The new Bishop Lucey Park is officially open after a two-year redesign
A long-missed part of city life is open once again.
Bishop Lucey Park has officially reopened to the public today following a major redevelopment aimed at better connecting the space with the wider city centre and enhancing access to the historic city wall.
The redesigned park, led by Hall McKnight Architects, was unveiled this afternoon by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy.
So what’s different?
The original 1980s boundary walls and fencing have been removed to open up the space, allowing greater physical and visual connection between the park and surrounding streets. The city’s medieval walls, which run through the site, are now a focal point, and the redesign features a new pavilion and plaza, and new tower structure marking the eastern entrance on South Main Street.
“The 13th century city wall is a significant heritage landmark, uncovered during excavations in 1984.” explained a City Council spokesperson.
“As part of the park’s later redevelopment, an additional section of the city wall was exposed, enhancing its presence as a defining feature. Today, the city wall forms a striking an continuous element that clearly marks the park’s eastern boundary.”
Great care was taken to preserve and sensitively restore several heritage and public art features within the Park, including the Christchurch graveyard, Seamus Murphy’s “The Onion Seller” sculpture, John Behan’s “The Swan Fountain” and the Boxer’s Wall.
New cycle bridge
The Lord Mayor also opened the new pedestrian and cycle bridge that connects Lambley’s Lane (off South Main Street) to Wandesford Quay.
The 27 metre steel span bridge was designed by Seán Harrington Architects of Arup design team, and manufactured by Thompsons of Carlow, who also manufactured Mary Elmes Bridge. It provides a direct pedestrian and cycle connection from Parnell Place to Wandesford Quay, via Oliver Plunkett Street and Tuckey Street.
“It’s fantastic to be able to give this wonderful amenity space back to the public in time for Christmas.” the Lord Mayor said.
“The redeveloped Park is a fusion of the City’s medieval heritage and modern, functional design, opened up to the wider city centre. It will be a place of relaxation, play, performance and community gathering. It will attract more people to enjoy this green space in the heart of the city.”
Works are ongoing on the wider Beamish & Crawford Public Realm Upgrade Scheme which, when completed, will see a complete renewal of the area around the southern gateway to the medieval city, connecting the Grand Parade and a series of historic lanes, streets and Bishop Lucey Park with the south channel of the River Lee and the city centre business core.
The entire scheme is expected to be completed in early summer 2026.
