An age-old Medieval bulwark privy to some of Ireland's greatest treasures, the profoundly impressive Blarney Castle stands amid rolling green expanses. Though a host of structures have stood on this spot since 1200, the extant Blarney Castle and its surrounding grounds were constructed in 1446 by Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster. King McCarthy is said to have helped Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots, by supplying him with military aid, and in return, Robert the Bruce gave the King McCarthy half of the Stone of Scone, which many people know as the legendary Blarney Stone. Part of the rectangular fortress' time-weathered facade, the Blarney Stone is the subject of a generational legend. It is believed that kissing the Blarney Stone will give one the 'gift of gab' - an ability to flatter others eloquently. Today, visitors to the castle travel from far to wander around its stunning grounds, explore the nooks and crannies of the castle, and, of course, kiss the Blarney Stone.
One of the most important buildings in the city center, the Crawford Art Gallery is host to a good collection of Irish artists, both contemporary and historical, including James Barry, Nathanial Grogan, Walter Osborne, Jack B. Yeats, Tony O'Malley, and Louis le Brocquy. Some of Cork's present-day working artists are also represented, including Vivienne Roche, Maud Cotter and James Scanlon. A new wing has just been added for the purpose of exhibiting modern contemporary art from Ireland and abroad. After browsing through the exhibits, be sure to check out the Crawford Gallery Cafe where you can enjoy some fine food in pleasant surroundings. Check website for more details.
Firkin Crane is the dance central of Cork, Ireland. The school has several classes and workshops in a variety of forms including ballet, contemporary, pole fitness and so on. There are also several professional courses to choose from. Firkin Crane also has a residency programme called the Blank Canvas that is completely dedicated to dance research. The space includes studios, a health and wellness center, accommodation for the residential artists as well as a theater for performances.
This 18 acre site with a Georgian house was presented to the Cork Corporation in 1907 by the Cork International Exhibition Association. The site became Fitzgerald Park, a lovely garden in a clean part of the city. The building, known as the Shrubberies, was first turned into a museum in 1909. It became the location for the Municipal offices after the burning of the city hall by the Black and Tans, and re-opened as the present museum in 1945. The collections cover local history and date back to the Mesolithic period, with particular emphasis placed on civic regalia and the trades and crafts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Other collections include Cork silver and glass and delicate Youghal lace.
Located in a historic building that was a former church, Triskel Arts Centre is an amalgamation of cinema, music and visual art. Each month, the center presents a varied schedule of events, featuring artists and performers from both, home and abroad. Guided tours are available of the venue every Tuesday and Thursday to explore the history of the church.
Whether you’re staying in or visiting the city of Cork, Ireland, the weekends are a perfect opportunity to visit Camden Fort Meagher. It was built in the 16th Century as a part of the costal defense system for the country, and continues to be a prime example of the defensive architecture of the era. The fort is known for its Brennan Torpedo exhibit and has additional fame as the only 9/11 commemoration exhibition outside of the United States of America.
The Signal Tower is one among the series of towers built in response to the looming threat of a French invasion. Then, the historic tower served as a strategic vantage point. Today, the tower serves as a prominent attraction of the town, offering stunning panoramic views of the picturesque vistas. Standing at the crown of the tower, one can enjoy views of the lucid seafront coupled with sightings of avian wonders such as puffins, guillemots and peregrines among others. Adding to the allure of this spot is the Lusitania Museum, which retells the chilling tale of RMS Lusitania, an Irish vessel torpedoed by a German U-boat, which caused immense loss of life.
An age-old Medieval bulwark privy to some of Ireland's greatest treasures, the profoundly impressive Blarney Castle stands amid rolling green expanses. Though a host of structures have stood on this spot since 1200, the extant Blarney Castle and its surrounding grounds were constructed in 1446 by Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster. King McCarthy is said to have helped Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots, by supplying him with military aid, and in return, Robert the Bruce gave the King McCarthy half of the Stone of Scone, which many people know as the legendary Blarney Stone. Part of the rectangular fortress' time-weathered facade, the Blarney Stone is the subject of a generational legend. It is believed that kissing the Blarney Stone will give one the 'gift of gab' - an ability to flatter others eloquently. Today, visitors to the castle travel from far to wander around its stunning grounds, explore the nooks and crannies of the castle, and, of course, kiss the Blarney Stone.
Charles Fort is a 17th-century relic of Kinsale. Built at the commission of King Charles II, the fortress served defense purposes as a military fort. Designed by William Robinson, the star-shaped citadel has witnessed several momentous events of the country’s history, which include the Williamite War of 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Take a guided tour of the fortress to learn about the rich history of the country through the lens of the magnificent Charles Fort.
Whether you’re staying in or visiting the city of Cork, Ireland, the weekends are a perfect opportunity to visit Camden Fort Meagher. It was built in the 16th Century as a part of the costal defense system for the country, and continues to be a prime example of the defensive architecture of the era. The fort is known for its Brennan Torpedo exhibit and has additional fame as the only 9/11 commemoration exhibition outside of the United States of America.
Cork School of Music is a part of Cork Institute of Technology. The architecture of this building is most modern and the interiors state-of-the-art. This school of music has many graduate and post graduate programs and has produced some very good musicians. Completely equipped with the best facilities; the institute has a large auditorium, music recording studios, theatre rooms, Piano labs, percussion studios and much more. Located at the center of the city, this place is well-accessible. Cork School of Music has a rich history and is well-known in Europe.
The Farm at Grenagh was founded in 2012. True to its name, the Farm offers a beautiful pastoral experience to all those that visit it. Comprising of a property that spans across 40 acres (16.18 hectares), the enterprise introduces visitors to a traditional Irish method of farming and animal-husbandry. Tractor Ted, a much loved children’s character, makes a stop at Gremagh, teaching children all about life on a farm. The farm-trail also has a 1960’s historical village experience.