As parents, we know how expensive it can be to keep the kids entertained, so we’ve put together a list of our favourite free things to do with children in Cork. Whether you’re stuck for kids’ activities on a rainy day or just looking for something new to do at the weekend, here’s our round-up of free family things to do in Cork.
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Lewis Glucksman Gallery
The Lewis Glucksman Gallery is on the campus of UCC, just a 10-minute walk from Cork city centre along Western Road, and it’s open to the public all year round. The award-winning building includes display spaces, lecture facilities, a riverside restaurant and a gallery shop.
Free family art workshops are held on Sunday afternoons. Led by practising artists, these fun, interactive sessions invite children (and their parents!) to try everything from painting and sculpture to drawing and collage, and they’re open to all ages. There’s no need to book ahead — just bring your imagination and get creative.
The Lough
If you’ve a few crusts of bread going spare, why not bring them along to your local lake or duck pond and let the children feed the ducks and swans? The Lough in Cork is a lovely shallow freshwater lake and one of Ireland’s oldest protected areas, home to a wide range of wildlife. Alongside the nature on show, there are pleasant walks around the lake, grassy spots for a picnic on a fine day, and a playground for the kids.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Blackrock Castle, formerly Mahon Castle, is a 16th-century castle about 2km from the heart of Cork city on the banks of the River Lee. It’s now home to Blackrock Castle Observatory, a science centre with exhibitions, workshops and an observatory that make science come alive for kids.
Blackrock Castle Observatory holds regular events throughout the year, and many of these — including its Open Days — are free. Activities typically include family-friendly workshops, talks and interactive exhibitions.
Historical Sites in Cork
Cork has a wealth of historical sites, including stone circles at Drombeg, Reanascreena and Kealkil, along with standing stones, wedge tombs, round towers, fulacht fiadh and many other megalithic monuments. These sites are fascinating for children, and the history behind them even more so.
Family Walks in Cork
In Cork, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to walks:
- Cultural walks such as through the stone corridor in UCC, where you’ll find Ogham stones dating from 300–600AD.
- A stroll around Crosshaven or one of the many other seaside towns to watch the boats.
- A hike in the Galtees.
- Get closer to nature with some of our favourite nature walks for the family in Cork.
Beaches in Cork
Cork can boast some of the most spectacular coastline in the country — and alongside the scenery, that means fantastic beaches dotted around the place. Most beaches in Cork are sandy, perfect for sandcastle building, kite flying and burying Dad in the sand, and some have lovely rockpools that are great for crabbing. Some family favourites include:
- Claycastle Beach in Youghal, a beautiful beach with public toilets, parking and lifeguards during the summer.
- Garrylucas Beach in Kinsale (pictured above), a sandy beach beside the R604 with public toilets and parking.
- Warren Beach, Rosscarbery, a sandy beach reached by turning off the N71 at Warren Cross, with a pitch and putt, car parking and toilet facilities nearby.
Playgrounds
There are some great playgrounds throughout Cork. Why not save the list and make it your mission to visit them all over time — it’s free and it’s fun!
Cork Libraries
Why not visit your local library? Kids are always full of questions, and the library is a brilliant place to find the answers. Children can join from as young as two and borrow books, CDs and DVDs from the junior library. Most Cork libraries run regular free events and classes, including art classes, parent-and-toddler groups, story time and junior book clubs. Check out your local library for more information: Cork City Libraries and Cork County Libraries.
Cork Public Museum
Situated in Fitzgerald Park, within walking distance of the city centre, Cork Public Museum offers a great insight into the city’s rich history. It has archaeological exhibits tracing over 7,000 years of human settlement in Cork, as well as interactive exhibits telling the stories of prominent Cork men and women through history. Entry is completely free.
Family Events in Cork
Keep an eye on our events page for updated information on free events taking place throughout Cork. Cork city and county councils, the arts council and many other public and private bodies hold regular free family-friendly events such as festivals, carnivals, picnics, treasure hunts and seasonal things to do in Cork.
Do you have a favourite free spot to take the kids in Cork? Share it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do with kids in Cork?
Some family favourites include feeding the ducks at the Lough, exploring the beaches around the county, visiting Cork Public Museum, dropping into your local library for a story session, and checking out free events run by the local councils throughout the year.
Are there free family events in Cork throughout the year?
Yes. Cork city and county councils, the arts council and other local organisations run regular free events for families, including festivals, picnics and treasure hunts. Our events page is a good place to keep track of what’s coming up.
Is Blackrock Castle Observatory free to visit?
Many of the events held at Blackrock Castle Observatory, including its Open Days, family workshops and talks, are free to attend. It’s worth checking their listings for what’s on before you go.
What beaches in Cork are good for families?
Cork has plenty of family-friendly, sandy beaches, including Claycastle Beach in Youghal, Garrylucas Beach in Kinsale and Warren Beach in Rosscarbery — several of which have public toilets, parking and lifeguard cover in summer.
Related Articles
- Nature Walks for the Family in Cork
- Playgrounds in Cork
- Free Family Things to Do Around Ireland
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