Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Cork

"The whole family will enjoy a trip to the CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, with fun exhibitions such as Cosmos at the Castle, Castle and Gunnery Tours, the interactive theatre Comet Chaser, and the BCO Labs."

"Blackrock Castle and Observatory is on the banks of the River Lee. The venue has a unique location and ambiance with a magnificent courtyard and fully restored buildings."

"The red-bricked Crawford Art Gallery is located right in the heart of the city, near the celebrated Cork Opera House and is at the core of the city’s culture. Developed from the former Custom House of Cork, the gallery is one of the city’s oldest at over 200 years old. Although the gallery houses a permanent collection of classic works, such as the antique statuary from the workshop of Antonio Canova, it also boasts a large, modern exhibition space."

"Crawford Art Gallery, the city art museum for Cork, is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year."

"St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a must for anyone who loves Gothic architecture. Dedicated to the patron saint of Cork, visitors are awed by the cathedral’s spires, immense stained glass windows, and incredibly detailed stonework. Built between 1865 and 1879, the cathedral’s history goes back to the 7th century—to when St. Fin Barre himself reportedly founded a monastery at the same site."

"The 19th century Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a fabulous example of Gothic Revival architecture and a must see for any visitor to Cork. Open every day except Sunday, the sculptures and carvings in the interior and exterior make it well worth the visit."

"Ashley recommended Fitzgerald Park in Cork, she says, “The playground is phenomenal. Lots of sensory things and a huge wooden castle structure with ladders, bridges and slides. Its location is beautiful and the park has a cafe."

"Cork’s main thoroughfare is also south Ireland’s prime shopping street. St Patrick’s Street came about in the 18th century when the city grew beyond its Medieval walls. Since the start of the 2000s the city has made a few pedestrian-friendly changes to St Patrick’s street, like a redesign of the pavement by the architect Beth Gali in 2004, while since March 2018 road traffic is prohibited between 15:00 and 18:30."

"Known as ‘Pana’ by locals, St Patrick’s Street was redeveloped in 2004 and has since grown into Cork’s most popular shopping district. Since then, it has twice been awarded ‘Best Shopping Street’ status in Ireland. It’s chock-a-block with shops and notable buildings, and major retailers include Marks & Spencer, Brown Thomas, Debenhams, Eason and Golden Discs."

"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."

"St Multose founded a monastery here in the 6th century AD and this church is named for him. Built in 1190 (the oldest building in Kinsale)but with substantial alterations over the years, this remains an interesting example of Norman architecture and has remained in continuous use to the present day."

"Another defensive building constructed to help citizens, Elizabeth Fort was built in 1601, although in 1603 at the death of Queen Elizabeth I, a revolt in the city saw the castle being attacked and seized by the locals. When English reinforcements arrived and re-established control, the good people of Cork were forced to pay for its repair. It was rebuilt in stone in the 1620s and played a pivotal role in the siege of Cork in the 1690s."

"Many people that I chat with that are planning to visit Cork tend to miss out on Elizabeth Fort for some reason. Elizabeth Fort is a 17th-century star fort in Cork City that was built to act as a defensive fortification outside of the city walls. Over time, as the city expanded, it started to grow around the fort, making it redundant."

"University College Cork, founded in 1845, is an easy walk from the town center. The gorgeous campus is full of ivy-covered, Hogwartsian buildings, an impressive green quad, and awesome Irish history (we’re thinking specifically of the wonderfully odd “Stone Corridor”, filled with gravestones carved with ancient runes). UCC is as gorgeous as Trinity College in Dublin—but you’ll be able to enjoy its regal grounds without huge crowds."

"UCC is arguably one of the most popular places to visit in Cork City, and you don’t need to be a student to explore the grounds. University College Cork was founded in 1845 and opened 4 years later in 1849 with 23 professors and 181 students. One of the reasons a visit to this place tends to be regarded by many as one of the best things to do in Cork City is that it’s home to loads of things to see and do."

"Built after the Norman Invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, Ballincollig Castle has a truly rich and fascinating history. During its peak, it was inhabited by the Barrett family, who was a prominent Irish clan that originated from the Normans; this family were incredibly influential in the local area and wielded a lot of power. However, though the castle was inhabited for centuries and played a critical military role, it was left to abandonment in the year 1690; it was not until 1857 when it was renovated by the Wyse family, who restored it back to its former glory."

"You’ll find Cork Public Museum in the middle of the gorgeous Fitzgerald Park, where it has been exhibiting Cork’s rich heritage since 1945. The museum’s exhibitions offer an insight into Cork’s extensive civic, political, military, and cultural histories that make the county what it is today. Visitors to the museum can marvel at archaeological exhibits that trace 7,000+ years of human settlement in Cork and delve into historical exhibits that tell the stories of many prominent people from the county."

"Cork Public Museum is housed in a two storey Georgian house commanding a central position in Fitzgerald Park, Cork. Originally built in 1845 by the Beamish family, it eventually housed the Cork International Exhibition of 1902 and 1903. The site of the exhibition was opened as Public Park in 1906."

"Cork City Old Gaol Cork City which is located 2km from Cork's main thoroughfare, this castle like prison once housed 19th C. prisoners, often in wretched conditions. Wandering through the wings of Cork City Gaol, the atmosphere suggests you are accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates, each representing their particular period in Irish history from pre-famine times to the foundation of the State."