Stone ramparts
Open to walk.
William Murphy — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Marathon — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Vimalkvn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · John M — CC BY-SA 2.0 · John M — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Michal Gorski — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jonathan Thacker — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Vimalkvn — CC BY-SA 4.0
A seventeenth-century star fort on a hill south of central Cork, first built in 1601 outside the old city walls on high ground overlooking the whole city, which later grew until it surrounded the fort. Over four centuries its role kept changing, from fortress to army barracks, prison and police station, and small exhibitions tell those stories, including that of women held here before being transported to Australia. The highlight is the stone ramparts, open to visitors since 2014, which you can walk for a panoramic view over Cork's rooftops, church towers and the neighbouring St Fin Barre's Cathedral. Entry is free, with short guided tours for a small charge at some times, and it's a short walk from the cathedral and the English Market, easy to fit into a city-centre walk.
Open to walk.
From above.
In the exhibits.
Barrack Street, south central Cork
St Fin Barre's CathedralA three-spired Gothic Revival cathedral on the south bank of the River Lee in Co3 minutes walk4.4
The English MarketA covered municipal food market in the heart of Cork, running between Princes St5 minutes walk4.5
Shandon Bells and TowerThe historic tower of St Anne's Church in the Shandon district on a hill north o12 minutes walk4.4
Cork City GaolA castle-like old prison in Sunday's Well on a hill west of central Cork, built 20 minutes walk4.7Yes. Entry and the rampart walk are free, with short guided tours for a small charge at times.