Winter got you feeling cooped up indoors?

If you’re looking for an evening outdoor activity that doesn’t involve a trip to the pub, there’s a fascinating walking tour taking place across two evenings in December.

On Thursday, December 5th and Friday 6th, 2024, you can immerse yourself in the inspiring world of street art with Ardú Street Art’s Night-Time Walking Tours—a unique opportunity to explore Cork’s vibrant mural scene.

Supported by the Night-Time Economy Initiative, these free guided walking tours will take participants through some of the most captivating murals created by Ireland’s much loved street artists. The tours will be led by Ardú artists and co-founders Shane O’Driscoll and Peter Martin, who have been instrumental in curating and creating many of the murals featured across the city.

Claire Prouvost’s Ardú mural, Cork City Centre. Picture: Clare Keogh

The tours, which start at 6.30pm on both evenings on South Terrace, in front of the Vents 137 mural, will offer a guided exploration of the Ardú murals, a series of large-scale artworks that have transformed Cork’s city centre since their inception in 2020.

For those unable to attend the guide-led tours, Ardú will also host free Audio tours on their website, arducork.ie. This online map and accompanying audio will guide you around the city streets in your own time. Simply connect with your phone and headphones.

‘It offers another way to enjoy Cork at night’

The Night-time Walking Tour will highlight select works including Tomás MacCurtain commemorative pieces and a new collaboration between James Earley, Tony Byrne, and Cian Walker on Harley Street, where Ardú first began. The tour will also include artworks from Clare Provost, Jolene Kitsune, Vents137 and many more.

“It is great to collaborate with Ardú.” said Fiona Collins, Night Time Economy Advisor.

“Their murals add so much vibrancy to the city, it is great now to be able to celebrate them and the artists after dark as well. It offers another way to enjoy Cork at night.”

The walking tours are free to attend, but spots are limited, so booking in advance is essential here.