Cork: Fitzgerald's Park

I was beginning to think I had allocated too many days to Cork. Perhaps 1½ would have been sufficient. I had thought there might be civic events connected with the gastronomical aspects of the city. Cork turned out to be a little scruffy, not in an unpleasant way, but I could see that some inhabitants were just getting by and many businesses were shuttered.

Anyway, my accommodation was booked so I just had to amuse myself before moving on by bus the next day. So I betook myself to Fitzgerald's Park for this day. Cork Public Museum is on the grounds.

The weather was fine so I decided to get some exercise by walking the 2 km to the park. The section along the north branch of the River Lee was pleasant. For some silly reason, I thought the museum was up the hill. So I crossed the river using Daly's Bridge (that has the nickname Shakey Bridge) and started up the hill. When I reached the putative location I realised it was the Cork City Gaol there, which didn't interest me. So I retraced my steps. I had actually passed the museum on my way in.

There are some intriguing street furniture scattered around the park.

Trimmed plants.

Hmm, not sure and didn't take notes.

A pond and fountain.

Local residents.

Shady paths.

Venerable tree.

Now for some views of the river.

Same vantage point.

In panorama:

Further upstream.

These two photos may have been taken from Daly's Bridge.

At this point I decided to visit the museum. I didn't take any photos because I didn't think I could do justice to the breadth of subjects covered. from notable Corkonians (I had to search for the demonym for Cork), Jews in Cork's history, Cork's participation in the Irish War of Independence, past industries in Cork, and many others that slip my mind.

After that I had a beverage at the cafe at the back of the museum.

I decided to return to the city centre via the path on the other bank of the river.

Nearing modern buildings.

Crossing N Main Street into the city centre.

And that was the end of my touring on my last day in Cork. I probably wandered through shops and shopping centres the rest of the day, not the best use of holiday time. I think I was catching my breath after the driving of the previous 12 days.