If you look closely you can see the beginnings of Barrack Street.

An artwork by archaeological illustrator, Philip Armstrong, commissioned by Elizabeth Fort, offers an incredible depiction of what the city looked like circa 1624-26.

Long before Tom Barry’s, Pigalle and Alchemy arrived in the neighbourhood, a St. Patrick’s Saltire flag flies from the city walls near the South Gate Bridge, and you can also spot fish traps in the river, a gallows, and St. Laurence’s Church, the remains of which were unearthed by Dr. Maurice Hurley during archaeological excavations at the former Beamish and Crawford site.

The fascinating images of Cork in the 17th century are part of a permanent exhibition developed as part of an EU Interreg project (something to add to your to-do list once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted).

New audio tours

Visitors to Elizabeth Fort, which remains closed for the time being, can also avail of self-guided audio tours of the city’s star fort, produced by Abarta Audio Guides. Currently available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and German, an Irish and Italian guide will be added soon.