Ways to Stay Healthy in Cork City

17/01/2025

If one of your new year resolutions is to get fitter or be healthier in 2025, then check out the variety of sports facilities provided by Cork City Council and how they can support your fitness goals.

Using Sports Facilities for Structured Exercise:

Tennis, Soccer, Basketball & Golf: 

You can try your hand at tennis in our new outdoor courts in Meelick Park in Ballyvolane, join a 5-a-side soccer team at  the Glen Resource Centre, learn the basics of basketball at one of our sports halls in Knocknaheeny (Terence Mac Swiney Community College) and Ballyphehane (Cork College of Further Education, Tramore Road) or get the golf bug at Mahon Golf Club.

With team sports, you are not only improving your cardiovascular health, but you enjoy the social benefits of being part of a team or group.

Outdoor Gyms for Functional Fitness:

There are 11 new outdoor gyms around the city, providing free access to fitness equipment in public spaces. The outdoors gyms support body weight-based exercise and are a perfect way to build strength and flexibility whilst also enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. Our outdoor gyms can be found at Blarney, Gurranabraher, Glanmire, Blackrock, Bishopstown, Farranree, Clogheen/Kerrypike, Clashduv Park, Tory Top Park, The Lough and Ballyvolane. For more info, see Cork City Outdoor Gyms

Explore Multi-Use Game Areas (MUGAs):

We recently launched two MUGAs in Ballinlough and Grange. These versatile spaces are designed to accommodate various sports, such as basketball and soccer. The accessibility of MUGAs means that they can be used by people of all ages and fitness levels, making them an ideal option for families, friends and community groups who are looking to stay active together.

Swimming Pools for Full-Body Fitness:

Swimming is an incredibly effective full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility. Cork City Council has three swimming pools located across the city, LeisureWorld Bishopstown, LeisureWorld Churchfield and the Gus Healy Swimming Pool in Douglas. Swimming is particularly beneficial for people with joint issues or those recovering from injuries as the buoyancy of the water reduces strain on the body whilst still allowing for a highly effective workout.

Swimming pools cater to all levels of swimmers. Many offer swimming lessons, aqua aerobic classes and dedicated times for recreational swimming.

Walking and Running in the City Centre:

Parks:

Cork’s urban landscape is filled with beautiful parks, waterfront access and scenic walking paths that encourage outdoor activity. The city’s extensive network of walking routes provides an opportunity for individuals to stay active through regular walking and running. Our city parks include Tramore Valley Park, Fitzgerald’s Park, Ballincollig Regional Park, Shalom (Peace) Park, The Lough, Kennedy Park, Tory Top Park, Marina Park, The Glen Amenity Park, Gerry O’Sullivan Park, The Lee Fields, Douglas Community Park and John O’Callaghan Park and for more details see Cork City Parks.

Running: 

As part of the upgraded Marina Promenade, open since last month a new feature has been added for runners that can help with timing distance running. Markers have been installed every 100 metres from 0m to 1800m.

Cork City Council and Cork Sports Partnership- along with SheRaces- are starting a new run club at the end of January. Runners will meet at Blackrock Castle every Sunday and there will be trainers/leaders (all female) there to support all types of runners from people getting ready for their first run ever to those who want to run the full 26.2 miles of the Cork City Marathon!

Cork City Marathon is being held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, you can sign up for the 10k, half marathon or full marathon. More information can be found at Cork City Marathon.

Building on its success last year, another Cork City Marathon initiative gets a second outing for the 2025 edition. As part of the Youth Challenge, hundreds of hundreds of teenagers can participate in structured training sessions and then run the 10k on the day. Last year nearly 200 runners ran as part of the Youth Challenge.

Cork City Council employ a youth challenge co-ordinator, and his role is to develop and grow the event, engaging with schools and helping get students (16 and older) active and running.