Cork’s Playful Pirate Culture Trail

Aaargh mateys, walk the plank and find the booty in Cork city this summer

This Summer, families can enjoy a great value holiday in Cork enjoying a whole host of free activities with Cork’s new pirate themed playful culture trail. Discover hidden treasure across museums, galleries, attractions and more throughout the city. Running throughout July & August, the pirate-themed culture trail includes plenty themed activities including making floatable rafts, searching for loot and cannon spotting.

The Pirate Trail is clearly outlined on a map with over 20 child-friendly activities at some iconic locations including Blackrock Castle Observatory, Nano Nagle Place, Elizabeth Fort, Shandon Bells and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. At every stop, there is some special ‘treasure’ to be found and of course, little ones can also hunt for the play trail mascot, Bláithin, along the way. There will also be lots more activties, photo stations, colouring and more at each stop.

The Playful Culture Trail was first established in Cork in 2021 as part of an ongoing commitment towards making Cork a ‘Playful City’ and to make cultural and heritage spaces more accessible and fun for children. The idea proved hugely popular with locals and visitors to the city alike and opened up a new way of thinking about attractions in the city. This year the Playful Culture Trail has taken inspiration from the sponsor Cork City Council’s coat of arms, which depicts a ship passing through two towers (perhaps with pirates onboard!). This fun pirate theme is a playful nod to the city’s maritime history and promises fun for all ages.

To see all the activities for scallywags along the Cork City Playful Pirate Culture Trail, visit playfulculturetrail.com. You can also collect a map at a tourist information office, or at our hotel reception.