Cork
The Ultimate Guide: Best 7 Things To Do In Cork For Free!
The Ultimate Guide: Best 7 Things To Do In Cork For Free!
Cork, also known as “The Rebel County” is a dazzling and captivating place that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The best part? There are exploratory and enjoyable activities you can do for free! From the majestic nature trails to lively music festivals held outdoors, Cork has an array of things you can do without having to spend any money. Whether it's visiting one of the many historical sites or perusing art galleries, Cork provides travellers with plenty to explore on a budget. With so many possibilities available at no cost, there's no reason why anyone shouldn't visit this scenic city located in Southern Ireland. So what are you waiting for? Come and discover the beauty of Cork while experiencing its rich culture without spending too much cash!
In this blog post we:
- List the best places to visit for no charge at all
- Show all places on an interactive map to help you locate each place easily.
Cork many options for places to visit for free on your trip to the historic city. You could see over 3,000 pieces of art at the Crawford Art Gallery, walk around the walls of the Elizabeth Fort or check out the many sculptures and monuments at Fitzgerald Park. Click on each name to be taken straight to the blog post for that place.
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Other Blog Posts From Cork
We write lots of blog posts from each individual area and have a few more from the city of Cork. Have a look at our other blog posts by clicking the buttons below:
Museums and Galleries
Crawford Art Gallery
Explore an extensive range of European and Irish art at the Crawford Art Gallery, a National Cultural Institution. Get up close with over 3,000 pieces ranging from eighteenth-century painting and sculpture to contemporary video installations. A key highlight is the Greek & Roman casts on loan from Vatican City's famous museum! Uncover masterpieces spanning five centuries in one place - everything from renowned photography displays to impressive sculptures by talented local craftsmen await you here!
Triskel Arts Centre
For 40 years, Triskel Arts Centre has been at the centre of Cork City's cultural life. Home to a range of performances and events from musical concerts to literary gatherings, this stunning neoclassical Georgian Church provides an elegant backdrop for today’s vibrant city spaces – containing cutting-edge theatre with Corcadorca Theatre Company as well as contemporary art exhibitions in its own dedicated gallery space. Experience culture like never before by visiting one of Ireland's most unique venues!
Cork Public Museum
Cork Public Museum is a must-visit for all lovers of history and culture! Located in the prestigious Fitzgerald Park, delve into 40,000 intriguing objects that bring to life Cork City's rich past. From silverware to ceramics and memorabilia dating back centuries - you’ll be sure to find something fascinating lurking around this two storey Georgian house. Unearth some spectacular archaeological discoveries like Ireland's oldest pick & shovel from Mount Gabriel as well as the Garryduff Gold Bird – an intricate relic designed with fine medieval craftsmanship which will astound visitors young or old.
History and Culture
ELIZABETH STAR-SHAPED FORT [CORK]-118710 by William Murphy under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Elizabeth Fort
Elizabeth Fort otherwise known as Dún Eilíse, has become a permanent fixture open to the public. First erected in 1601, the building has served many purposes - from being attacked by locals during its early days, to housing convicts awaiting transportation overseas, used for law enforcement activities and even acting as food storage against famine! While visitors climb the fort walls they can take in all that their city skyline offers them; with centuries of history before them one can only imagine what stories these ancient walls have seen unfold beneath their gaze!
The English Market
Boasting a rich 350-year history, the English Market is an iconic destination bustling with delicious produce. Established in 1610 by King James 1st and remodeled after being destroyed by fire in 1980, this covered market caters to locals' culinary needs offering them a variety of food items from fish and fruits to meats and vegetables both local as well as imported - creating an unforgettable marketplace experience!
Walks and Nature Trails
Fitzgerald Park
From its lush greenery to awe inspiring sculptures, Fitzgerald's Park has been a beloved destination of Cork citizens and visitors alike for generations. Named after Edward Fitzgerald — Lord Mayor of the city and Exhibition Committee chairman who organised the Cork International Exhibition – this 18 acre park on Mardyke Walk envelops you with its tranquil atmosphere. Besides being home to the historic Cork Public Museum and Sky Garden, it also features various sites such as artworks from Seamus Murphy (including one dedicated to Michael Collins), a beautiful waterlily-covered pond plus plenty more playground opportunities for the kids!
Ballincollig Regional Park
Regional Park Ballincollig is a haven of natural beauty and history, situated on the South bank of the River Lee. A playground for recreational activities like sports pitches, skate parks and river walks, it also offers abundant picnic spots amidst soaring trees and winding trails. Along with its National Monument status, the park is also home to an 18th-century Gunpowder Mill complex giving ample places to explore! Home to birds in flight or bats at rest and diverse plants around unspoilt habitats; spend an afternoon to see all this rewarding greenery has to offer here.
Map
Use the map below to locate all the places mentioned to create an itinerary for your trip.
Open Google Maps to see distance information between locations and directions on how to get to each place.