Cork Landmarks and Monuments

(Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland)

Apart from spectacular church towers, the most notable landmarks and historic monuments in Cork and its surrounding towns tend to concentrate on the famous rebel leaders and patriots during the now-ended hundreds' of years' fight for freedom and independence, in mainly Catholic southern Ireland.

Such men as Wolfe Tone and Michael Collins gave their lives for Mother Ireland in this highly-controversial and violent struggle and all are remembered in Cork, especially on St. Patrick's Day, March 14th.

Particularly impressive landmarks in Cork include St. Finbarre's Cathedral and St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Anne's Church Shandon, the City Hall and the National Monument.

St. Finbarre's Cathedral

Address: Bishop Street, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 496 3387
The spires of St. Finbarre's Cathedral tower over the River Lee close to the city centre. Successor to two previous cathedrals, the present Gothic Revival version was constructed in the 1880s. The cathedral's sanctuary roof holds the spectacularly gilded Resurrection Angel, linked to local superstition which states that if the image falls the end of the world will follow. Of note, this particular spot has been used as a place of worship for almost 1,500 years.
Open hours: May to September, Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 17.30, Sunday - 12.30 to 17:00; October to April, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 12.45, 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: outside service times, adult charge, discount for under 18s and students

St. Mary's Cathedral

Address: Roman Street, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 430 4325
The Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne is the Mother Church for the dioceses of Cork and Ross. Built in 1808 in Neo-Gothic Revivalist style, its square tower and limestone fascias are in stark contrast with St. Finbarre's Cathedral, and its magnificent timber columns and 30 carved oak statues are worth seeing. The price of admission includes a small guide booklet, which provides an insight to all of the main features of interest.
Open hours: outside service hours, Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, outside service hours

St. Anne's Church Shandon

Address: Church Street, Shandon, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 0 21 4450 5906
Located within the district of Shandon, the magnificent tower of this early 18th-century church has become nothing short of the city's symbol, with this important landmark being all the more easy to spot due to its hilltop setting. Located to the north of the city centre, St. Anne's has an attractive interior, which includes a historical timber panelled balcony supported on four wooden columns. Particularly famous are the eight bells, which are immortalised in the popular Irish song - 'The Bells of Shandon'. St. Anne's Church offers good views of the cityscape below, as well as the River Lee.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Blackrock Castle Observatory

Address: Castle Road, Blackrock, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 435 7917
Set on the confluence of Lough Mahon and the River Lee, the site was originally home to a defensive tower, destroyed by fire in 1722 and rebuilt several times until 1829, when the present structure was completed. Since then the castle has been offices and a private residence and is now a well-equipped state-of-the-art observatory, with a sideline in education.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge for guided tours

National Monument

Address: Grand Parade, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Commemorating the uprisings of 1798, 1803, 1848 and 1867, this attractive monument, unveiled in 1906 on St. Patrick's Day, features sculptures of rebels Wolfe Tone, Thomas Davis, Michael Dwyer and Peter O'Neill Crowley, together with 'Mother Erin' The National Monument is described as being Irish-Gothic in style and features four small steps, with a moulded plinth and ornate arches.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Elizabeth Fort

Address: Barracks Street, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 492 4757
This massive structure, set on a limestone outcrop looming over the city, was built in 1624, and named for Queen Elizabeth 1. Much of the fort is still in good condition, as it was used successively as a prison, a military base and a police barracks. During the 1922 uprising the barracks were burnt to the ground by rioters and rebuilt. The new viewing gallery offers superb city views.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Michael Collins Monument and Centre

Address: Castleview, Woodfield, Clonakilty, Near Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 023 884 6107
Clonakilty was Michael Collins' birthplace, and the centre dedicated to him is now a national monument. The local museum displays a permanent Collins Exhibition, and his statue stands in the town square. Guided tours are by appointment, and interpret the life and times of the patriot warrior.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10.30 to 17:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 14:00 Saturday, mid-June to mid-September; Sundays, groups only by appointment
Admission: charge

City Hall

Address: on River Lee, Cork, Republic of Ireland
This massive white limestone structure, a softer version of the Art Deco style fronted by the River Lee, was opened in 1936 and paid for by the British Government, in reparation for their burning down of its predecessor in 1920 during the War of Independence. Cork City Hall is an amazing sight from across the river, appearing rather like a grand waterfront palace, and remains an important historic landmark to the struggle.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free