Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Blarney

"A certain way to strike a romantic note this Valentine’s Day is with a visit to Blackrock Castle Observatory to stargaze. The stunning castle fortress is a magical place to spend the afternoon, as you explore the galaxy and skies above. Where: Blackrock Castle Observatory, Castle Rd, Blackrock, Co Cork, Ireland When: Various times/dates How Much: Varies Link: https://www.bco.ie/"

"The Blackrock Castle Observatory may be old (the building dates back to 1582) but it’s always had an eye on the horizon. Originally, the watchtower was built to defend Cork from pirates, the Spanish, and even (in the case of one English Lord) Corkonians themselves. With walls thick enough to withstand cannon fire, it presented a formidable defense to marauders."

"Blackrock Castle is a castellated fortification some two kilometres from Cork city centre, the original building constructed in the late 16th century to protect the population from pirates and invaders. There’s an observatory too, and if you’re feeling peckish the Castle Cafe is home to some of the best brunch in Cork."

"The Crawford Art Gallery, just beside the Opera House, houses a wide array of art, from classical paintings to video installations, presented in beautiful surroundings. Fresh visiting exhibits rotate frequently, and the permanent collection is anchored by a selection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts. The on-site café, surrounded by a selection of the gallery’s artworks, is an ideal spot for recharging with a light lunch or tea and cake on vintage china."

"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."

"The incredible three-spire St Finn Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879, its location on a site where Christian use dates back to the 7th century when there was a monastery on site. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork and lived in the 6th century. Legend has it, his remains were brought to the city and enclosed on a shrine located on the site of the cathedral."

"Dedicated to the city’s 6th-century patron saint, Finbarr of Cork, this neo-Gothic cathedral was constructed in the 1870s. The cathedral has copious sculpture from biblical images to gargoyles, all designed by the building’s architect William Burges. This was Burges’ first commission at the start of an illustrious career in Victorian Ireland and England."

"the craic of cork: top 10 things to do in cork, ireland | enjoy a quiet moment at saint fin barre's cathedral. St. Finbarr's Cathedral, Cork - geograph.org.uk - 661104. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the environment, very relaxing."

"Surrounding Cork’s Public Museum, the urban oasis of Fitzgerald Park provides a riverside escape from shopping and sightseeing. A mere 10-minute walk from Cork’s centre but worlds away from city life, this is a perfect spot to take a picnic and watch the tips of mature trees skimming the Lee or venture across the ‘shaky bridge’. It also has an excellent playground and duck pond (plus the odd fairy door) offering fun for the entire family."

"Fitzgerald Park is just minutes away from UCC Campus Accommodation and Cork City centre and is situated on the picturesque bank of the river Lee. The park spans approximately eighteen acres with a new state of the art playground, manicured gardens and Cork Public Museum located at its centre."

"Camden Fort Meagher Crosshaven is a classic example of a coastal artillery fort. With lots of exhibitions and billets containing military and lots of other memorabilia of interest it is a great value family day out. Groups and School tours welcome."

"Known as ‘Pana’ by locals, St Patrick’s Street was redeveloped in 2004 and has since grown into Cork’s most popular shopping district. Since then, it has twice been awarded ‘Best Shopping Street’ status in Ireland. It’s chock-a-block with shops and notable buildings, and major retailers include Marks & Spencer, Brown Thomas, Debenhams, Eason and Golden Discs."

"Built after the Norman Invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, Ballincollig Castle has a truly rich and fascinating history. During its peak, it was inhabited by the Barrett family, who was a prominent Irish clan that originated from the Normans; this family were incredibly influential in the local area and wielded a lot of power. However, though the castle was inhabited for centuries and played a critical military role, it was left to abandonment in the year 1690; it was not until 1857 when it was renovated by the Wyse family, who restored it back to its former glory."

"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."

"St. Peter's Cork is one of Cork's oldest standing churches on one of Cork's oldest streets, North Main Street. The history of St. Peter's dates back to 1270's. Reopened in 2016 as Cork's Centre Of Commemoration for Ireland's 1916 Centenary Programme, St. Peter's is a free tourist attraction and exhibition space in Cork City Centre."

"St. Peter’s is a free tourist attraction in the heart of Cork city. With a full programme of arts and entertainment it’s a must see attraction for both tourists and locals."

"Merchants Quay is one of the major shopping centres in Cork City, boasting a number of the most popular retailers in the city. Located at the very top of St Patrick’s Street, Merchants Quay is convenient to both people who live in Cork City, or those arriving into town for a day of shopping on the high street. Merchants Quay is […]"

"The Crawford Art Gallery, just beside the Opera House, houses a wide array of art, from classical paintings to video installations, presented in beautiful surroundings. Fresh visiting exhibits rotate frequently, and the permanent collection is anchored by a selection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts. The on-site café, surrounded by a selection of the gallery’s artworks, is an ideal spot for recharging with a light lunch or tea and cake on vintage china."

"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."