If you’re planning a quick visit to Cork City, you’ll want to explore iconic spots like Blarney Castle, the English Market, Cork City Gaol, and Elizabeth Fort. But if you’re in need of a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Tramore Valley Park is the perfect place to unwind. It’s a hidden gem that’s definitely worth a visit.

What makes Tramore Valley Park stand out? Well, for one, it’s one of the largest urban parks in Ireland, stretching over 160 acres. To put it into perspective, that’s equivalent to about 127 American football fields! It’s enormous!

But what really sets Tramore Valley Park apart is its strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection. We’ll dive into that more later, but for now, let’s start with the basics of this incredible park.

Location of Tramore Valley Park

Tramore Valley Park is located on the south side of Cork City, near the Kinsale Road Roundabout. The 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 easy to find, whether it’s your first visit or not.

Situated conveniently within Cork City, you won’t have trouble locating it on a map or with GPS directions. Once you’re in the vicinity, keep an eye out for signs leading you to the park entrance.

There are two pedestrian and cyclist access points, and one vehicle access point for those driving.

• On Foot or Bike: You can enter the park via the Eastern Park Walkway near Willow Park, or from Half Moon Lane, which is adjacent to Christ King Secondary School.
• By Car: If you’re driving, the vehicle entrance is located across from the Black Ash Park and Ride on South Link Road.

Alternatively, Tramore Valley Park is well-served by public transport:

• Bus: Bus line 213 runs frequently from South Mall to Black Ash Park every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays. It’s just an 8-minute ride, so you can easily hop on any time during the day.
• Train: The closest train station is Cork (Kent), which is just a short 14-minute walk from the park.

Parking Facilities

Tramore Valley Park in Cork offers ample parking with around 500 spaces for both cars and bicycles. The parking area is located at the vehicle entrance on South Link Road. During my visit, I found parking to be easy, so you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a spot when driving to the park.

Tramore Valley Park’s Opening Hours

The park is generally open every day from early morning until evening, though closing times may vary depending on the season or special events.

• Winter Hours: The park opens at 8:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm.
• Summer Hours: During the summer, especially in June and July, the park stays open until 10:00 pm, allowing plenty of time to explore.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on opening hours, it’s best to check the official website or contact the park directly. You can find more details here: Tramore Valley Park Opening Hours.

History of Tramore Valley Park

I hesitated at first whether to include the history of Tramore Valley Park, but I’ve come to realize that its background makes the park even more special and meaningful.

When I arrived at the park, I was immediately taken in by the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. What made it even more surprising was learning that this beautiful, serene space was once a landfill site!

The Kinsale Road Landfill opened in the early 1960s, and for the next 35 years, over 3 million tonnes of waste from homes and businesses across Cork were deposited there. Finally, the landfill closed in July 2009, and the Cork County Council saw an opportunity for something better.

Their vision was to transform this land into a sustainable, nature-filled space that would offer a modern route for people living in South Cork to travel to and from the city without relying on cars. While doing so, they prioritized preserving and enhancing the natural habitats for local wildlife.

They even brought in local wildlife expert William O’Halloran to study the area, ensuring the protection and improvement of the natural habitats. Today, the results are truly remarkable! What was once a barren landfill is now home to flourishing wetlands, rare bird species, and diverse animals, offering a unique opportunity for Cork’s residents to reconnect with nature.

Activities You Can Enjoy at Tramore Valley Park

Tramore Valley Park offers a variety of activities to keep you engaged and entertained. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk, an exciting bike ride, or a relaxing picnic, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the special facilities that make this park a great spot for outdoor enjoyment.

Robert Heffernan Walk (2.5km)
One of the park’s standout features is the 2.5km walking loop, named after Olympian and former World Champion racewalker Robert Heffernan. This trail is a favorite among walkers, runners, and cyclists. It takes you through the park’s wetlands, where you can spot various plants and animals. Along the route, you’ll find informative signs about the local flora and fauna, making it a great educational walk as well.

BMX Track
For cycling enthusiasts, the park boasts the only International Standard BMX Track in Cork. This track is a key feature of the Cork BMX Club, which hosts training sessions here. The track is open for use during club training hours—Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm, and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

The Dome
In the heart of the park, you’ll find an elevated area known as the Dome. From here, you can enjoy fantastic views of iconic landmarks like the Shandon Bells and Elysian Tower, especially on sunny days. It’s the perfect spot to take in the scenery.

Rugby Pitch
For sports lovers, the park offers a large rugby field, perfect for games and practice sessions. If you’re looking to organize an event or training, you can pre-book the pitch with approval from the Glen Resource Centre and Cork City Council.

Outdoor Gym
A recent addition to the park is the outdoor gym, located in the southwest area. Open during regular park hours, the gym provides a great way to stay active while enjoying the fresh air.

After exploring these amazing activities, don’t forget that there are many nearby attractions that are also worth visiting!

Things to Do Near Tramore Valley Park

If you’re looking for more activities after enjoying the natural beauty of Tramore Valley Park, you’re in luck! There are plenty of exciting attractions nearby that will make your visit to Cork even more memorable.

Blarney Castle – 20 Minutes Away
No trip to Cork would be complete without a visit to the legendary Blarney Castle. Just a 20-minute drive from Tramore Valley Park, you can explore this historic site and even kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence.

English Market – 10 Minutes Away
For a taste of local culture, the English Market in Cork City is just a 10-minute drive away. This iconic market is one of the oldest municipal markets in the world, offering fresh produce, local treats, and homemade goodies. It’s a must-see for food lovers!

Cork City Gaol – 16 Minutes Away
Take a step back in time with a visit to Cork City Gaol, a 19th-century prison turned museum. Located just 2km from downtown Cork, this castle-like structure offers a glimpse into the lives of prisoners from the 1800s. Don’t miss the Radio Museum Experience, housed in the former Governor’s House.

Elizabeth Fort – 10 Minutes Away
Built in the early 17th century, Elizabeth Fort is a star-shaped fort in Cork City. It offers a fascinating look into the city’s military past and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Just 8-10 minutes away from the park, it’s a great spot for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.

In addition to these attractions, there are many other points of interest nearby, including Fitzgerald Park, Cork Public Museum, Crawford Art Gallery, and Shandon. With so much to see and do, you’ll never run out of things to explore around Tramore Valley Park!

FAQs About Visiting Tramore Valley Park

Is it Safe?
You might wonder if the park is safe, considering its history as a landfill site. The good news is that Tramore Valley Park went through an extensive €40 million cleaning process to ensure it’s safe for visitors. The park is regularly monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and it features a plastic liner and gas collection pipes to safely remove harmful emissions.

What is the Cost of Tramore Valley Park?
The best part? Tramore Valley Park is completely free to visit! Enjoy all the natural beauty and activities without any cost.

Is There Much to See Nearby?
Absolutely! There are plenty of attractions around Tramore Valley Park, including the Butter Museum, Fota Wildlife Park, Cork City Gaol, and many more. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or art, you’ll find something exciting nearby.