Cork. Explore the historical exhibits that tell the stories of prominent Cork men and women who played their part in important national and international events of the last four centuries.

to choose from, there is something for everyone. Cork City’s largest indoor market has craft & trade markets every weekend and a range of events throughout the year. Open to everyone especially your dogs, 7 days a week until 8pm.

Centre Park Rd, Cork T12 YX76

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 08:00-20:00

Opening Hours: Tues–Fri: 10:00– 16:00 Sat 11:00–16:00 Closed Sun, Mon & Bank Holiday Weekends

Admission: Free www.marinamarket.ie hello@marinamarket.ie

Admission: F ree 021 4270679 • museum@corkcity.ie www.corkpublicmuseum.ie

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17 - Old Cork Waterworks Experience Built to serve an empire during a time of rebellion, maritime trade and mass emigration, Old Cork Waterworks stands

15 - Fitzgerald’s Park Fitzgerald’s Park on the Mardyke, a short stroll from the City Centre, is a beautiful 18 acre Park adjoining the River Lee. It has walkways,

proud on the Cork hillside overlooking the River Lee. Discover stories of Cork’s Victorian waterworks while exploring the former boiler & engines houses. Become a waterworks worker and unravel centuries of industrial heritage as you journey through our interactive exhibition.

an ornamental pond, a high quality inclusive playground, a lawn area with performance Pavilion, an award winning Sky Garden, a sculpture trail, café and also is home to Cork Public Museum.

Lee Road, T23 N828

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am until dusk Sat, Sun & Bank Holiday: 10am until dusk

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00 Sat/Sun & Bank Hols: 10:00-17:00 (Closed Sat/Sun/bank hols from Oct-Mar) Admission: € 3- € 5 (incl free multilingual audioguide) 021 4941500 • oldcorkwaterworks@corkcity.ie www.oldcorkwaterworks.ie

Admission: Free

Partial

16 - Cork City Gaol Located 2km from St. Patrick’s St, Cork City Gaol is suitable for all ages. With its castle like exterior this restored prison is furnished with life-size wax figures, fascinating sound effects and exhibitions telling the social history & contrasting lifestyles of 19th century

18 - Ballincollig Regional Park & Gunpowder Mills

This magnificent 150 acre park has numerous woodland walks and fine views of the River Lee. Within the Park grounds, are the very evident structures of the former Gunpowder Mills where at one time over 600 people were employed making gunpowder. The Powdermills is Ireland’s largest and most important

Cork and why some people turned to crime. Wandering through the atmospheric cell wings visitors get an insight into daily prison life at a time when high walls ensured no escape. Opening Hours: Please see website for latest opening information.

archaeological site, established in 1794, with the remains of over 100 buildings visible. With a large playground, outdoor gym, marked walking/running routes and pitches the park offers something for everyone.

Admission: (incl guidebook); € 7- € 11 (< 3 yrs free) Multilingual Audio Tour € 2pp 021 430 5022 • info@corkcitygaol.com www.corkcitygaol.com

Ground floor only

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am until dusk Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays: 10am until dusk

Admission: Free

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things to do

Cork Harbour Cruises All aboard Cork City’s unique harbour cruise. Join our family- friendly 2hr round trip guided tour along the lovely Lee, enjoying

Cork City Bus Tours See all of Cork’s history from the open top deck, hop on and off to visit the many city attractions. Cost from € 18. Departs Grand Parade (April to mid Oct). Tickets can be bought on board or online. corkcitytours.com

the magnificent sights to Cobh in the lower harbour. Or perhaps our twilight cruise for adults only. Prices from € 12.50- € 35.00. Departing from Custom House Quay. Booking required - corkharbourcruises.com

Cork Bike Hire Hire a bike and explore Cork City and surrounds at your own pace. Explore the traffic free Cork Harbour Greenway to enjoy the world’s second largest natural harbour. Wide range of adults and children’s bikes (incl hybrid and electric) for hire from the Marina Market. Costs € 12.50 - € 50 per day, € 10- € 30 half day. corkbikehire.com

Ocean Escapes

Experience high-speed powerboat adventures departing from Cork City, ideal for exciting and adventurous outings

Cork City Cycle Tour Cycle through colourful streets, city parks, and riverside pathways on this gently paced, 3 hour bike ride. Cost € 47 pp includes

with family, friends or corporate events. Prices begin at € 60pp for a thrilling 2.5 hour trip. See oceanescapes.ie for more

bike, helmet and hi viz (adults only). Departs across from 36 St. Patrick’s Quay. Booking required - beyondtheglass.ie

Stand Up Paddleboarding Learn to paddle and stand, then continue around the city going under some of Cork’s most famous bridges and past well known landmarks. Cost € 55 pp. Depart from

Cork City Ramble Guided walking tour around the fascinating centre of Cork City. Approx 1.25 hrs. Cost € 10.00 - € 19.50. Departs Tourist Information Office, 125 St Patrick’s St. Booking required - www.titanic.ie Cork Ghost Tour Take a trip through time into old Cork on streets from the 1700’s, enjoying hilarious, horrible histories, local tales, ghost stories & hysterical shenanigans! A genuinely local experience, interactive, factual, comic ( it’s some Craic!) with an odd & original slant on Cork’s diverse and dark history. Cost € 14-17. Departs Cork Opera House. Booking required - corkghosttour.ie

opposite St. Mary’s Church on Pope’s Quay. corkcitysup.ie

Note: Pre booking required for all water-based tours and most don’t operate in the winter

