Being the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin, Cork often receives less spotlight compared to its bigger sister city, even though the town is every bit as scenic as the capital city. There are tourist attractions scattered across every part of the city. Yet, there is only one tourist attraction that remains popular even after all these years, especially among art lovers, and that place is Crawford Art Gallery. It is an art museum with over 2000 works in possession, dedicated to contemporary visual arts. Their art collections range from 18th-century pieces to modern-day installments, all can be found under one roof. Need a guide to Crawford Art Gallery, Cork? Read on to find out more!
Things to do / highlights
Sits in the center of Cork city, the gallery serves as an important landmark where Ireland’s art scene, culture, and tourism intersect. Welcoming more than 150,000 local, national and international visitors annually, the gallery offers a peaceful and tranquil respite amidst the city’s metropolitan life.
Check out the available or upcoming exhibitions
The current exhibitions see a collection of oil paintings, photographs, and films from independent moviemakers. One of the most noteworthy exhibitions is The Gibson Bequest: Home & Away. Through the artworks of more than 30 national and international artists, visitors will be taken to a visual journey to Ireland prior to the existence of the common travel region in Europe.
Another must-see exhibition is the Zurich Portrait Prize, an annual photography competition organized by Zurich. This exhibition displays the portraits of photographers around the world, with the best ones will be taking home two awards of 1,500 EUR. Check out their website for the complete line-up of the exhibitions.
Join the gallery's tours or programs
Visitors who travel with kids and families are encouraged to come here on Sunday for the gallery hosts a free-of-charge play and exploration program for visitors. If you’re a teenager or plan to bring one to this place, inquire about the special program designed for teenagers which is targeted at fostering confidence and sparking curiosity.
Take a seat at their cafe
Need a place to unwind after spending hours admiring those beautiful art pieces? Make your way to the gallery’s cafe which has won multiple awards in the past. The cafe for which Cork is known serves light snacks as well as local food made from freshly sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect place to have afternoon tea while chatting or discussing the art pieces that you just saw. Don’t come here too late for it closes roughly an hour earlier than the gallery.
Travelers tips
Equipped with wheelchair-friendly facilities
Don’t hesitate to visit the museum if you’re traveling with a person with a physical disability or with an elderly individual who requires a wheelchair, for the premise offers wheelchair-friendly facilities.
Wear proper attire
There are no restrictions on the attire, however, noting the formality of the occupancy it is best to dress in an at least semi-formal manner, to avoid being turned away due to improper dress code.
Behave properly
It is also worth keeping in mind that like in most art galleries, visitors should keep their voices in a normal volume and avoid shouting or making loud noises or laugh loudly. Also, if you don’t want the museum keeper to reprimand you, don’t run within the exhibition area and especially don’t get too close to the artworks. Most importantly, always follow the in-house rules. You may find that some exhibitions may allow photography whereas others don’t.
How to get there
Public transportation
Taking a bus is the best way to get to the museum while enjoying the view of Cork city from your window. The bus stop that is located in close proximity to the gallery is Place Bus Station on Lavitts Quay (Perry Street Jctn). To reach this bus stop, hop on to bus number 202, 203, or 215. For the rest of the journey, you have to walk for roughly 10 minutes. If a train is your more preferred method of transportation, pick a train with a route to Cork’s Kent Station. The Gallery is only 15 minutes away on feet from the station.
Private cars/taxi
Drive yourself to the gallery or call a cab to reach the place in no time. Feed this address on your GPS Crawford Art Gallery, Emmett Place, Cork T12 TNE6, Ireland.
Parking information
If you plan to bring a car, please be informed that no on-site parking spots are available at the gallery. However, it is available at Paul St. Car Park which is just a stone throw’s away. Alternatively, you may park your vehicle at Carroll’s Quay Car Park which is located on the other side of the Christy Ring bridge.
Crawford Art Gallery information
Crawford Art Gallery
Address: Crawford Art Gallery Emmett Place, Cork T12 TNE6, Ireland
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
Official website: Crawford Art Gallery
Department of tourism: Visit Cork
News & updates for (Attraction Name): Iconic painting in Cork’s Crawford Gallery honoured as part of centenary celebrations | A look back through the archives at the Crawford Gallery
History
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