On the banks of the River Lee, Fitzgerald Park is an ideal break from Cork’s city centre. Enjoy relaxed walks while admiring colourful and perfectly groomed flower displays. Learn about the city’s history at an informative museum, spot public art installations and be part of a busy schedule of summer cultural events. Fitzgerald Park opened to the public in the early 1900s and has since been one of the city’s most-loved green spaces.
Follow paths weaving around the park and alongside manicured lawns graced by majestic trees. Look for abstract sculptures and busts depicting famous Irish figures. Come to the award-winning Sky Garden, an elevated eye-shaped platform with fine views along the river. Sit near the pond, adorned by a century-old fountain, and take a moment to appreciate the park’s flower arrangements, which bloom in vivid colours in spring and summer.
See displays of Cork’s history and medieval heritage at the Cork Public Museum. Spot collections of silverware, period clothing and archaeological artifacts excavated in and around the city. Discover the role Cork played during Ireland’s fight for independence. Browse art exhibits in addition to ethnographic objects from Australia, Africa, ancient Egypt and Greece.
Throughout the summer the park hosts a series of public events. Watch free live music shows and theatrical productions. Be part of a communal picnic with a food market and street performers or take acrobatic and yoga classes. Sit beneath the stars while watching documentaries and Hollywood classics at an open-air cinema.
Additional activities for children include a modern playground, which is open year-round. It features a wooden castle, a sunken pirate ship, climbing frames, slides and swings.
The park is about a 20-minute walk from city centre attractions such as Cork Opera House and the English Market. Use public buses that stop close to the park’s main entrances.
Visit Fitzgerald Park any day. Closing times vary depending on the season. Cork Public Museum is open daily between April and September and from Monday to Saturday at other times. Admission to the museum is free.
