Old Cork Waterworks Experience

About the museum

Cork got its first piped water supply in the eighteenth century, when the Cork Pipe Water Company built a pumping station on this bank of the River Lee in 1768. A wooden water wheel drove the pumps, and water was sold only to wealthier households. In 1852 Cork Corporation began taking the system into public ownership, and a new works designed by the engineer Sir John Benson followed from 1857, with turbines and a Cornish steam engine. The tall chimney stack dates from 1858 and the turbine house from 1888.

By the 1970s newer plant had replaced the old pumping station and the Victorian buildings were used for storage. Cork City Council later restored the colourful brick complex and reopened it as Lifetime Lab, a visitor centre devoted to science, the environment and the city’s industrial past. The site has since been rebranded as the Old Cork Waterworks Experience.

Today visitors can see the large steam engines and boilers in the engine house and learn how water reached the people of Cork over three centuries. A modern interactive exhibition, a themed playground, and views across the river make it a popular family stop. The centre also runs school workshops and the annual Cork Carnival of Science.

Highlights

• Restored Victorian engine house with large steam engines and boilers
• Modern interactive exhibition on water supply and Cork’s industrial heritage
• Themed children’s playground
• Self-guided and guided tours with audio guide in five languages
• Courtyard café area with views over the River Lee

Permanent exhibition

• Old Cork Waterworks interactive exhibition – A hands-on exhibition about how Cork’s drinking water was supplied over three centuries, with restored steam engines and boilers in the historic engine house.

Operated by

Cork City Council

Admission & discounts

Self-guided and guided tours are available; the visitor handout, audio-visual show and audio guide are included in the admission price.

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 centre describes itself as fully wheelchair accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The centre promotes itself as an attraction for all ages, with a modern interactive exhibition and a themed playground. It runs family open days and holiday camps.

Getting there & parking

The centre is less than a five-minute drive from Cork city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Coffee is served in the large courtyard. Free on-site car parking.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Indoor and outdoor spaces can be hired for conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, exhibitions, weddings, product launches and photo shoots.

Plan your visit