Places to Visit

Blackrock Castle

located 3 miles east of Cork City, was built around 1582 as a safe haven against pirates and other invaders and was then reinforced by the Lord Deputy, in 1604. The castle burnt down in 1722 and was replaced by another which was also destroyed by fire in 1827. James and G.R. Pain designed Blackrock Castle, which was built in the1828's. The present castle consists of a large circular tower with crenellated parapets resting on large corbels. To the eastern side it is joined to a cylindrical tower rising several feet above the main structure, and at the tower side can be found a watergate leading to a slipway. Blackrock Castle was used by Cork Corporation for civic functions during the nineteenth century. The castle was in private hands for many years but is now restored and used as an observatory, operated by staff from the Cork Institute of Technology,  it is open to the public and has a restaurant onsite.

Cork Butter Museum

Cork Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork, the traditional craft of home butter making and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand. In the course of this story, the commercial, social, and domestic life of Ireland is recalled.

Cork City Goal

has been restored as a highly exciting visitor attraction which set out to tell the visitor what life was like there for prisoners in the 19th century. An exciting Audio Visual

The English Market

The English Market is located in the centre of Cork City, so why not take time out from the shopping in Cork or the sightseeing and enjoy a stroll through this wonderful market. The English Market in Cork City is one of the oldest of its kind. Trading as a market since 1788 it has come through some tough years, making it one of Cork's popular institutions. The shopper can pick up great local organic produce, fresh fish from Ballycotton Seafood stall, Kay O'Connell's and more.  Freshly made pasta can be bought from Lago, olives, feta cheese, and pickles can be sourced at the Real Olive Company. The Chocolate Shop boasts having over 100 different types of chocolates to choose from! Traditional old Cork favourites such as Tripe and Drisheen can also be found in the market.  Finish off with a coffee at the Coffee Central Stall or the Farmgate Cafe upstairs and sit and watch the activity.

Shandon Steeple

Shandon Steeple the Church of St Anne in Shandon on Shandon Street is home to the famous Shandon Bells, built in 1720's is one of Cork's famous landmarks easy to see its height down in the city centre of Cork. The design of the building consists of a square tower surmounted by a lantern, on top of the lantern is a copper dome with a gilded weather vane in the shape of a salmon.  Two sides of the tower are made from red sandstone and the other two are made from limestone. The four-faced clock, made by James Mangan of Cork, was erected by Cork Corporation in 1847 and had been known as "The Four Faced Liar" as the clocks never agreed but this has since been rectified. The famous Shandon Bells can be rung by visitors.

Saint Finbarr's Cathedral

Saint Finbarr's Cathedral designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870, the Cathedral lies on a site where Christian worship has been offered since the seventh century. The Cathedral is built of Cork limestone and the interior of Bath stone and the walls are lined with red Cork marble. The foundation stone of a new building was laid in 1735 by Bishop Peter Browne. It was a small plain classical building which incorporated the tower and spire of the previous cathedral. In 1865 the medieval cathedral was demolished because it was felt to be inadequate to the dignity of a cathedral and the size of the diocese. The fine entrance gate to the 18th century cathedral still stands. The Resurrection Angel on the pinnacle of the sanctuary roof was a gift from Burges to the Cathedral. St Finbarrs Cathedral is situated in the centre of Cork City, Ireland and can be entered via Proby's Quay or Bishop Street. Tours are available for the visitor.

University College Cork

>University College Cork (UCC) located a short distance from Cork City Centre is al building of architectural interest, set on its own beautiful grounds. Established in 1845 as one of three Queen's Colleges at Cork, Galway and Belfast, UCC buildings are limestone in the Main Quadrangle designed by the gifted architectural partnership of Thomas Deane and Benjamin Woodword. It was visited for it's opening by Queen Victoria in August 1849. The style has been variously described as perpendicular Gothic, Tudor Gothic or Victorian Gothic. The site chosen for the college is particularly appropriate given its connection with the patron saint of Cork, St Finbarr. It is believed his monastery and school stood on the bank of the river Lee, which runs through the lower grounds of the university. The University's motto is ‘Where Finbarr Taught, let Munster Learn.' University College Cork is now one of four constituent universities of the federal National University of Ireland. UCC is home also to the  Glucksman Gallery, which is well worth a visit, with a cafe there also.

Fitzgerald's Park home to Cork Public Museum on the Mardyke is just a short distance from Cork City centre and the University College Cork.  Fitzgerald's Park where the visitor and local alike can enjoy a riverside walk beside the famous river Lee. Fitzgerald's Park named after a previous Lord Mayor of Cork, Edward Fitzgerald, offers a quite retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its beautiful tree lined avenues, brimming flower beds and rose garden to its many statues and sculptures and the large central fountain, this 18 acre park is a wonderful treat.  Fitzgeralds Park is a quiet haven, which has a playground for the children and a cafe to enjoy the view of the river Lee and across to the gardens and houses of the Sunday's Well area.

Collins Barracks Military Museum

Collins Barracks Military Museum where the barracks is the oldest continually occupied military building in Cork City. The fine limestone gateway has been the focal point of historic events in Ireland since the time of the Crimean War in 1856 with the return of the 17 Lancers after the Battle of Balaclava. It was the location for the handing over of the Barracks from the British Government to Commandant Sean Murray of the Irish Army in 1922, and was visited by President Kennedy in 1963. The building is important from an architectural point of view as an example of perfect scale and proportion, in Georgian Architecture. The Barracks is organized around a large square parade ground which is considered to be one of the finest in the country. In recent times the building has been renovated to include new windows and doors and an enclosed glass section to allow for observation of the Barrack Parade Ground. A plaque on the eastern wall gives an account of the timeframe of the construction of the building. The museum exhibits have 3 themes i.e. the History of the Barracks, Michael Collins and Peacekeeping. Although the core collection has a wide range of memorabilia associated with Michael Collins, it also boasts displays from donated private collections e.g. uniforms, weapons, etc.