Free Museums in Blarney

"Here, the government kept Irish rebels during the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. One inmate was none other than Constance Markievicz, the revolutionary nationalist who acted as second in command at St Stephen’s Green during the 1916 Easter Rising. Now a museum, the gaol is one of the city’s most unique points of interest."

"A certain way to strike a romantic note this Valentine’s Day is with a visit to Blackrock Castle Observatory to stargaze. The stunning castle fortress is a magical place to spend the afternoon, as you explore the galaxy and skies above. Where: Blackrock Castle Observatory, Castle Rd, Blackrock, Co Cork, Ireland When: Various times/dates How Much: Varies Link: https://www.bco.ie/"

"The Blackrock Castle Observatory may be old (the building dates back to 1582) but it’s always had an eye on the horizon. Originally, the watchtower was built to defend Cork from pirates, the Spanish, and even (in the case of one English Lord) Corkonians themselves. With walls thick enough to withstand cannon fire, it presented a formidable defense to marauders."

"Blackrock Castle is a castellated fortification some two kilometres from Cork city centre, the original building constructed in the late 16th century to protect the population from pirates and invaders. There’s an observatory too, and if you’re feeling peckish the Castle Cafe is home to some of the best brunch in Cork."

"The Crawford Art Gallery, just beside the Opera House, houses a wide array of art, from classical paintings to video installations, presented in beautiful surroundings. Fresh visiting exhibits rotate frequently, and the permanent collection is anchored by a selection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts. The on-site café, surrounded by a selection of the gallery’s artworks, is an ideal spot for recharging with a light lunch or tea and cake on vintage china."

"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."

"Located on the leafy grounds of University College Cork, at its main entrance on Western Road, this sleek gallery was unveiled in 2004 to critical acclaim, winning a tranche of awards for the Irish architecture firm O’Donnell + Tuomey, who designed it. Boasting three floors of exhibition space in a swish concrete-and-glass building, the gallery hosts three temporary exhibitions each year. The gallery’s mission is to support the research, creation and exploration of the visual arts, and it offers a genuinely fresh perspective on contemporary works from Ireland and beyond."

"The Lewis Glucksman Gallery is a striking modern structure on the lush green campus of University College Cork. Completed by O’Donnell & Tuomey Architects in 2004 and named Best Public Building by the Royal Institute of Architects the following year, the building is a remarkable frame for the art on show. A former banker from New York, Lewis Glucksman settled in Cobh, County Cork and his philanthropic efforts focused on developing Irish-American cultural relations, also establishing Glucksman Ireland House – the centre for Irish and Irish-American studies at NYU."

"Lewis Glucksman Gallery|© Lewis Glucksman Gallery/WikiCommons. Nestled at the edge of the University College Cork campus, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery is a recent addition to Cork’s gallery scene. Opened in 2004, the gallery is named after its benefactor, Dr Lewis Glucksman."

"Cobh Heritage Centre If time allows you should try to visit Kinsale from Cobh before returning to the city of Cork. Kinsale is a picturesque seaside town with some excellent boutiques and restaurants. If you are feeling hungry, the Fishy Fishy restaurant in Kinsale is very well thought of by everyone who visits."

"Desmond Castle is an impressive and historic tower house that is located in the County Cork town of Kinsale and has a fantastic heritage. It was originally constructed in around the year 1500 after it was built as the Customs House for Kinsale; it continued this function until the year 1641 before it was converted into a naval prison. Throughout the following centuries, it changed its function again, ranging from a town gaol to a workhouse."

"Kinsale's roots in the wine trade are on display at this early-16th-century fortified house that was occupied by the Spanish in 1601. Since then it has served as a customs house, a prison for French and American..."

"A 19th-century estate surrounded by pristine gardens and a fragrant arboretum, the handsome Fota House provides one of County Cork’s most splendid attractions. There’s a small fee to enter Fota Gardens, but it’s well worth the outlay; there are acres of tropical gardens to explore. You’ll also discover a unique walled garden, an Italian arboretum, a fernery and a lavish orangery."

"The guided house tour will take you on a journey through the grand décor of the principle rooms and behind the scenes to the exquisite boudoir and charming Victorian nursery."

"Kanturk Castle is an amazing historic, ruined mansion that is situated just outside of the scenic market town of Kanturk, in County Cork. The castle is believed to have been built in around 1609, by Dermot MacDonagh MacCarthy though it is believed to have never been completed, and it remained without a roof. There are some stunning architectural features, such as the grand Renaissance-style entrance, and some impressive Gothic-style windows."

"The crumbling remains of Kanturk Castle, a ruined 17th-century mansion, are stunningly atmospheric. Influenced by Tudor and Renaissance styles, with a traditional Irish castellated eastern entrance, Kanturk once provided a defence against English settlers. Now, it stands bleakly empty, surrounded by forest."

"Kanturk Castle Cork Kanturk Castle is rectangular in shape with massive square towers at each corner. The main block has four storeys, the towers have five. There is a fine Renaissance door in the first floor on the north side and a more traditional pointed door on the ground floor on the south side."

"Ballyhooly Castle is a beautiful 17th-century manor house that is situated in the north of County Cork; one of the main reasons in which the castle is famous is for the ‘Ballyhooly Massacre’, which occurred during the Irish Civil War, even though just one person was killed. Today, the castle grounds are open to the public; many visitors are attracted to the peaceful atmosphere of the village and the beautiful scenery. Where: BallyhoolyWhen: 17th centuryStyle: GothicOpen for visit: Private Residence – can only visit the grounds."

"This traditional Irish pub is a little gem located close to the River Lee. Serving Guinness and other Irish beers alongside a selection of pub food including fish and chips, pasta and seafood suppers, Dan Lowrey’s fits the criteria for a great place to spend a fun night out with friends. The pub has a lively atmosphere and the staff are friendly."

"Dan Lowrey’s Tavern is an ideal spot to stop off and line your stomach with some nutritious Irish food before hitting the busier pubs and clubs. Once the later hours come around, the bar does get busier – with louder music and heartier laughter. So you could easily stick around and enjoy!"