In case you’re intending to visit Cork City and already have on your agenda Blarney Castle, The English Market, and the Cork City Gaol, I have a little piece of inside information to share with you: venture out of the busy streets and into Tramore Valley Park. Mine, this park is one of the darlings in Cork that is not looked upon by many tourists.

My first discovery of Tramore Valley Park was a surprise because of its large size as well as having rich history of its own. The park is just over 160 acres, making it one of the biggest urban parks in Ireland. It is not all about size but an actual display of how a neighborhood ridden of pollution can be turned into a green park, therefore a demonstration of sustainability and conservation.

So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know before make an appearance in Tramore Valley Park.

The Tramore Valley Park is located

Tramore Valley Park is situated on the southside of Cork City near the Kinsale Road Roundabout. Full Address

Tramore Valley Park, Tramore Rd South City Link Rd, Ballinlough, Cork T12 AE86 Ireland.

It can be easily located in Google Maps, so there is no danger of getting lost.

The Journey: Travel by foot, bicycle, auto, bus, or rail

Tramore Valley Park is easy to access, regardless of the means of transport:

• By Foot or bike: You can also get in through the Eastern Park Walkway (zip st Willow Park), or Half Moon Lane (zip st Christ King Secondary School).

• Via Car: The prime auto parking place is in the opposite direction of the Black Ash Park and Ride on South Link Road. This is the only entrance for cars.
• By Bus: The 213 Bus runs every 30 minutes from South Mall to Black Ash Park. It’s only about an 8-minute trip.
• By Train: Cork Kent Station is the nearest train stop, just about a 14-minute walk away.

I visited by car, and parking was smooth and easy. But if you’re staying in the city centre, hopping on the bus might be the most convenient option.

Parking at Tramore Valley Park

Parking won’t be a headache here. The park has about 500 spaces for cars and bicycles at the main entrance. It can be full on busy summer weekend, but usually, you can easily find a place.

Tramore Valley Park Opening Hours

Sometimes the hours that the park opens vary with the season:

• Winter (Oct -Mar): 8:30 am to 5.00 pm
• Summer (Jun-Jul): Open up to 10.00 pm

Opening hours may vary depending on the day of the week, the organization of the specific day of the week (week off, holiday, etc.). To find out the current opening hours, visit the official site: Tramore Valley Park Opening Hours

The History of Tramore Valley Park

The thing about Tramore Valley Park that makes it so fascinating is the very fact that it is an old area which, as such, is eerily spooky. This tranquil park bears witness to Cork’s former main landfill site.

From the early 1960s until 2009, more than 3 million tonnes of waste from Cork homes and businesses were dumped here. When the site finally closed, Cork City Council decided to turn it into something extraordinary—a sustainable urban park that connects people to nature.

With the help of environmental experts, wetlands were restored, rare birds were encouraged to return, and the area was carefully transformed into the park we see today. It’s a real success story of how a landfill became a thriving green lung for the city.

Things to Do in Tramore Valley Park

Tramore Valley Park is more than just a place for a stroll. Whether you’re an athlete, a family on a picnic, or someone who just loves nature, you’ll find something to enjoy.

Robert Heffernan Walk (2.5 km)

Named after Cork Olympian Robert Heffernan, this walking loop is a favourite for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Along the way, you’ll spot plenty of wildlife and educational signs about local plants and animals.

BMX Track

Adrenaline seekers—this is for you! Tramore Valley Park is home to Cork’s only international standard BMX track. Training times are usually Saturdays & Sundays (1–4 pm) and Wednesdays (6:30–8:30 pm) with the Cork BMX Club.

The Dome

In the centre of the park, you’ll find the Dome—a raised area with fantastic views of Cork landmarks like the Shandon Bells and the Elysian Tower. On a sunny day, the panorama is breathtaking.

Rugby Pitch

There’s a full-sized rugby field available for training sessions and matches, managed by Cork City Council and the Glen Resource Centre.

Outdoor Gym

If you love exercising in the fresh air, the outdoor gym in the southwest corner of the park is a great addition. It is free of charge in normal park hours.

Tramore Valley Park Things To Do

Other than the park, there is so much more to Cork to check out once you are finished exploring:

Blarney Castle (20 mins) – Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone and tour the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Irish Market (10 mins) –Various local suppliers in one small area with a very large selection of foods and homemade produce that the Irish like.

Cork City Gaol (16 mins) – Call into this castle-like prison museum.

Elizabeth Fort (10 mins) – Visit the 17th-century star-shaped fort overlooking Cork with its great views.

Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum– Ideal to take a break with some culture and enjoy a walk by the River Lee.

FAQs About Tramore Valley Park

Is it safe to visit Tramore Valley Park?
Yes! The park went through a €40 million environmental clean-up. The EPA regularly monitors it, and systems are in place to safely manage gases and emissions.

How much does it cost?
Good news—it’s completely free to enter!

Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely. It has the feature of walking trails, picnic spots and open spaces, making it suitable for families.

Tramore Valley Park is not just a park but Cork city where the past, sustainability and outdoor activity meet. When it comes to recreational activities, there is no denying that Xanadu is the type of park that you would want to keep coming back to, especially due to its remarkable transformation from a landfill to an eco-friendly island.

Be it you a local Cork citizen looking to get some fresh air or a tourist visiting the Rebel City of Ireland, then make Sure to add Tramore Valley Park to your list.