Best 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..."

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"The newly refurbished Address Cork has everything that is needed for an unforgettable weekend away in the city. Located in the historic area of St Lukes and within walking distance from the heart of the city, this hotel is situated inside a lovely red-brick Victorian building and offers wonderful views of the city and the harbour. Rooms are elegant and many feature high ceilings and impressive balconies."

"For anyone wishing to experience the true essence of the wonderful City of Cork, what better hotel to stay than at the elegant newly refurbished Address Cork (Formerly The Ambassador Hotel). Presiding with an air of grandness from the top of Military Hill in the his. Address: Military Hill, St. Lukes, Cork City"

"On the north side of Cork on Military Hill, the Ambassador has commanding views of the harbour and city centre and combines a historic building with an upbeat, modern decor. Owned by the McGettingan Family, the hotel features one of their Cookhouse gastro-bars for relaxed, friendly dining."

"Maldron Hotel South Mall has commenced in the centre of Cork city, making it the 2nd hotel in the Maldron Hotels Cork portfolio. Overlooking the River Lee and ideally located in the heart of the city, the hotel will be situated close to all the main shopping, tourist areas and business districts. Visitors will enjoy easy access to the famous English Market, Crawford Art Gallery, Cork City Hall and Cork Opera House."

"One of the newest hotels in Cork City, Maldron Hotel South Mall is a 4-star property located in the heart of Cork City. It’s basically a perfect place to stay if you wish to be minutes from the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. Tastefully decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms are equipped with a cosy seating area, comfortable beds, and flat-screen TVs."