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Crawford Art Gallery: A Cork City Cultural Gem

Explore Irish and European art treasures at the Crawford Art Gallery, a cultural landmark in the heart of Cork City. Free admission!

★★★★★4.5 (1523)

The Crawford Art Gallery, housed in Cork's former Customs House (built in 1724), is a National Cultural Institution dedicated to visual arts. With a collection of over 3,500 works, it showcases Irish and European art from the 18th century to the present day. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Crawford Art Gallery

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
1 Emmett Pl, Cork, Centre, T12 YHN7, IE
Monday
10 am-5 pm
Tuesday
10 am-5 pm
Wednesday
10 am-5 pm
Thursday
10 am-8 pm
Friday
10 am-5 pm
Saturday
10 am-5 pm
Sunday
11 am-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Crawford Art Gallery.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Visit on Thursday for extended opening hours until 8pm.
Check the gallery's website for information on current exhibitions, events, and tours.
The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, with an elevator available.
There are lockers available on the ground floor.

Discover more about Crawford Art Gallery

Located in the heart of Cork City, the Crawford Art Gallery is a must-see attraction for art enthusiasts and visitors alike. The gallery is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1724, originally serving as Cork's Custom House. In the 19th century, the building transitioned into an art institution, eventually becoming the Crawford Art Gallery. The gallery's collection is diverse, featuring over 3,500 works, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and contemporary art. A highlight is the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts from the Vatican Museum, acquired in 1818. The gallery also showcases works by renowned Irish artists such as James Barry, Jack B. Yeats, and William Orpen. The Crawford Art Gallery is committed to promoting visual arts through exhibitions and educational programs. It welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually and plays a vital role in Ireland's cultural and tourism landscape. Admission is free, ensuring that art is accessible to everyone. In March 2023, planning permission was granted for a significant redevelopment of the gallery. The project aims to expand the gallery's size and improve its facilities, with work scheduled to begin in Autumn 2024. This redevelopment will further enhance the Crawford Art Gallery's status as a leading cultural destination in Cork City.

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    Getting There

    Walking

    The Crawford Art Gallery is located in Cork city center, a short walk from many attractions. From the English Market, walk east along Grand Parade, then turn left onto Emmet Place. The gallery will be on your left, next to the Cork Opera House. From Kent Station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk. Head south on Lower Glanmire Road, cross the Christy Ring Bridge, and continue onto Lavitt's Quay. Turn right onto Emmet Place. The gallery will be on your right.

    Public Transport

    Several bus routes stop near the Crawford Art Gallery. The closest bus stop is Parnell Place Bus Station, about a 10-minute walk away. From there, walk north on Parnell Place, turn left onto Grand Parade, and then left again onto Emmet Place. The gallery will be on your left. A single fare on Cork city buses typically costs around €2.00 - €2.40, depending on the distance.

    Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Cork City. A taxi from Cork Kent Station to the Crawford Art Gallery will cost approximately €9 - €12 and take 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. From the city center, such as the English Market, a taxi to the gallery will be a short ride costing around €6 - €9. Taxi fares in Cork are regulated, with a base fee and per-kilometer charges. Expect higher fares during evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

    Driving

    If driving, please note that there is no on-site parking at the Crawford Art Gallery. The nearest parking options are Paul Street Car Park and Carroll's Quay Car Park. Paul Street Car Park is just around the corner, while Carroll's Quay Car Park is a 5-minute walk across the Christy Ring Bridge. Parking fees at these car parks typically range from €2.50-€3.50 per hour.

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