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Churches and Cathedrals

Church of St. Francis
The church of St. Francis is in a part of Cork still known as the Marsh. The exterior bears a stone-dated 1586. It is a Byzantine style church, which was designed by John Bently who got his ideas after he toured the Middle East. Lavish mosaics by Italian craftsman can be seen along the walls of the church.

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
A.W Pugin designed this church but died before it was completed in 1868. It is on a very narrow street, for the reason that at the time Catholics were prohibited from building churches on the main street. It is a Neo Gothic style building, with a rich dark wood interior, with red marble pillars and stain glass windows.

Holy Trinity (Fr. Mathew Church)
The Father Mathew memorial church is a magnificent Georgian – Gothic structure built in 1832 to the design of George Pain. The three part gothic front and spire were added in 1880 when funds allowed. They are not what Pain intended. The church is beautifully illuminated at night.

St. Finbarr’s Cathedral
This spectacular Cathedral designed by William Burges was constructed between 1867 and 1879. It is a French gothic style building with Neo gothic features. Other churches in this area include the South Chapel, a Georgian church of 1766 and Red Abbey, the only surviving medieval monastic structure in Cork.

Built Heritage

Honan Chapel, University College Cork
The Honan Chapel is situated in the grounds of the University, and the main feature is the series of stained glass windows designed by Harry Clarke and Sarah Purser. Built in 1915/1916 it is modelled on the 12th century Cormac's Chapel at Cashel. The Chapel may be closed during College Holidays. The University was opened in 1849, and was designed by Sir Thomas Deane, on the lines of a typical Oxford College. The fine quadrangle is of special interest. Tours are available in the Summer Months.

City Hall, Anglesea Street
This is the head quarters of Cork Corporation and City administration. The fine Concert Hall in the buildings is a venue for concerts, festivals and functions.

Former Mansion House, Henry Street
This building is now the Mercy Hospital, but was formerly the Mansion House for the Mayor of the City. It was erected in 1767. The building became a hospital in 1857 and its exterior is still beautifully preserved.

The Courthouse, Washington Street
Designed by the Paine Brothers in the 1830's. It has a most imposing entrance from Washington Street.

The Butter Exchange
Close to the church steeple at Shandon is the site of the old Cork Butter Market. In 1770 the Cork Butter Market was opened, and by 1892 the Butter Market was exporting 500,000 casks of butter per year worldwide, valued at Euro 1.9 million annually. The Butter Market finally closed in 1924. Today the building houses a museum and craft centre. The Firkin Crane building, part of the Butter Market complex is now home to the Irish National Ballet.

City Market
Otherwise known as the 'English Market', there are entrances off Grand Parade, Patrick Street and Princes Street. The origins of this market may be traced back to James 1st. in 1610, but the present building dates from 1786. The market has a wide range of stalls selling meat, locally caught fish and seafood, vegetables, home-made breads, cheeses delicatessen and more. For anyone interested in food and cooking a visit is highly recommended.

Cork City Gaol, Sunday's Well
The old City Gaol has been restored as a highly exciting visitor attraction that sets out to tell visitors what life was like for prisoners in the 19th century. The building itself is of major architectural importance. An exciting Audio Visual presentation is an integral part of the visitor’s experience.

Blackrock Heritage Park, Blackrock
Blackrock Heritage Park is well worth a visit. A number of heritage exhibitions have been developed at the Park, which tells the story of the social and economic development of Cork City. In particular the contribution of the Pike family to Cork, the transatlantic journey of the steamship “Sirius” and the history of the Cork fire service are highlighted. The grounds at the Park are open to the public and they have been developed to a very high standard.