Maps & Walks

Many of the buildings which participated in this event are not normally open to the public or else would charge an entrance fee. However glimpses of these fascinating buildings can be caught by following the routes outlined below.

Copies of brochure and maps can be downloaded here.

File icon Cork Heritage Open Day brochure 2011 (3,590KB)
File icon Open Day Walking Routes Map (1,102KB)

1. Steps and Steeples Walking Route

Buildings on this walk are:

Everyman Palace Theatre

Cork Baptist Church

Cork Trinity Presbyterian Church

Military Museum Collins Barracks

Heineken Murphy’s Brewery

St Anne’s Shandon

North Monastery - An Mhainistir Thuaidh

Skiddy’s Almshouse

The Firkin Crane

Civic Trust House

Cork Arts Theatre

Cork Opera House

Crawford Art Gallery

Plaques near this walk are:

Griffith Bridge

Fire Mark Signs

The Steps and Steeples walk encompasses not only some of the amazing buildings on the North Side of the city, but also some of the most spectacular views. This walking route involves hiking up some of the steep hills of the city and through some of the city’s fascinating historic areas.

2. Customs and Commerce Walking Route

Buildings on this walk are:

City Hall

Webworks

Custom House Port of Cork

Clarion Hotel Penthouse

The Imperial Hotel

The Pavilion

Plaques on this walk are:

Corn Cure Advertisement

GAA meeting

The Customs and Commerce walk follows the river and showcases some of the old and new commercial buildings in the city. These buildings track the commercial history of Cork City and highlight its many industries over time. For the more energetic walker this route can be combined with the Medieval to Modern walking route.

3. Medieval to Modern Walking Route

Buildings on this walk are:

Unitarian Church

Masonic Hall

Triskel Christchurch

Cork Circuit Court House

Cork Vision Centre @ St. Peters

Plaques on this walk are:

Armorial Plaque

Cockpit Lane

The Medieval and Modern Walk weaves through the streets and lanes of what was once medieval Cork. Many of the historic buildings on this route have been renovated and conserved and now have a modern function, which is often very different from its original use. For the more energetic walker this route can be combined with the City Centre – Customs and Commerce walking route.

4. Saints and Scholars Walking Route

Buildings on this walk are:

Quaker Meeting House and Graveyard

South Presentation Convent Grounds

Elizabeth Fort

The Deanery and Gardens

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

CIT Crawford College of Art and Design

Backwater Studios, Cork Printmakers and CIT Wandesford Quay Gallery

Plaques on this walk are:

Bowling Green

St John’s Market

The Saints and Scholars route lies to the South side of the city and takes in the birth place of Frank O'Connor and the burial place of Nano Nagle. The route encompasses places of learning and places of worship finishing up at South Gate Bridge with fabulous views of the magnificent St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. 

5. Life and Learning Walking Route

Buildings on this walk include:

Boole Library, UCC

The Crawford Observatory, UCC

Lewis Glucksman Gallery, UCC

Cork City Public Museum

Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks

Blackrock Castle Observatory

Fota House

Plaques on this walk are:

IRA Cork Brigade

The Life and Learning walk lies to the West of the city. This walking route highlights the historic record of life in Cork from early times to modern day, the industrial heritage of the city as well as highlighting the renowned seat of learning, which is UCC. This walk begins in the leafy grounds of University College Cork. Stroll leisurely around the Main Quadrangle, Honan Chapel and the Glucksman before visiting the City Public Museum and the converted Victorian waterworks, which is now the Life Time Lab.

 Blackrock Castle Observatory is easily accessible by bus or car or a brisk half hour walk along the beautiful Marina Walk.  Fota House lies to the east of the city; the magnificent house and gardens are well worth a visit.