19 Oct 2011
Cork Walks, Orange Route Launched, October 2011
The third section of Cork Walks, the City Centre Island, was launched recently as part of European Mobility Week 2011 celebrations.
The Cork Walks add to the attractiveness of the city to both tourists and local people alike as well as giving a fascinating insight into the Heritage and History of the city. Thanks are due to the staff of Cork City Council who were involved in the development of the Cork Walks and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, who funded the walks.
Cork Walks are free self guided walks consisting of interpretive panels with local historic information, colour coded finger posts for guidance between the panels and a brochure with a map and description of sights along the way. These walking trails link places and buildings of heritage interest throughout the city from the steps and steeples of Shandon, the religious, archaeology and arts of the South Parish, the medieval to modern of the City Centre and the academic environs of University College Cork. Each trail takes approximately 1.5 hours each but can be tailored to the interest and fitness level of the individual or group.
In his speech, Mr Antoin O’Callaghan, local historian, who researched and wrote the text of the Cork Walks City Centre Island referred to the fact that Cork city is open for business and Cork Walks are a manifestation of that. He outlined how Cork people living away from their native place can play a role as ambassador for the city, telling people to come to Cork and experience the riches it has to offer.