Saints, Sinners, and Stories: A Historical Cork Audio Tour

1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Ireland’s second city was shaped by centuries of rebellion and invasion. On this walking tour around Cork’s medieval quarter, you’ll hear tales of the rebels and rulers who roamed these streets during its turbulent history.

You’ll hear how Vikings sailed up the River Lee to establish settlements that grew into medieval Cork. As you wind through narrow streets, once canals in this ‘Venice of the North,’ you’ll learn how public executions at Gallow’s Green became entertainment for crowds of 20,000. You’ll also hear the miraculous story of the hanged man who survived his execution – and then interrupted a theatre performance to share the news.

By the end of this tour, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Cork’s remarkable history, brought vividly to life through tales of saints and sinners, rebels and rulers.

What's Included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral

This tour starts in front of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point
St Anne's Church Shandon Bells & Tower

This self-guided audio tour ends in front of St Anne's Church.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • St Fin Barre's Cathedral (Pass by)

    As we pass the iconic Cathedral, you'll uncover legendary tales of saints battling serpents, discover the origin story of Cork, and try your hand at using symbolsim to decode dramatic medieval biblical scenes , once used to warn the townsfolk. Please note: while we admire the Cathedral from the outside, entry is not included on this tour, but the stories outside are wild enough!

    Admission ticket free
  • The Old Bear (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Old Bear and its hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • Elizabeth Fort (Pass by)

    Step through the gates of Elizabeth Fort, where heads once rolled and curses still linger — quite literally. Built during bloody rebellions and battered by cannon fire, this 17th-century stronghold offers killer views of Cork (and maybe a ghost or two whispering sweet revenge from the shadows). You'll be glad to know entrance is free 7 days a week.

    Admission ticket free
  • South Gate Bridge (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll walk across the historical South Gate Bridge with its macabre ”drowning dungeon” where prisoners were tortured as the tide rose.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Counting House (Beamish & Crawford) (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Counting House (Beamish & Crawford) and its hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Oval (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Oval and its hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • Peace Park (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll stroll through Peace Park and its hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • The English Market (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll step inside the English Market, Cork’s over 200-year-old covered market, where Queen Elizabeth II shared a joke with a local fishmonger.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Farmgate Cafe (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Farmgate Cafe and its hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Coal Quay (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Coal Quay and its hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • North Gate Bridge (Pass by)

    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the North Gate Bridge and its hear its history while you walk.

    Admission ticket free
  • St Anne's Church Shandon Bells & Tower (Pass by)

    The tour finishes at St. Anne’s Church Shandon Bells and Tower, where you can climb the tower and ring the bells, creating your own melody to echo across the city.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Architecture Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Best Conversion
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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