Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Mallow

"If you’re wondering what to do in Cork City that you can combine with a decent bit of brunch, make your way to Blackrock Castle. You can visit the castle, first, and then head off on a nice looped walk that follows a former railway line (it’s now paved). The walk stretches for 8km and takes 1.5 hours to finish, but you can follow it up with some of the best brunch in Cork at the Castle Cafe."

"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."

"First constructed as a defence against pirates and invaders, the castellated fortifications of Blackrock stand proudly over the River Lee, with a tower that spirals several feet above the castle. Razed by fire in 1722, the original building no longer stands here. Architects reproduced it in 1829, adding three new stories to its height."

"Crawford Art Gallery, a National Cultural Institution and regional art museum for Munster, is dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary. Located in the heart of Cork city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Ireland's cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year. Admission to the Gallery and to its exhibitions is free."

"Spiky spires, gurning gargoyles and elaborate sculpture adorn the exterior of Cork's Protestant cathedral, an attention-grabbing mixture of French Gothic and medieval whimsy. The grandeur continues inside, with..."

"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."

"There are few public places in Ireland quite as beautiful as Fitzgerald Park, an impressive set of gardens located on the outskirts of Cork’s city centre. The park was named after Edward Fitzgerald, who helped establish Cork’s International Exhibition in 1902; the fair showcased contemporary designs from France and the USA. The results are still visible today, namely in its lavish Exhibition-era pavilion and fountain."

"the craic of cork: top 10 things to do in cork, ireland | spend an afternoon at fitzgerald park. Cork-Public-Museum-2012. ShakeyBridgeCorkIreland"

"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."

"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 […]"

"Maldron Hotel Shandon is located in the heart of Corks historic cultural quarter, nestled by the famous Shandon Bells and on the doorstep of Cork newest premier shopping district, Opera Lane and Corks main thoroughfare St Patrick's Street."

"Corks most historic hotel centrally located nestled beneath the Shandon Bells in Corks historical quarter. Recently refurbished soon to be 4*hotel. Address: John Redmond Street, Shandon, Cork"

"The food here is reasonably priced and, according to several people we’ve chatted to, it’s a solid option if your after a hearty feed. The décor is nothing special, but the food is mouthwatering and comes in giant portions. Mushrooms on toast will set you back €6, while eggs on toast costs €6.60."

"Cafe Spresso is another lively Cork brunch spot and you’ll find it located close to the centre. Randomly enough, it’s one of the few places in Cork that serves a full Irish breakfast until midnight. The cafe has a large range of sandwiches, homemade pastries, coffee, tea and more."

"The first is Rearden’s Bar which is at 26 Washington Street. This pub generates more social activity in one night than most bars can produce in a year!. It’s known as the biggest bar in Cork and it hosts great live music every day."

"Rearden's is a traditional Irish pub with live music 7 nights a week and a big screen for sports watching. They also serve pub food till late."

"Last but not least we have Tir na Si farm which is open for families on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays for birthday parties and booked events. You can follow the nature trail, meet the friendly farm animals, visit the vegetable garden or find the fairies, there really is so much to see and do. You can also take a spin on the Farm Express Train or maybe a trip on the horse and cart followed by a game of mini golf."