Get it in the calendar.

Families looking to keep small hands and minds busy this St Patrick’s Day weekend might find just the thing within the historic walls of Elizabeth Fort on Barrack Street in Cork City. 

In a nod to Ireland’s most famous snake-related legend, a fun and free Snake Hunt is taking place at the fort from March 13th to March 17th (11am to 4pm), inviting young explorers to track down a trail of hidden serpents cleverly tucked around the site. And before anyone panics — these ones are of the cardboard variety, not the slithery kind.

 

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Set high above the city, the 17th-century star-shaped fort is one of Cork’s most unique landmarks, and this special St Patrick’s weekend activity offers families the chance to experience it in a whole new way. Armed with a special map, children can follow clues, search the nooks and crannies of the historic walls, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt — all at their own pace.

It’s self-guided, which means no rushing, no strict time slots, and no pressure if someone insists on stopping to inspect every cannon and cobblestone along the way. Parents can soak up the views across the city while the kids focus on spotting sneaky snakes.

The event ties in neatly with the legend of Saint Patrick, who famously banished snakes from Ireland — though historians may raise an eyebrow at that one. Either way, it makes for a perfect excuse to get outdoors, stretch the legs and burn off some of that St Patrick’s Day energy.

Best of all, the Snake Hunt is completely free, making it an ideal addition to the weekend’s celebrations.