Joe McHugh Park is situated on the northern edge of the Mahon Peninsula, alongside the scenic Douglas Estuary. It once was part of the Crawford Lakelands Estate.

At one time approximately fifty mansions in the south-eastern suburbs of Cork City overlooked Douglas Estuary and Cork Harbour. One of the largest was that of Lakelands, owned by the Crawford family. By 1792 William Crawford had moved from County Down to Cork where he co-founded of the successful Beamish and Crawford brewery.

William Crawford occupied the fine and large residence Lakelands at Blackrock, to the east of the city overlooking the widening River Lee. His son, William Crawford (Junior), continued his involvement with the brewery, but was also active in the cultural life of Cork City. He was one of the founders of the Crawford School of Art of which his son, William Horatio, was a generous benefactor.

From 1890s to 1940s, Lakelands was allowed decay and is now occupied by a regional road and apartment complex whilst the core of the former estate is marked by Mahon Shopping Centre.

In 2003 preparation works for Mahon Point Shopping Centre complex revealed several features from the Lakelands estate. Two access roads, a quay, and a number of garden features such as its icehouse, cellar and walled gardens.

The former estate lands was presented to Cork City Council by the McCarthy Family for the creation of a public park. It was opened to the public on 30 September 2005. The 18 acre park remembers Joe McHugh, Cork City Manager 1974-1986, and who died in 2002. He was widely regarded as a person who led the entire Mahon Cork Corporation housing development in the 1970s and 1980s.

The £2 million amenity was developed by Cork-based McCarthy Developments as part of their multi-million euro Jacob’s island residential development.

People can walk all the way from Harty’s Quay in Rochestown to Blackrock Castle.

Check out Crawford’s Quay on the Douglas Estuary as well as historic stonewalls. storehouses, and trees indicate a location that was once a hive of activity.

Read about Loughmahon Park, 11. Loughmahon Park | Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Kieran McCarthy

Read Kieran’s June 2024 local election manifesto here: 2. Kieran’s Manifesto, Local Elections 2024 | Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Kieran McCarthy