Free Attractions in Cork County for 1 Day Only
Looking to learn more about Cork? Cork County Council are celebrating #YourCouncilDay by providing free entry to a selection of Cork County Council-owned attractions this Friday, 26th of June.
For more activities like this, check out culture and historical things to do in Cork.
What attractions will be free?
Michael Collins House
Michael Collins House is a museum dedicated to the Irish patriot and revolutionary hero, Michael Collins. The museum gives insight into the life of Cork Rebel and revolutionary war leader, Michael Collins and the battle of Irish Independence.
Irish Independence to life, while offering an insight into the life of Cork’s favourite revolutionary war leader.
The museum is suitable for all ages, using interactive displays, audiovisuals, information boards and artefacts to bring the story to life.
Located at 7 Emmet Square in Clonakilty, West Cork,
Kinsale Museum
In the centre of the town, in a 400-year-old market house, is the Kinsale Museum telling the history of Kinsale and the surrounding area through displays of an eclectic collection of artefacts and oddities, audio-visual displays, interpretive panels and a team of knowledgeable volunteers.
You’ll learn about national and international events like the 1601 Battle of Kinsale and the sinking of the Lusitania (the inquest was actually held in the museum building itself!) The museum also explores local maritime history and the curious story of the Kinsale Giant.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre
The Skibbereen Heritage Centre tells the story of the Great Famine in the 1840s, which killed over 1 million Irish people. At the museum, you can listen to personal accounts of those who experienced the Famine in Skibbereen and take a virtual tour of the sites of the Famine in Skibbereen.
Youghal Clock Gate Tower
Youghal Clock Gate Tower is an iconic building located in the seaside town of Youghal in East Cork (pronounced Yawl). It was built in 1777 and holds over 600 years of history. It has been a fortified gateway, an 18th-century prison and a family home.
On the tour, you’ll experience a different era of history on each of the four floors, while the guides (storytellers in costume) will spin you a tale or two as you journey through time.
St. Mary’s Collegeiate Church
St Mary’s Collegiate Church is a large Anglican church in Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. This church is not only the largest and most important medieval building in the town, but also the oldest church in Ireland still in continuous use
Some features of the church include:
The 13th-century oak roof structure, which is one of the oldest and finest in Ireland
The 15th-century choir stalls, which are carved with intricate designs and symbols
The 16th-century tomb of Richard Boyle, the first Earl of Cork, and his family, which is the largest and most elaborate in the church
The 17th-century alabaster monument of Sir Walter Raleigh and his son, which is located in the south transept
The 18th-century organ, which is the oldest working organ in Ireland.
(I’ve visited here myself, and the ceiling is a must-see. It’s stunning!
Cork County Council said on Instagram, “Just mention ‘Your Council Day’ at the venue for free entry. Check the website for tour times and booking information.
For More information, visit corkcoco.ie
Attractions are available to visit outside of June 26th.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
