Tramore Valley Park In Cork

If you’re visiting Cork City and you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle, get yourself to Tramore Valley Park.

It’s one of the best things to do in Cork City on a fine morning and it’s up there with some of the best walks in Cork.

Tramore Valley Park is a large 170-acre public park on the space of a former landfill site in Cork City.

Some quick need-to-knows about Tramore Valley Park

Although a visit to Tramore Valley Park is fairly straightforward in comparison to many of the other Cork walks, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Tramore Valley Park is located on the south side of Cork City, just off the South Link Road. The 170-acre park area is built on top of a former landfill site which closed in 2009. 

2. Opening hours

The park is open:

• Jan, Nov: 8:30am–5:00pm
• Feb: 8:30am–6:00pm
• Mar, Oct: 8:30am–7:00pm
• Apr, Sep: 8:30am–8:00pm
• May, Aug: 8:30am–9:00pm
• Jun, Jul: 8:30am–10:00pm
• Dec: 8:30am–5pm

3. Getting into the park

The park is free to enter. There is one access point into the park for vehicles, which is opposite the Black Ash Park and Ride on South Link Road. 

There is one main place from where you can access the park on foot or by bicycle, which is via the Eastern Park Walkway, adjacent to Willow Park. There are currently plans to improve another access point for pedestrians via Half Moon Lane.

4. Parking

There is plenty of parking for both cars and bicycles onsite at the vehicle entrance point off South Link Road.

About Tramore Valley Park

 

The land on which the park sits was actually the site of the Kinsale Road Landfill which first opened in the early 1960s. Over 35 years until it closed in July 2009, around 3 million tonnes of waste from Cork City were landfilled at the site. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates and monitors the park under strict licensing conditions. The landfill area is lined with plastic and has a network of gas collection and contaminated water pipes beneath the surface to remove any harmful emissions and waste from the site. 

Much of the landfill gas collected is then carried to a combined heat and power plant which is capable of producing one megawatt of power.

All the contaminated water collected is also pumped to storage lagoons and treatment plants, before being pumped to Carrigrennan waste water treatment plant. 

Since the park was built on top of the landfill site it has been managed by the Glen Resource and Sports Centre on behalf of the Cork City Council. 

Things to do at Tramore Valley Park

There’s plenty of things to do in the park which makes a visit one of the best things to do in Cork City if you want to get away from the busy centre.

Below, you’ll find info on the walks, the park run, the BMX track and the views you can nab from the dome. 

1. The Tramore Valley Park walk

 

The park is home to a 2.5km walking loop which is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. It is named after Olympian and Former World Champion Race Walker Robert Heffernan and takes you along the wetlands area of the park. It also offers beautiful views over Cork City from different parts.

2. The BMX track

 

One of the real highlights of the park is the BMX track which is the only International Standard BMX Track in Cork. Naturally, the Cork BMX Club are based here at the park and the track can only be used during the club’s training times. 

Currently, the hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm and Wednesday nights from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. It’s best to check the up to date times on the club’s Facebook page. 

3. Views from the dome

In the middle of the park area is an elevated mound which is known as the Dome. From this point, you can view many of Cork’s landmarks including Shandon Bells and Elysian Tower. On a clear sunny day, it’s a very popular place to spend time in the park. 

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of Tramore Valley Park is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of other attractions, both man-made and natural.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Tramore Valley Park.

1. Food, food and more food

If you fancy a bite to eat, you’re in luck – there’s an almost endless number of great restaurants in Cork and places to eat (like the English Market!). There’s also some great pubs in Cork, if you fancy a tipple.

For lunch time eats, check out our guide to the best brunch in Cork and for an early bite, check out our guide to the best breakfast in Cork. 

2. Blackrock Castle Observatory

Blackrock Castle is a fortification on the banks of the River Lee in Blackrock just 2km away from Cork City. It’s considered an iconic landmark and dates back to 1582. The castle’s observatory now houses an interactive astronomy centre and award-winning science exhibitions. With a changing daily schedule, it’s one of the best places to visit in Cork with the whole family. 

3. Historical sites

There’s plenty of historical sites to visit near Tramore Valley Park. My personal favourites are Elizabeth Fort and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, however, the Butter Museum is a great place to visit on a rainy afternoon.

4. Cork Gaol

The former Cork City Gaol from the 19th century now houses an informative and interactive museum just 2km from the city centre. The castle-like building gives you an insight into prison life in the 1800s and an opportunity to learn more about the city’s long history. At the same location, you can also visit the Radio Museum Experience housed in the former Governor’s House. 

5. Fota Wildlife Park

If you want to get out of the city, the Fota Wildlife Park is a great day out for the whole family. The 100-acre park area is located on Fota Island near Cobh. It opened in 1983 and is a not-for-profit charity focused on wildlife conservation. There’s also plenty of things to do in Cobh when you’re finished.