Bored of long walks in your own neighbourhood?

The lifting of Level 5 restrictions this week means it’s finally time to broaden your horizons and head back to the city, where two free walking tours are now available, taking in seven new murals created during the lockdown.

As part of the Ardú street art initiative, seven of Ireland’s most respected and renowned street artists were invited to create works at key city-centre locations, in response to a theme inspired by the 1920 Burning of Cork.

Now, using this handy map, you can check out work by Deirdre Breen at Wandesford Quay, Maser at The Kino, James Earley at Henry Street, Peter Martin at Kyle Street, Shane O’Driscoll at Harley Street, Aches at Anglesea Street, and Garreth Joyce on Liberty Street.

Ardú has created two types of tours for the public to enjoy. Both are free and suitable for all ages:

• A Guided Walking Tour of the seven Ardú Street Art locations, led by the artists and organisers. (Admission FREE but booking is required via Eventbrite).
• A self-guided audio tour starting from Wandesford Quay. Visit the Ardú map available on the website (it launches this weekend here), and find the free audio tour page to stream information on each of the murals and artists from Soundcloud links (smartphone and headphones required). These brilliant audio tours are narrated by Ray ‘Wingnut’ Cuddihy, and feature music by DJ Colm K.

“The response to these murals in the city has been phenomenal, it has surpassed our expectations, instilling a new pride in Cork.” said co-organiser and artist Shane O’Driscoll.

“The tours will give further insight into the project as they will be led by the team that created and painted in the initiative. This will be a unique and rare experience to walk with the artists and gain new understandings to the murals.”

Images: Clare Keogh