Free Museums in Cork

"Although only a 30-minute walk from the city centre, the gaol is enveloped in tranquil and generous grounds. The austere stone structure first opened in 1824 and operated as a prison for 100 years. Countess Markievicz – the first woman elected to the British Parliament, although she did not take her seat – was incarcerated here in 1919 during the Irish War of Independence."

"Cork's public gallery houses a small but excellent permanent collection covering the 17th century through to the modern day, though the works on display change from year to year. Highlights include paintings by... Top ChoiceMarket in Cork City"

"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."

"In a head-turning modern building unveiled in 2004, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery is at University College Cork’s main entrance on Western Road. The building won a raft of awards when it was completed, and was designed by the Irish firm, O’Donnell + Tuomey architects. The gallery has three floors of exhibition space, putting on three temporary shows a year."

"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."

"Many of the people who left Ireland on immigrant ships for the New World departed from Cobh, which was formerly known as Queenstown."

"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..."

"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."

"Fota Island Spa in Cork is a beautiful spa in the middle of a forest where you can come to rest during one of the many treatments or by the gorgeous inside pool. The Fota Island Spa in Cork also offers afternoon tea and is the perfect getaway for those planning a girls trip. In Fota Island Spa you can enjoy the steamrooms and the large inside pool with a view over the forest and meadows."

"Fota Island Resort Hotel and Spa in Cork is one of the top hotels when it comes to luxury. They have a golf course right on their property if you need a day off from site seeing. Inside this hotel they didn’t skimp on anything."

"When life gets a bit overwhelming, you can head over to the 0 gravity float spa in Cork. This spa is rated number 1 of the best spas in cork and offers clients an opportunity to switch off from the hustle and bustle of life and the near constant stimulation we are burdened with. This spa promises a way to deal with depression, pain and anxiety through their floatation tanks."

"Wandesford Quay Clarkes Bridge, Cork Ireland+353 21 432 2422[email protected]. Cork Printmakers fine art printmaking studio is a membership based artist resource, providing the space, facilities, equipment, tools and materials necessary for artists to create work through the medium of printmaking. It offers facilities in etching, photo-intaglio, screen-printing, lithography and relief printing."

"Supporting local contemporary arts and crafts, the Lavit Gallery is among Cork’s longest-established independent galleries. Located on Father Matthew Street just off the South Mall, the gallery spreads over two floors and showcases a variety of work, from landscape paintings to prints to ceramics. It is owned by the Cork Arts Society, and once a year, the gallery hosts their annual exhibition."

"The Lavit Gallery, for over 50 years, has been promoting and selling the work of local, national, and international artists, here in Cork City."