Orienteering

Orienteering

Cork City Council have developed a new fun, outdoor activity for all the family.

Get out and about and explore the newly developed Heritage Orienteering Route that has been developed in Shandon and through the historic areas of the Marsh and South Parish, in the heart of Cork City.

The aim of the orienteering route is to raise awareness and celebrate the architectural conservation areas of our city by getting the public involved in art competitions and orienteering. The chosen routes highlight wonderful architectural features that can be seen on shop fronts, houses, and civic buildings such as wrought iron railings, sash windows, intricate stone carvings, fanlights and many other features, some of which are hundreds of years old!  By taking part, you can enjoy the historic urban landscape in a healthy and fun way. You can choose to explore one or both the routes that have been developed. 

How to Take Part in the Shandon Orienteering Route (Phase 1):

Click here to find out more. This page will lead you to the downloadable map and clues that will help you to navigate through the streets of Shandon (an Architectural Conservation Area). By exploring the route, you will find yourself wandering through historic streets and lanes searching out everyday features that may date back hundreds of years. You will also find out some of the stories about the people who once lived and worked here.

 How to Take Part in the Marsh & South Parish Orienteering Route (Phase 2):

Click here to find out more. This page will lead you to the downloadable map and clues that will help you to navigate through two Architectural Conservation Areas - The Marsh & South Parish. There are 8 stops to explore and the route will lead you past a Mansion, historic laneways, the oldest building in the city and along the banks of the Lee. It should take about an hour or so to complete with clues and interesting information about the buildings along the way.

Background - Public Art Competitions

This project is focused on encouraging people of all ages to get involved with the heritage of the area. We held two public art competitions for the two phases of the project to find drawings to print on the orienteering checkpoints. We encouraged people to go out and look at the area with fresh eyes, draw what they see and submit drawings of the architectural features in the area. We received almost 100 high quality entries and the winning drawings were printed as permanent markers at each orienteer checkpoint location.

The project was delivered by Abarta Heritage and artist Sheelagh Broderick, who both have a strong track record in facilitating public engagement projects in a variety of settings with the support of Cork City Council Conservation office. This project is funded through the Cork City Heritage Plan with support from Cork City Council, the Heritage Council and Creative Ireland.