List of public art in Cork city facts for kids
Public art is like an open-air museum! It includes sculptures, statues, monuments, murals, and mosaics that you can see in public places around Cork city, Ireland. These artworks are for everyone to enjoy, not hidden away inside museums. They often tell stories about Cork's history, its people, or its culture.
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Art in the City Centre
The heart of Cork city is full of amazing public art. As you walk around, you'll spot many interesting pieces.
A statue of Father Theobald Mathew stands on St Patrick's Street. He was famous for encouraging people to live without alcohol. This statue was made by John Henry Foley in 1864 and is often called "The Statue."
Also on St Patrick's Street, you'll find "The Echo boy." This statue, created by Barry Moloney in 1991, shows a young boy selling newspapers, a common sight in Cork's past.
Near the old Examiner newspaper office on St. Patrick's Street, there's an artwork called "Examiner Office." It was made by Eithne Ring and Liam Lavery in 2009.
On Grand Parade, Cork, you can see the National Monument. This important monument was built in 1906 by D. J. Coakley. It remembers key moments in Irish history.
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The Berwick Fountain also stands on Grand Parade. It was designed by Sir John Benson in 1860.
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On South Mall, there's a plaque for Denny Lane, who lived from 1818 to 1895. He was the writer of the famous poem "Carrigdhoun."
Inside the historic English Market, you'll find a beautiful fountain. It was made by the W. R. Harris firm in the 1800s.
In Bishop Lucey Park, look for "The Onion Seller." This sculpture by Seamus Murphy from 1985 shows a person selling onions.
Another sculpture by Seamus Murphy, also called "The Onion Seller", is located at The Coal Quay (Corn Market Street). This one was placed there in 1995.
At Rory Gallagher Place, which used to be St. Paul's Square, there's a sculpture of the famous musician Rory Gallagher. Geraldine Creedon created it in 1997.
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On Bachelors Quay, you can find a plaque dedicated to George Boole, a very important mathematician who worked in Cork.
Southside Art
The Southside of Cork is the area south of the River Lee's south channel, inside the N40 South Ring Road.
At Cork City Hall, you'll see the Cork 800 Memorial. This piece was put in place in 1985 to celebrate 800 years of Cork's history.
Also at Cork City Hall, there's a memorial for Tomás Mac Curtain. He was a significant figure in Cork's history.
Another memorial at Cork City Hall is for Terence MacSwiney, who was also a very important person in the city's past.
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Outside Cork County Hall, you can see the sculpture "Two Working Men" by Oisín Kelly. Made in 1969, it's often called "Cha and Miah."
At Turners Cross, the statue of Christ the King was created by John Storrs in 1931.
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On Blackrock Road, you'll find the McCarthy Monument, designed by William Atkins in 1870.
At Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, look for the "Resurrection Angel." This beautiful angel, sometimes called "The Goldy Angel," was made by William Burges in 1879.
The detailed Doorway of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral is also a work of art in itself.
Northside Art
The Northside of Cork is the area north of the River Lee's north channel.
On top of the Church of St Anne, Shandon, you can spot the unique Salmon Weathervane.
On Leitrim Street in Blackpool, there's an artwork called "Lost Industries" by Denis O'Connor.
On Dublin Hill, the Delaney Brothers monument was created between 1940 and 1950.
At Cork Kent railway station, you'll find a bust of Thomas Kent, made by James MacCarthy.
Art in Fitzgerald's Park
Fitzgerald's Park is a lovely green space with many sculptures and art pieces.
A statue of Michael Collins, an important Irish leader, stands in Fitzgerald's Park. It was made by Seamus Murphy.
You can also see a bust of General Daniel Florence O'Leary in the park.
The "Apple Woman" sculpture, created by Marshall Hutson in 1968, is another interesting piece in Fitzgerald's Park.
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Look for the "Boy with Boat" sculpture by Joseph Higgins in the park.
The "Girl Dancer" sculpture by Oisín Kelly is also located in Fitzgerald's Park.
The Father Matthew Memorial Fountain is another feature in Fitzgerald's Park.
Art at University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) has several artworks on its campus.
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A bust of George Boole by Paul Ferriter was placed at University College Cork in 2016.
A Republican Prisoners Memorial is located on the wall of the old Cork County Gaol, which is now part of UCC's perimeter.
An IRA Memorial from 1948 remembers 13 IRA prisoners who were executed in 1920 and 1921 during the War of Independence.
Inside the Honan Chapel at UCC, there's a statue of Saint Finbar in the tympanum, created in 1915 by John Sisk & Sons.
Art from the Past
Some public art pieces from Cork's history are no longer in their original spots.
- A statue of George II was on Grand Parade from 1762 to 1862. It was made by John Nost and was known as "George-a-horseback" or "The Yellow Horse" before it was removed.
- The "Boy and girl" statues, also called "Bob and Joan," were originally at the Green Coat Hospital School in 1716. They are now located in St Anne's Church, Shandon.
See also
