Free Museums in Cobh

"the craic of cork: top 10 things to do in cork, ireland | experience 19th-century prison life at cork city gaol. experience 19th-century prison life at cork city gaol. Great sightseeing trip in Cork City."

"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 Observatory is a 16th century castle located about 2km from the heart of Cork city on the banks of the river Lee."

"If you’re looking for things to do in Cork City when it’s raining, lash this one on your to-visit list. Crawford Art Gallery is a National Cultural Institution and regional art museum that’s dedicated to the visual arts. The collection here boasts over 4,000 works, ranging from 18th-century Irish paintings and sculptures to a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts."

"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."

"Another UCC building, the sleek Lewis Glucksman Gallery, designed by Irish architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, is one of Cork’s newest buildings and one of the most widely praised, having earned many accolades since being added to the campus in 2004. As well as being named Ireland’s Best Public Building in 2005, its architecture also won a UK Civic Trust award, a RIBA award and was shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize. The wood-covered gallery building was designed to fit seamlessly in with its sylvan surroundings."

"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."

"The howl of the storm almost knocks you off-balance, there's a bit of fake vomit on the deck, and the people in the pictures all look pretty miserable – that's just one room at Cobh Heritage Centre."

"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."

"Desmond Castle Kinsale Cork has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence."

"Whilst not technically near the seaside, Finders Inn had to be included purely because of their culinary offering and the atmosphere inside this little gem. Their menu is varied and well thought out, and the stout is fantastic. They also produce a range of soups and pates so you can enjoy their wares long after leaving this wonderful establishment."

"143V is not in the city center, you’ll have to walk for 10-15 minutes towards the train station to find it, but it worths a visit. The brunch menu offers toasts, porridge, chia pudding, tofu scramble, pancakes… The breakfast bagel (see picture above) is the best option if you’re in the mood for Irish breakfast. Do you need a boost of vitamins?"

"143V is the only all-vegan restaurant I visited while in Cork. That’s because it was the only one. I was so pleased with this adorable little spot."

"Cafe Gusto is another spot that’s said to dish out some of the best brunch Cork has to offer. It was established in 1999 and was once the famous O’Brien coffee shop that operated since 1941. The creative force behind the cafe, Marianne, had travelled extensively around the world before returning to Cork in1998."