Always walking the same old routes around town?

Two new orienteering maps could help you explore some of the city’s most fascinating architectural features as you get your steps in or take the dog for his daily outing.

Developed as part of Cork City Council’s Cork City Heritage Urban Orienteering Project, the maps aim to get people involved with heritage and to celebrate Architectural Conservation Areas in our city.

There are two orienteering routes to choose from: one through Shandon and the other through the Marsh and South Parish.

“These routes highlight wonderful architectural features, such as fanlights, iron railings, bridges, and shopfronts, which can be seen on houses, quaysides and civic buildings.” a spokesperson told us.

“As part of the project, two art competitions were held and local people were encouraged to draw architectural features that they noticed in these areas. Almost 100 high-quality entries were submitted and the winning drawings were printed as permanent markers at each orienteer checkpoint location.”

The project is delivered by Arbarta Heritage and artist Sheelagh Broderick, with the support of Cork City Council Conservation office.

Suitable for all ages, you’ll find free downloadable maps and clues to help you navigate through the historic areas here.