Blarney Castle and Stone of Eloquence
Blarney
County Cork
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)21 438 5252
Blarney Castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland, and the present castle is the third to have been built on the site. Located just to the north of Cork, this ancient stronghold was the seat of the McCarthy family and dates from the 15th century. Perhaps the most famous feature of Blarney Castle, and one of Ireland’s most treasured relics, is the famous Stone of Eloquence which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Kissing the Blarney Stone is still popular with visitors to the castle today.
Cork City Gaol
Convent Avenue
Sunday's Well
Cork
County Cork
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)21 430 5022
Cork City Gaol is a faithfully preserved 19th century prison which depicts with chilling realism the wretched conditions in which some of Ireland’s most notorious prisoners were kept. The cells contain lifelike figures with special effects recreating the gaol’s grisly past, while special presentations explain the social history and contrasting lifestyles of 19th century Cork, and try to understand why some of its citizens turned to crime.
Cork Heritage Park
Blackrock Road
Cork
County Cork
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)21 435 8854
Cork Heritage Park is located in the Blackrock area of Cork. Set in 6 acres of landscaped grounds and the restored 19th century courtyard of Bessboro Estate, it provides a fascinating insight for visitors into Cork's archaeological, maritime and industrial heritage. Additionally visitors learn more about the Pike family, who lived on the estate from 1820 until 1921, about local ecology, the history of Cork's Fire Service and of its transport system. Cork Heritage Park also includes a pet farm and several play areas for children.
Cork Public Museum
Fitzgerald Park
Mardyke Walk
Cork
County Cork
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)21 427 0679
Cork Public Museum may be found in a handsome building in Fitzgerald Park. It contains a fabulous collection of exhibits, charting the history of Cork and the surrounding area from the Mesolithic period to the modern day. There are exhibits of the city’s industrial heritage, and particular homage is paid to Cork’s role in securing Irish independence.
Crawford Art Gallery
Emmet Place
Cork
County Cork
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)21 427 3377
The Crawford Municipal Art Gallery in Cork is one of Ireland’s finest art galleries, and is home to a stunning collection of more than 200 works, ranging from 18th century Irish and European artworks to contemporary visual art. The gallery’s centrepiece is a superb collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, which were brought to Cork in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome. The Crawford Art Gallery runs a programme of temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year.
Lewis Glucksman Gallery
University College Cork
Cork
County Cork
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 1844
The Lewis Glucksman Gallery is one of Ireland's newest art galleries and occupies a striking and award-winning building at the University College Cork's main entrance. Opened to coincide with Cork’s tenure as 2005 European Capital of Culture, it is a cultural and educational institution promoting the research, creation and exploration of the visual arts with display areas, lecture facilities, a pleasant riverside restaurant and a gallery shop.
St. Finbarre’s Cathedral
Bishop Street
Cork
County Cork
Republic of Ireland
St Finbarre’s Cathedral in Cork is a magnificent French Gothic style cathedral, built between 1865 and 1879. It is the seat of the Bishop of Cloyne and Ross, and is named after Cork’s patron saint, St Finbarre – a Bishop of Cork in the 6th century. The site of the present cathedral has been a place of worship since the 7th century and there were two previous cathedrals here before William Burges’ masterpiece was erected.