Cork Public Museum
Free museum run by Cork City Council in Fitzgerald’s Park on the history, archaeology and civic life of Cork, from prehistory to the Irish revolution.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Cork Public Museum is the oldest local authority museum in Ireland. It stands in Fitzgerald’s Park beside the River Lee, in a Georgian-style house built in the mid-1860s as a private home for Charles Beamish of the brewing family. Later the house belonged to a community of nuns and then to several private owners. Profits from the Cork International Exhibitions of 1902 and 1903 allowed the house and land to be bought and given to the city on condition that a public park and a museum were created. A first municipal museum worked there from 1910 to 1924.
The present museum grew out of a campaign that began in 1942 with a historical exhibition in the offices of the Cork Examiner and a public meeting in the Imperial Hotel. Cork Public Museum opened on 4 April 1945. Until 1963 it was run jointly by University College Cork and the local councils, and since then by the local authority. A modern extension opened in 2005, and the museum celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2020.
The displays include silver, ceramics and memorabilia connected with Cork’s civic life, together with a rich selection of finds that illustrate the archaeology and medieval history of the city and its surroundings. Three further exhibition spaces change about three times a year; past exhibitions have dealt with the Irish revolution, the First World War and local personalities. Admission is free.
Highlights
- Oldest local authority museum in Ireland, opened in 1945
- Archaeology and medieval history of Cork and its surroundings
- Civic silver, ceramics and memorabilia of Cork
- Rotating exhibitions on the Irish revolution and the First World War
- Free admission in Fitzgerald’s Park
Permanent exhibitions
- Permanent history gallery – Silver, ceramics and other objects linked to the civic life of Cork.
- Permanent archaeology gallery – Finds that show the archaeological and medieval history of Cork and its surroundings.
- Founded
- 1945
- Operated by
- Cork City Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it is wheelchair accessible. A free Visual Museum Guide helps vulnerable students and adults prepare for and follow their visit.
Kids & families
Families, groups and schools are welcome. Group tours must be booked in advance.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Western Road (routes 208 and 220)
Route 208 from Patrick Street and route 220 from Grand Parade; the museum stop is on Western Road.
By car
Parking available
On-street public parking outside the park. A parking disc is required Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 18:00; Sunday parking is free.
The museum is about 1.8 km from the city centre: a 15-minute walk or about 8 minutes by car.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Tria Café is in Fitzgerald’s Park directly behind the museum. It is run separately and is open daily in line with park hours.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free guided tours are available for groups, families and schools if booked in advance by email or phone. A free Visual Museum Guide is available. |
