Free Museums in Cork

"Cork City Old Gaol Cork City which is located 2km from Cork's main thoroughfare, this castle like prison once housed 19th C. prisoners, often in wretched conditions. Wandering through the wings of Cork City Gaol, the atmosphere suggests you are accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates, each representing their particular period in Irish history from pre-famine times to the foundation of the State."

"The whole family will enjoy a trip to the CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, with fun exhibitions such as Cosmos at the Castle, Castle and Gunnery Tours, the interactive theatre Comet Chaser, and the BCO Labs."

"Blackrock Castle and Observatory is on the banks of the River Lee. The venue has a unique location and ambiance with a magnificent courtyard and fully restored buildings."

"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."

"Crawford Art Gallery, the city art museum for Cork, is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year."

"Another UCC building, the sleek Lewis Glucksman Gallery, designed by Irish architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, is one of Cork’s newest buildings and one of the most widely praised, having earned many accolades since being added to the campus in 2004. As well as being named Ireland’s Best Public Building in 2005, its architecture also won a UK Civic Trust award, a RIBA award and was shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize. The wood-covered gallery building was designed to fit seamlessly in with its sylvan surroundings."

"In a head-turning modern building unveiled in 2004, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery is at University College Cork’s main entrance on Western Road. The building won a raft of awards when it was completed, and was designed by the Irish firm, O’Donnell + Tuomey architects. The gallery has three floors of exhibition space, putting on three temporary shows a year."

"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."

"The howl of the storm almost knocks you off-balance, there's a bit of fake vomit on the deck, and the people in the pictures all look pretty miserable – that's just one room at Cobh Heritage Centre."

"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."

"Desmond Castle Kinsale Cork has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence."

"4 star contemporary hotel centrally located in Cork city, minutes from shopping, business, bus and trains. (8km from Cork Airport)A choice of Superior, Executive rooms or for that something very special our Penthouse. Health & Fitness Club with 18m pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym, aerobics studio and treatment therapy suites."

"Slick and modern in the heart of Cork’s commercial centre, the Clayton successfully combines business with pleasure. Road warriors can utilise the best of technical facilities, then unwind with a relaxing beverage river-side or in the spa after the rigours of the day."

"Clayton Hotel Cork City Ireland, is a 4 star hotel located in the heart of Cork city centre. Close to the City Bus Station Parnell Place and a few minutes for Kent Railway Station."

"One of Cork's leading hotels offering an exclusive product with premier service in the 4 star market. The Maryborough is a unique experience; a charming old world mansion with creatively designed extension - the perfect destination for all!. While staying at The Maryborough Hotel you will be surrounded by luxury and pampered beyond compare."

"A Georgian gem set in 14 acres of serene woods and rolling gardens, the privately owned Maryborough Hotel & Spa combines a core period-mansion with a fully modern extension for the best of both worlds. Cork’s bustling city-centre is a mere 15 minutes away."

"The Maryborough is a unique experience, a charming old world mansion with creatively designed extension at the centre of 24 acres of natural parkland."

"We are extremely lucky in Mallow to not have one castle but two, the original was burned in the 1600's and a new more modern was built in the grounds just adjacent. The old castle ruins are still there and are a sight to behold, both castles can be viewed from outside while you amble in the gardens, take your picture with a dragon or frolic in the water font."

"Ballyhooly Castle is a beautiful 17th-century manor house that is situated in the north of County Cork; one of the main reasons in which the castle is famous is for the ‘Ballyhooly Massacre’, which occurred during the Irish Civil War, even though just one person was killed. Today, the castle grounds are open to the public; many visitors are attracted to the peaceful atmosphere of the village and the beautiful scenery. Where: BallyhoolyWhen: 17th centuryStyle: GothicOpen for visit: Private Residence – can only visit the grounds."

"A 19th-century estate surrounded by pristine gardens and a fragrant arboretum, the handsome Fota House provides one of County Cork’s most splendid attractions. There’s a small fee to enter Fota Gardens, but it’s well worth the outlay; there are acres of tropical gardens to explore. You’ll also discover a unique walled garden, an Italian arboretum, a fernery and a lavish orangery."

"The guided house tour will take you on a journey through the grand décor of the principle rooms and behind the scenes to the exquisite boudoir and charming Victorian nursery."