Let’s assume, you are giving a quick visit to Cork City and the Blarney Castle, the English market, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, and many other famous places are on your list.
But if you’re craving a break from the city vibes, Tramore Valley Park is where you need to be. Trust me, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
I found Tramore Valley Park special for a few reasons. First off, it’s one of the largest urban parks in Ireland, covering around 160 acres. To give you an idea, that’s like having 127 American football fields all in one place! Pretty huge, right?
But what sets Tramore Valley Park apart is its unique dedication to sustainability and protecting the environment. We will return to it, but let’s start with the basics of Tramore Valley Park.
Location of Tramore Valley Park
Tramore Valley Park is situated on the south side of Cork City, near the Kinsale Road Roundabout. The exact address is Tramore Valley Park, Tramore Rd, S City Link Rd, Ballinlough, Cork, T12 AE86, Ireland.
Getting There: On Foot, Bike, Car, Bus, or Train
Tramore Valley Park is quite easy to find. Don’t worry even if you are coming for the first time.
It’s conveniently located in Cork City, so you won’t have any trouble locating it on a map or using GPS directions. Once you’re in the area, just keep an eye out for signs directing you to the park entrance.
The park has two access points for pedestrians and cyclists, and one vehicle access point for others.
If you’re on foot or cycle, you can enter from Eastern Park Walkway, adjacent to Willow Park. Or you can enter by Half Moon Lane, which is right by Christ King Secondary School.
As I was driving, I used the only vehicle access point. This entrance was across from the “Black Ash Park and Ride” on South Link Road.
You can get to Tramore Valley Park by bus or train too. Bus line 213 goes from South Mall to Black Ash Park every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, almost all day long. So, you will find a bus there anytime and it’s a quick 8-minute ride only. For trains, the closest train station is Cork (Kent), just a short 14-minute walk from the park.
Parking Facilities
Tramore Valley Park in Cork, Ireland has around 500 parking spaces for cars and bicycles at the vehicle entrance on South Link Road and parking typically follows the park’s schedule. During my visit, I found it quite easy to find a spot. So, if you’re driving over, there’s no need to be tense about parking.
Tramore Valley Park’s Opening hours
Tramore Valley Park is typically open every day from early morning until evening, but the exact closing hours vary depending on the season and any special events.
During the winter months, the park opens at 8:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm. In the summer, particularly in June and July, the park stays open until 10:00 pm, giving visitors plenty of time to explore and enjoy the daylight hours.
You can guess that the best idea is to check the official website or contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information on opening hours. I am attaching the website link here: https://tramorevalleypark.glencentre.ie/opening-hours-2/
History of Tramore Valley Park
I wondered if I should include the history here or not. But the background makes the park more special and dear to my heart.
When I arrived at the park, I was amazed by the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Now guess, how surprised I was hearing that this beautiful refreshing park was once a landfill site!
Yep, the Kinsale Road Landfill site opened back in the early 1960s. Over the next 35 years, over 3 million tonnes of waste from Cork homes and businesses were landfilled on-site. At last, the Landfill site closed in July 2009 and the Cork County Council had a big idea.
They aimed to turn this natural path into a modern route for folks in South Cork. They wanted people to use it to go to and from the city without needing a car, all while enjoying nature. So, they made improvements but they took care of the natural homes for animals and plants.
They even asked a local wildlife expert, William O’Halloran, to study the area and make sure any natural homes were protected and improved. And now, the results speak for themselves! What used to be a dull landfill is now full of wetlands, rare birds, and animals, giving city folks a great chance to feel more connected to nature.
Activities that you can enjoy within Tramore Valley Park
At Tramore Valley Park, there’s plenty to keep one entertained. You can take a walk or ride your bike along the trails, have a picnic with your friends or family, or just chill out and enjoy the scenery. I will give a review of their special facilities, so let’s go.
Robert Heffernan Walk (2.5km)
The park is home to a 2.5km walking loop which is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. It’s named after Olympian and former World Champion racewalker Robert Heffernan. It takes people through the wetlands area of the park where they can see lots of different plants and animals. I found many signs along the way with information about all the plants and animals one might spot.
BMX Track
The park features the only International Standard BMX Track in Cork, making it a highlight for visitors. The Cork BMX Club is based here, and the track is available for use during the club’s training times, which are currently Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm, and Wednesday nights from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
The Dome
In the middle of the park is an elevated spot called the Dome. You can see cool landmarks like the Shandon Bells and Elysian Tower from here, especially on sunny days.
Rugby Pitch
There’s a big rugby field for playing games and practicing. You can pre-book for training sessions and events, with approval from the Glen Resource Centre and Cork City Council.
Outdoor Gym
This is a new addition. The outdoor gym is available for use in the southwest area of the park. It’s open during normal park hours, providing a convenient way to stay active outdoors.
And if you are done exploring the park, the nearby places always call for a visit.
Things to do near Tramore Valley Park
Near Tramore Valley Park, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy:
Blarney Castle- 20 minutes away
You must have heard of this magical castle of Cork. Blarney Castle is just a short drive away (only 20 minutes by car). You can visit the iconic Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence.
English Market – 10 minutes away
Just a 10-minute quick trip away, you can check out Cork’s famous English Market.
It’s one of the oldest municipal markets of its kind in the world, offering lots of fresh fruits and veggies, homemade treats, and tasty local foods.
Cork City Gaol- 16 minutes away
The old Cork City Gaol, built back in the 19th century, has been transformed into an engaging museum just 2km away from downtown. This castle-like structure offers a glimpse into what life was like in prison during the 1800s and gives a chance to dive into the city’s rich past. Plus, while you’re there, you can explore the Radio Museum Experience located in the former Governor’s House.
Elizabeth Fort- 10 minute away
Elizabeth Fort is a star-shaped fort in Cork City, built in the early 17th century. If you’re interested in history, and architecture, or just want to enjoy some breathtaking views, Elizabeth Fort is definitely worth a visit! It is only 8-10 min away.
These are just a few, you will find more like Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum, Crawford Art Gallery, and Shandon.
With so much to see and do nearby, you’re sure to have a memorable time exploring the area around Tramore Valley Park. So pack your back and get ready to explore Ireland’s rebel city and experience the “European Capital of Culture” firsthand.
FAQs about visiting Tramore Valley Park
Is It Safe?
Some people worry that Tramore Valley Park might be unsafe because it used to be a landfill. But don’t worry! I can assure you there are no harmful chemicals around. The park went through a €40 million cleaning process to make sure it’s safe.
Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) keeps an eye on it. The park has a plastic liner and gas collection pipes to remove harmful emissions from the site regularly.
What is the Cost of Tramore Valley Park?
Hey, a piece of good news, Tramore Valley Park is completely free.
Is There Much to See Nearby?
Absolutely! There are numerous attractions nearby Tramore Valley Park, ranging from the Butter Museum and Fota Wildlife Park to Cork City Gaol and much more, all just a short distance away.
