Let’s say you’re breezing through Cork City, ticking off the must-sees—Blarney Castle (kiss that stone, baby!), the English Market (foodie heaven), Cork City Gaol (a prison tour? Sure, why not), Elizabeth Fort, and the rest of the tourist hit parade.
But at some point, you might start craving a break from the hustle and bustle. Enter: Tramore Valley Park—the unsung hero of Cork’s green spaces. Think of it as the city’s chill-out zone… with a sustainability twist.
Now, let me tell you why this place is low-key iconic. First of all, it’s huge. We’re talking 160 acres of greenery. That’s roughly 127 American football fields (yes, I did the math so you wouldn’t have to). Basically, it’s big enough to get lost in—and love it.
What really makes Tramore Valley Park stand out? Its commitment to sustainability. Yep, this place used to be a landfill. Now it’s a lush, eco-friendly park with cycling paths, wildflower meadows, and clean air to spare. But we’ll get into all that feel-good green stuff soon. First, let’s cover the basics.
Where on Earth is Tramore Park?
It’s nestled on the south side of Cork City, near the Kinsale Road Roundabout. If you want to be extra precise, plug this into your GPS:
Tramore Valley Park, Tramore Rd, S City Link Rd, Ballinlough, Cork, T12 AE86,
Getting There: Walk, Bike, Drive, Bus, or Channel Your Inner Trainspotter
Finding it is a breeze—even if Cork’s streets feel like a medieval maze on your first visit. Just tap the name into Google Maps and follow the trail like a modern-day Hansel or Gretel.
There are two pedestrian/cyclist entrances:
- Eastern Park Walkway, next to Willow Park.
- Half Moon Lane, right by Christ King Secondary School (bonus points if you don’t get distracted by the school drama on your way in).
If you’re rolling in by car (like I did), you’ll want the vehicle entrance across from the Black Ash Park and Ride on South Link Road. Super handy, and you won’t have to play parking space roulette.
Prefer public transport? You’re in luck:
- Bus 213 runs from South Mall to Black Ash Park every 30 minutes (weekdays & Saturdays), and the ride’s a breezy 8 minutes.
- Train? The closest station is Cork Kent, just a 14-minute walk away—perfect for stretching your legs before diving into park life.
Parking at Tramore Valley Park
Worried about parking? Don’t be. Tramore Valley Park is not the place where parking spot drama unfolds. With around 500 spaces for cars and bicycles at the South Link Road entrance, it’s basically the VIP treatment for your vehicle.
During my visit, I rolled in, found a spot without circling even once (a rare miracle), and strolled in like I owned the place. So yes, if you’re driving—breathe easy. Parking usually follows the park’s opening hours, so as long as the gate’s open, your wheels are welcome.
Opening Hours
Like any good host, Tramore Valley Park has polite visiting hours. Here’s the scoop:
- Winter: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (because nobody wants to wander in the dark pretending it’s fun)
- Summer (esp. June & July): Open till 10:00 PM—hello, long golden evenings and sunset strolls!
Exact times can vary based on seasons or special events (nature’s got a social calendar too). So, before you pack your picnic or lace up those walking shoes, double-check the official hours here:
Tramore Valley Park Opening Hours
The Park’s Unexpected Origin Story
Now here’s a juicy bit of history I almost left out—but it’s too good not to share.
You see, as I wandered the peaceful paths, soaking up the greenery and spying the occasional bird living its best life, someone casually dropped this bomb:
“This used to be a landfill.”
Say what now?!
Yep. Back in the early 1960s, the very ground you now picnic on was home to the Kinsale Road Landfill, which collected a whopping 3 million tonnes of waste over 35 years. (That’s a lot of banana peels and takeaway containers.)
But fast forward to 2009, the site closed, and Cork City Council had a lightbulb moment:
“What if we turned this literal pile of garbage into something magical?”
And they did.
Their goal? Create a green, sustainable route for people commuting in and out of the city without needing a car—and make it a haven for local wildlife. Win-win.
They even roped in local wildlife expert William O’Halloran to make sure every feathered friend and wild critter got the VIP treatment. Wetlands were restored, habitats protected, and now the park is buzzing with birds, butterflies, and good vibes.
From landfill to lush wonderland—now that’s a comeback story.
What Can You Do in Tramore Valley Park?
Tramore Valley Park isn’t one of those “look but don’t touch” kinds of green spaces. Nope, this place is hands-on fun for anyone who’s into walking, cycling, picnicking, or just plain chilling like a villain. Let’s break it down—activity by awesome activity.
