Even if you think you know Cork like the back of your hand, there’s always more to explore.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local history and lore is to join a walking tour – not only will you get up close and personal with the city’s hidden streets and sights, you’ll also enjoy a few hours of fresh air.

Hey, walk far enough and you can even skip the gym afterwards.

Cork’s Lifelong Learning Festival, a celebration of learning across all kinds across all age groups, abilities and interests, from preschool to post retirement, takes place from March 19th to 25th and the line-up features an eye-opening little treat for everyone.

Here are four fascinating walking tours you can join for free…

‘Under the Goldie Fish’: A walking tour 

Wednesday, March 21st: 5.30pm

Cork Decorative and Fine Arts Society will meet outside the entrance to the Crawford Art Gallery on Emmet Place, where local historian Tom Spalding will lead a guided tour of the city inspired by the ‘Under The Goldie Fish’ exhibition, currently on display in the Crawford Art Gallery. Booking is required on 087 973 1122 or by emailing info@corkdfas.ie.

A Herb Walk, identifying edible and poisonous wild plants

Thursday, March 22nd: 10am

Meeting at Ballintemple Graveyard, Thomas Riedmuller, permaculture teacher and founding member of The Hollies Centre for Sustainability, will lead a walk through Beaumont Quarry and the surrounding streets, identifying plants and explaining their properties and uses. You will learn to distinguish between common poisonous, edible and medicinal wild plants. Booking is essential on 083 3136839 or by emailing info@thehollies.ie.

Meet Cork’s otters on a River Biodiversity Walk

Thursday, March 22nd: 1.10pm

This guided river walk aims to teach people about the plants and animals, specifically otters that are found in and around the River Lee River Walk. Join Cork Nature Network at Wellington Bridge at 1:10pm for a journey along the northern channel of the river Lee to hear about the diversity of wildlife that occurs along the waterways of our city. You’ll also learn about the work being undertaken to monitor and protect these mammals by the CCN team.

A walking tour of historic North Main Street

Friday March 23rd: 12pm

Liam Ó hUigín, local historian will take you on a walking tour of his old stomping ground, mixing tales of his youth with the incredibly rich history of Cork City’s oldest street. The group will meets at St Peter’s, North Main Street and the walk will start from here. Booking is not necessary.