Douglas Road and Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy has organised seven free historical walking tours for the upcoming National Heritage Week. The focus in the southern suburbs is on Douglas village and that of The Lough whilst in the northern suburbs. Shandon and the area of St Patrick’s Hill to MacCurtain Street will be focussed on. City Hall, Fitzgerald’s Park and the story of the Mardyke also feature. Cllr McCarthy noted; “these suburbs and sites possess really rich local histories from the early origins of Cork to historic views, big mansions, from Corporation social housing to philanthropic dwelling companies to buildings that define a district. There are hours and hours of exploration to be had from such sites; all add to the historical DNA, feel and sense of identity of these Cork suburbs”. The tours are listed below and all are free.

Saturday 17 August 2019 – A Tour of Cork City Hall, 11am, ticketed (free, part of Cork Heritage Open Day; details at www.corkheritageopenday.ie)

Sunday 18 August 2019, Cork Through the Ages; meet at the National Monument, Grand Parade, 6.45pm (free, two hours).

Monday 19 August 2019, Shandon Historical Walking Tour; meet at North Gate Bridge, Shandon Street side, 6.45pm (free, two hours).

Tuesday 20 August 2019, The Victorian Quarter; meet on the Green at Audley Place, top of St Patrick’s Hill, 6.45pm (free, two hours)

Thursday 22 August 2019, The Lough and its Curiosities; meet at green area at northern green of The Lough, entrance of Lough Road to The Lough; 6.45pm (free, two hours)

Friday 23 August 2019, Douglas and its History, in association with Douglas Tidy Towns; meet in the carpark of Douglas Community Centre, 6.45pm (free, two hours).

Saturday 24 August 2019, Park Stories, explore the history of Cork’s Mardyke; meet at band stand in park, opposite Cork City Museum in Fitzgerald’s Park, 11am (free, two hours).