The Robert Heffernan Walk (2.5km of Glory)
This loop isn’t just a path—it’s a tribute! Named after Cork’s own Olympian and World Champion racewalker, Robert Heffernan, this 2.5km trail is a hit with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and wannabe-athletes alike.
The route winds through the wetlands (a.k.a. the park’s wild side), and you’ll spot signs pointing out local plants and animals along the way. So yes, it’s like a mini safari… but Irish-style, with fewer lions and more ducks.
The BMX Track
Hold onto your helmets, adrenaline junkies! This isn’t just any BMX track—it’s Cork’s only International Standard BMX Track. If your idea of a good time involves flying over ramps and getting mud on your face (intentionally), this is your spot.
The Cork BMX Club runs the show here, with open sessions on:
- Saturdays & Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Channel your inner pro… or at least try not to fall off.
The Dome: Views with a Side of Wow
In the heart of the park sits The Dome—an elevated lookout point that proves even Cork has its dramatic moments. On a sunny day (they do happen), you’ll catch clear views of iconic landmarks like the Shandon Bells and the Elysian Tower.
Perfect for snapping photos… or pretending you’re the ruler of Cork for a hot minute.
Yes, there’s even a full-sized rugby pitch. Fancy a bit of rough-and-tumble or want to schedule training with your squad? You can pre-book through the Glen Resource Centre and Cork City Council. Just try not to knock anyone’s teeth out—it’s a family park, after all.
Forget the sweaty gym vibes. The outdoor gym in the southwest corner lets you break a sweat while birds chirp and joggers wave politely. It’s open during regular park hours, and no, you don’t need a membership. Just motivation.
Just when you think you’ve done it all, Cork City comes calling. There’s a whole world of attractions just a stone’s throw from Tramore Valley Park.
Things to Do Near Tramore Valley Park
Blarney Castle – 20 mins away
Yes, that Blarney Castle—the one with the magic stone that gives you the gift of gab. It’s just a short drive away. Pucker up!
English Market – 10 mins away
Foodie paradise alert. This historic market is bursting with local produce, handmade treats, and enough cheese to build a small fort. Bonus: It’s been charming Cork since the 1700s.
Cork City Gaol – 16 mins away
Ever wanted to tour a 19th-century prison? No? Well, do it anyway—it’s cooler than it sounds. Plus, there’s a Radio Museum in the Governor’s House. Double win.
Elizabeth Fort – 10 mins away
A 17th-century star-shaped fort with killer views and centuries of history. It’s part military monument, part Instagram backdrop. You decide.
And that’s not all. You’ve also got Fitzgerald Park, the Cork Public Museum, Crawford Art Gallery, and the charming Shandon area, all nearby and begging to be explored.
So pack your backpack, lace up your comfy shoes, and dive headfirst into Cork’s greener, cooler, history-soaked side. Tramore Valley Park is just the beginning.
FAQs about visiting Tramore Valley Park
Is Tramore Valley Park Safe? Or Is It… Toxic?
Ah yes, the big question: “Wait, wasn’t this place a landfill?”
Correct. But before you start imagining glowing puddles and mutant seagulls—relax. Tramore Valley Park went through a €40 million extreme makeover (the eco-edition), and it’s now cleaner than your Aunt Mary’s kitchen floor.
Thanks to a state-of-the-art plastic liner and gas collection pipes, any nasty emissions are captured and whisked away. Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is basically on speed dial, making sure everything stays squeaky clean.
So no, you won’t grow a third arm from jogging here. It’s 100% safe—just greener, cleaner, and packed with good vibes.
What’s the Damage?
Ready for the best news you’ll hear all day?
It’s completely FREE.
Yep, zero euros. No admission fee, no sneaky “suggested donation,” not even a parking meter trying to ruin your day. Just show up, breathe in that fresh park air, and enjoy.
What Else is Around?
If you somehow manage to run out of things to do inside Tramore Valley Park (unlikely, but hey), the area around it is packed with gems like:
- The Butter Museum – Yes, it exists, and yes, it’s as gloriously Irish as it sounds.
- Fota Wildlife Park – Where you can hang out with kangaroos, lemurs, and other adorable misfits.
- Cork City Gaol – For those curious about what prison life looked like in the 1800s. (Spoiler: not comfy.)
And that’s just the beginning. The rebel city’s full of surprises—and Tramore Valley Park is your perfect launchpad.
Check out our guide on Why Do You Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down to uncover the quirky tradition, the legends behind the “gift of the gab,” and what it’s really like to dangle backwards off a castle wall in Ireland!
