Hidden Treasures of Cork City
Opened in 1910, the Cork Public Museum is ideally situated as it lies within the tranquil surroundings of Fitzgerald's Park. It is very easy to find your way around this museum, which also houses a caf©. After viewing the historical artefacts of Corkonian history housed within the purpose built building, a ramble around the magnificent landscaped gardens is strongly recommended. Here, there is a variety of outdoor features and sculptures. Afterwards, stroll along the banks of the River Lee at Fitzgerald's Park. It has been carefully planted to ensure it is in bloom whatever the season, and is only a short distance from University College Cork.
St. Anne's Church Shandon is famous for being the home of the Shandon Bells. Here, visitors have the chance to ascend the steeple, choose a form shape of a golden fish. The steeple was formerly called the Four Face Liar, as all four sides displayed the wrong times to people on the street below. Grey limestone was used to construct one side of the steeple, while the rest are made from red limestone. This is to honour the Cork GAA colours, which are red and white. Shandon can be reached within a few minutes on foot from Cork City - just cross the bridge.
To discover the unique and interesting history of Cork's former Butter Exchange, head to the Cork Butter Museum at Shandon. It was previously the world's largest market of this kind in the 18th and 19th centuries. The merchants who called to the city to purchase butter, which was packaged in wooden firkins and crates, bartered spices, tea, brandy and wine, amongst many other exotic goods in return. While the Dutch and British populations preferred the taste of lightly salted butter, people in tropical countries such as the West Indies were more partial to heavily salted butter.
Collins Barracks Military Museum plays an integral role in the telling of Cork's history, as Collins Barracks is the oldest occupied military barracks in the county. The museum is housed in the Old Guard Room, which dates from the early 19th century. The Barracks was built in the attractive Georgian style, with an expansive parade square in the centre. In the Barracks Museum, visitors can learn about the history of the Barracks, such as the important part that it played in peacekeeping and during the times of Michael Collins. A large selection of memorabilia is on show - for example livery, guns and pictures of seminal events such as President Kennedy's 1960s visit.
The Marina consists of a very pretty tree lined route that is perfect for walker, joggers or cyclists. It is only 15 minutes on foot from the city centre and is ideal for chilling out and unwinding. Choose from a stroll along the banks of the River Lee, or marvel at the skills of the practicing rowers - the local rowing club is a short distance away. There is also a gorgeous view of the Tivoli residences on the other side of the river. Across the road a walkway leads to the Atlantic Pond, where many water birds gather. Relax while you ramble around the perimeter of the pond, or for a longer walk that takes another 15 minutes, Blackrock Castle is also nearby.
St. Anne's Church Shandon is famous for being the home of the Shandon Bells. Here, visitors have the chance to ascend the steeple, choose a form shape of a golden fish. The steeple was formerly called the Four Face Liar, as all four sides displayed the wrong times to people on the street below. Grey limestone was used to construct one side of the steeple, while the rest are made from red limestone. This is to honour the Cork GAA colours, which are red and white. Shandon can be reached within a few minutes on foot from Cork City - just cross the bridge.
To discover the unique and interesting history of Cork's former Butter Exchange, head to the Cork Butter Museum at Shandon. It was previously the world's largest market of this kind in the 18th and 19th centuries. The merchants who called to the city to purchase butter, which was packaged in wooden firkins and crates, bartered spices, tea, brandy and wine, amongst many other exotic goods in return. While the Dutch and British populations preferred the taste of lightly salted butter, people in tropical countries such as the West Indies were more partial to heavily salted butter.
Collins Barracks Military Museum plays an integral role in the telling of Cork's history, as Collins Barracks is the oldest occupied military barracks in the county. The museum is housed in the Old Guard Room, which dates from the early 19th century. The Barracks was built in the attractive Georgian style, with an expansive parade square in the centre. In the Barracks Museum, visitors can learn about the history of the Barracks, such as the important part that it played in peacekeeping and during the times of Michael Collins. A large selection of memorabilia is on show - for example livery, guns and pictures of seminal events such as President Kennedy's 1960s visit.
The Marina consists of a very pretty tree lined route that is perfect for walker, joggers or cyclists. It is only 15 minutes on foot from the city centre and is ideal for chilling out and unwinding. Choose from a stroll along the banks of the River Lee, or marvel at the skills of the practicing rowers - the local rowing club is a short distance away. There is also a gorgeous view of the Tivoli residences on the other side of the river. Across the road a walkway leads to the Atlantic Pond, where many water birds gather. Relax while you ramble around the perimeter of the pond, or for a longer walk that takes another 15 minutes, Blackrock Castle is also nearby.
