The second section of Marina Park — featuring an elevated tree walkway, woodland paths — is now open to the public. Photos: Cork City Council

Explore more down the Marina

Cork has a new space to stroll, play, and soak up nature. The latest section of Marina Park has opened, offering visitors the chance to explore an elevated tree walkway, woodland paths, and the restored Barrington’s Folly — a landmark steeped in local history.

This marks the second stage of the 32 hectare project. Holland Park, with its new playground and refurbished slides, opened over the summer, while the final piece, the Atlantic Pond, is due to reopen this November.

When complete, Marina Park will be six times the size of Fitzgerald’s Park, right at the centre of the 146 hectare regenerated Docklands area. It will also be the first Cork project delivered with support from the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

Barrington’s Folly

Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy, a historian and former lord mayor, welcomed the new park section and shared insights into Barrington’s Folly.

“It is a hidden gem, dating from the early 19th century. Named after the local Barrington family, it once overlooked the River Lee and became the meeting point for a colourful social club led by Sir David Perrier, mayor of Cork in 1814.”

The group, known as the Ballintemple Corporation, became famous for its eccentric gatherings. One event in July 1814, recorded in the Cork Mercantile Chronicle, celebrated the ancient ceremony of “throwing the dart” into the river. To add drama, they borrowed glittering regalia from a local theatre troupe, the Apollo Society — along with a giant elephant prop from the play ‘Blue Beard’. The elephant was mounted on a mudboat and paraded along the Navigation Wall in a lively, satirical take on Cork’s civic traditions.

Explore the restored Barrington’s Folly, a hidden gem from the early 19th century.

Visitors can explore the restored ruins of Barrington’s Folly, wander woodland trails, and take in sweeping views from the tree walkway. Combined with the Marina Promenade — the 1.8km riverside path opened earlier this year — the park now offers something for history lovers, families, and anyone wanting to enjoy nature in the heart of Cork.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.