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things to do

Cork Culinary Tour

Rebel City Distillery

Discover Cork’s ancient fish and meat market with mouthwatering tastings. Feast on local seafood, handmade bread, award-winning cheese, gourmet sausages, and

Take a distillery tour, try a cocktail class and other unique activities at this family run sustainable distillery based in the former Ford factory. The distillery makes the award-winning Maharani Gin, Ireland’s

handmade chocolates. Tours Mon-Sat March-Dec – depart Tourist Information Office. Cost € 120. Booking required - bonner-travel.com/the-culinary-tours

only Absinthe and Rebel City Distillery Vodka. Daily distillery tours from Tues-Sat, adults only, cost € 25. Booking required – rebelcitydistillery.com Unit P6, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Rd, T12 XHP7

Fab Food Trail – Cork Enjoy a leisurely 2.5hr stroll around the city centre, tasting as you go at 6 different venues. As you enjoy the food, you’ll also learn a little about the culture and history of our lively and charming city. Aged 15+, cost € 75, Saturdays at 10.30am from Grand Parade (English Market entrance). Booking required – fabfoodtrails.ie

Rising Sons Brewery

Cork Food History Tour

Tour of award winning micro brewery with guided beer tasting. Adults only, cost € 15. Booking required – risingsonsbrewery.com Franciscan Well Brewery Ultimate craft beer experience with 1.5 hour tour and tastings. Daily tours cost € 15 or € 20 to pour your own pint. Adults only. Booking required – franwellbar.com

2-hour walking tour of the city centre with commentary on the food and drinks history of the city going back to Viking days. Visit the Butter Museum and English Market with 5 food product tastings. Tues – Thur at 10am. Cost from € 59. Booking required – activitydays.ie Underground Donut Tour

Enjoy a friendly, fun & sweet toothed walking Historical Tour of Cork’s ancient city. You’ll fill up with fun facts and the best donuts & croissants, churros & hot chocolates in Cork. Daily tours start from the Dulce Bun House, 48 Oliver Plunkett St, Cost approx. € 60. Booking required - undergrounddonuttour.com/cork-historic-doughnut-tour

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Hysterical Histories (dinner theatre)

Self Guided Walks Cork is a compact city which is easily explored on foot. A variety of guides and maps to help you explore Cork’s historic core is available on corkcity.ie/en/things-to-do/ parks-outdoors Ardú street art

Discover Cork’s ancient history and become acquainted with our hilarious

characters. Enjoy local food, served up with live music and plenty of personality as you engage with the actors. Leave with a belly full of food, a warmth in your heart and a new skill, having learned how to “speak Cork”.

While exploring Cork City it’s impossible to miss the giant murals which inject a burst of colour and vibrancy across the city. Find out more about this striking street art from the artists through a free self guided audio tour on arducork.ie

Cost € 32 - € 52. Booking required - www.hystericalhistories.ie Lee Sessions Traditional Music

While you’re in Cork don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional Irish music session. Most evenings there will be a number of music sessions in certain city centre pubs - check out leesessions.com for details

Heritage orienteering for all the family Follow the clues to discover architectural gems hidden in plain sight in the historic heart of Cork city. Trail maps and clues for Shandon and South Parish available at corkcity.ie/en/things-to-do/parks-outdoors/orienteering

Discover UCC Tours

Visits the Aula Maxima, Queen Victoria Statue, Ogham Stone Collection, Honan Chapel, Crawford Observatory and grounds.

ISLAND CITY – Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail

As you stroll through the city centre keep an eye out for the exciting new addition to the urban landscape –

Cost € 5 pp. Departs Visitors Centre, Main Quadrangle, UCC.

the Island City Urban Sculpture Trail. 5 new artworks are located on the city centre island, each illuminating the city’s unique heritage in an intriguing and playful way. Watch out for prehistoric artefacts brought to life in 3D, an art-nouveau inspired

No booking required - www.ucc.ie/en/visitorservices/tours/public/

Lavit Gallery Enjoy the work of Cork-based and Irish artists at the Lavit Gallery with a range of exhibitions showcasing emerging and established artists and craftspeople – and

retail offering at various price points. Wandesford Quay, Clarke’s Bridge.

lamp, a light installation (winter months) and lane-length overhead sculptural piece and then take a rest at the Urban Mirror table and seating – don’t forget to look up while wandering! Free trail map from Tourist Office or corkcity.ie/islandcity

Open Tues-Sat: 10:30-18:00 lavitgallery.com

1. Blarney Castle 2. Shandon Bells & Tower 3. Butter Museum 4. Crawford Art Gallery 5. St. Peter’s Cork 6. Triskel Christchurch 7. English Market 8. St Fin Barre’s Cathedral 9. Elizabeth Fort 10. Nano Nagle Place 11. Blackrock Castle Observatory 12. Marina Market things to see

13. Glucksman Gallery 14. Cork Public Museum 15. Fitzgerald’s Park 16. Cork City Gaol 17. Old Cork Waterworks Experience 18. Ballincollig Regional Park & Gunpowder Mills

N22

10KM

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