Tramore Park | Everything You Need to Know
Hi, Let’s say, you have Cork City and Blarney Castle, English Market, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort and many other famous places on your list.
But if you want a break from the huge, busy city vibe, Tramore Valley Park is where you need to be. Trust me, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
I consider Tramore Valley Park special for a few reasons and let me say about. Firstly, it is one of the largest urban parks in Ireland, spread over around 160 acres. To give you an idea, that’s like being on 127 American football fields in one place, Pretty huge, right?
However, Tramore Valley Park stands out for its own unique commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. We’ll get back to that, but let’s start with the basics of Tramore Valley Park.
Location of Tramore Valley Park
Tramore Valley Park is just on the south side of Cork City, near the Kinsale Road roundabout. The correct address is Tramore Valley Park, Tramore Rd, S City Link Rd, Ballinlough, Cork, T12 AE86, Ireland.
Reaching There: On Foot, Bike, Car, Bus, or Train
Tramore Valley Park is easy to figure out, even if it’s your first time visiting. It’s just located in Cork City, so you’ll have no problem finding it on a map or using GPS. Once you’re in the area, look for signs directing you to the park entrance.
The park has two access points for visitors and cyclists and one vehicular access point. If you are walking or cycling, you can enter from the Eastern Park Walkway, next to Willow Park, or from Half Moon Lane, right next to Christ the King Secondary School.
If you are driving, use the car entrance from “Black Ash Park and Ride” on South Link Road.
You can make your way to Tramore Valley Park by bus or train. Bus line 213 runs from South Mall to Black Ash Park every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, so you’ll always find a bus. It’s a quick 8 minute ride. The nearest train station is Cork (Kent), just a 14-minute walk from the park.
Parking facility
Tramore Valley Park in Cork, Ireland has about 500 parking spaces for cars and bicycles at the vehicle entrance on South Link Road. Parking generally follows the park schedule. During my travels, I found a place easily. So, if you’re driving, don’t worry about parking; There are many places.
Tramore Valley Park opening hours
Tramore Valley Park is open daily from dawn to dusk, but exact closing times change with the season and special events.
In winter, the park opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. During the summer, especially in June and July, the park is open until 10:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the long daylight hours.
For the latest information on opening hours, it is best to check the official website or contact the park directly. Here is the website.
History of Tramore Valley Park
I wasn’t sure if I should include the history here, but the background makes the park even more special and dear to my heart. When I reached the park, I was amazed by the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Now imagine how surprised I was to hear that this beautiful, refreshing park was once a landfill site!
Yes, the Kinsale Road landfill site was reopened in the early 1960s. Over the next 35 years, more than 3 million tonnes of waste from Cork homes and businesses were dumped here. Finally, the landfill site closed in July 2009, and Cork County Council had a big idea.
They aimed to make the area a modern route for the people of South Cork. They wanted people to be able to get to and from the city without needing a car while enjoying nature. So, they improved but took care to preserve the natural home for animals and plants.
They even asked local wildlife expert William O’Halloran to study the area and make sure any natural habitats 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 dwellers a great opportunity to feel more connected to nature.
Activities You Can Enjoy at Tramore Valley Park
At Tramore Valley Park, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. You can walk or ride your bike along the trails, have a picnic with your friends or family, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. I’ll review their special facilities, so let’s go.
Robert Heffernan Walk (2.5 km)
The park has a 2.5km walking loop named after Olympian and former world champion racewalker Robert Heffernan. This loop is great for walkers, runners and cyclists. It takes you through the wetland area of the park, where you can see various plants and animals. Along the trail, there are signs with information about the plants and animals you can see.
BMX track
The park has the only international standard BMX track in Cork, making it a special place for visitors. Cork BMX Club is based here, and you can use the track during the club’s training sessions. Right now, the track is open from 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays and from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Wednesday nights.
The Dome
In the middle of the park, there is a high place called Dome. From here, you can see cool landmarks like the Shandon Bells and the Elysian Tower, especially on a sunny day.
Rugby pitch
The park has a large rugby field for playing games and practice. You can book it for training sessions and events with approval from the Glen Resource Center and Cork City Council.
Outdoor GYM
There is a new outdoor gym in the southwest area of the park. It is open during normal park hours, providing a convenient way to be active outdoors.
Things to do near Tramore Valley Park
After exploring the park, there are plenty of exciting activities nearby:
Blarney Castle – Only 25 minutes away
You must have heard of this magical castle in Cork. Blarney Castle is only a 20 minute drive away. You can visit the iconic Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence.
English Market – 15 minutes away
Just a quick 10-minute trip away, you can visit Cork’s famous English Market. It is one of the oldest municipal markets in the world, with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade food and delicious local food.
Cork City Gaol – 18 minutes away
The old Cork City Gaol, built in the 19th century, has been converted into a fascinating museum just 2km from the city centre. This castle-like structure offers a glimpse of what life was like at the prison in the 1800s and a chance to dive into the city’s rich past. Also, while you’re there, you can explore the Radio Museum experience located in the former Governor’s House.
Elizabeth Fort – 15 minutes away
Elizabeth Fort is a star-shaped fort in Cork City, built in the early 17th century. If you are interested in history, architecture or want to enjoy some breathtaking views, Elizabeth Fort is definitely worth a visit. It is only 8-10 minutes away.
These are just a few options. You’ll also find Fitzgerald Park and places like Cork Public Museum, Crawford Art Gallery and Shandon.
With so much to see and do nearby, you’ll have a memorable time exploring the area around Tramore Valley Park. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Ireland’s rebellious 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.