The Butter Museum, Cork: A Unique Celebration of Ireland’s Dairy Heritage
Discover Cork’s rich butter trade history and traditional dairy culture in a charming, historic museum in the heart of Shandon.
Situated in O’Connell Square, Shandon, Cork, The Butter Museum offers a fascinating insight into Ireland’s rich butter trade history. Housed in a historic 19th-century building that once served as the Butter Market, this charming museum showcases the social, economic, and cultural significance of butter in Ireland. Visitors can explore traditional butter-making crafts, international trade stories, and the evolution of dairy culture, including the legacy of the Kerrygold brand.
A brief summary to The Butter Museum
- O'Connell Square, Cork, Shandon, IE
- +353214300600
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan to spend about an hour to fully enjoy the exhibits and the butter-making demonstration if visiting on Wednesdays or Saturdays at noon.
- Check seasonal opening hours as the museum operates daily from May to October but is limited in winter months.
- Admission discounts are available for students, seniors, and children; children under 12 enter free when accompanied by family.
- The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with no steps and a visitor lift, though large-format wheelchair bathrooms are not currently available.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Cork Open Top Bus Tour, which stops near The Butter Museum, offering a scenic and convenient way to reach the site. The tour runs frequently during the tourist season, with tickets costing around €15–€20 for a day pass.
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Car
Driving to The Butter Museum is possible with on-street parking nearby. Parking discs are sold locally. Expect a 10–20 minute drive from Cork city center depending on traffic, with parking fees around €2–€4 per hour.
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Walking
From central Cork, walking to The Butter Museum takes approximately 20–30 minutes over mostly paved urban terrain. Note that some pavements en route can be obstructed, which may challenge wheelchair users or those with strollers.
The Butter Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Butter Museum
A Storied Past in Cork’s Historic Butter Market
The Butter Museum is located in the heart of Cork’s Shandon district, within the former Butter Market buildings dating back to 1849. This market was once the largest of its kind in Ireland, playing a pivotal role in the global butter trade during the 19th century. The impressive portico, designed by Sir John Benson, marks the entrance to a place where thousands of firkins of butter were inspected, graded, and shipped worldwide, symbolizing Cork’s dominance in the dairy export market.Exploring Ireland’s Butter Trade and Cultural Heritage
Inside, the museum offers an engaging narrative of Ireland’s butter industry, intertwining social, economic, and religious history. Exhibits include traditional butter-making tools, vintage butter wrappers, and artifacts such as steel churns and the famous 1,000-year-old medieval bog butter. The displays also highlight the domestic craft of home butter making and the international success of brands like Kerrygold, illustrating how butter shaped Irish identity and economy.Interactive Experiences and Demonstrations
Visitors can attend live butter-making demonstrations held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at noon, providing a hands-on appreciation of this traditional craft. The museum’s compact size makes it perfect for a one-hour visit, offering a rich, immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining. The museum also hosts special events and exhibitions that delve deeper into the lore and eccentricities of butter and dairy culture.The Building’s Evolution and Modern Use
After the Butter Exchange closed in 1925, the building served various purposes, including as offices for the Irish Ballet Company in the 1980s. It was repurposed in the late 1990s into the Butter Museum, preserving and celebrating Cork’s unique contribution to the dairy industry. The museum’s location near the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne situates it within a vibrant historic neighborhood, adding to its charm.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
The Butter Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring no steps and a visitor lift, though large-format wheelchair bathrooms are not available. On-street parking is available nearby, and the museum is a stop on the Cork Open Top Bus Tour, making it easy to reach. Admission fees are modest, with discounts for students, seniors, and children, and free entry for carers and children under 12 in family groups.A Unique Cultural Attraction in Cork
As one of Cork’s more unusual museums, The Butter Museum offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and local heritage. It captures the essence of Ireland’s dairy success story and provides visitors with a memorable glimpse into a product that has been central to Irish life for centuries. Whether you are interested in food history, cultural heritage, or simply curious about butter, this museum is a rewarding stop on any Cork itinerary.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Father Mathew Statue
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Medieval City Wall (Balla Cathrach na Meánaoise)
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National Monument - Cork
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S Mall
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Nano Nagle Bridge
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Original Walls of Saint Mary of the Isle
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Eamon de Valera Bridge
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Dundanion House Bridge
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Blarney Castle & Gardens
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Blarney Stone
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Old Church
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Cobh
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1 Pearse Square
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Camden Fort Meagher
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Island Wedge Tomb
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shandon Sweets
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Experience Cork’s sweetest tradition with handmade boiled sweets crafted in the historic heart of Shandon since 1928.
Shandon Clock Tower
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Experience the rich history and breathtaking views of Cork City from the iconic Shandon Clock Tower, a must-visit historical landmark.
St Anne's Church Shandon Bells & Tower
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Discover the historic St. Anne's Church and its iconic Shandon Bells, a must-see attraction in Cork, Ireland, renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic views.
Historic Buildings of Pope's Quay
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Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, Shandon
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Explore the stunning Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne in Shandon, Cork – a breathtaking blend of architecture, history, and culture for every traveler.
Coal Quay Market
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Experience Cork’s vibrant Saturday farmers’ market with fresh local produce, lively atmosphere, and rich historic roots on Cornmarket Street.
Cornmarket St
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Historic Cornmarket Street in Cork blends vibrant markets, rich heritage, and lively urban culture in the heart of the city centre.
The Coal Quay
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St. Peter's
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Cork Ghost Tour
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Discover Cork’s haunted past on a thrilling, theatrical walking tour filled with ghost stories, history, and spooky fun for all ages.
Crawford Art Gallery
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Discover the artistic treasures of Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, where history and contemporary creativity converge in a stunning cultural experience.
Kilkenny Design Emmett Place
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Saints Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church
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Patrick's Hill
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Paddywagon Tours Cork
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Essential places to dine
The Four Liars Bistro
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51 Cornmarket
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Experience fresh, seasonal Irish cuisine in the heart of Cork’s historic Cornmarket Street at 51 Cornmarket.
The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega
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Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub
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Cornstore Cork
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The Linen Weaver - JD Wetherspoon
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Amicus
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Luigi Malones Cork
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The Woodford
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Strasbourg Goose Restaurant
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Tony's Bistro
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Cork's beloved mafia-themed bistro serving generous Irish breakfasts and creative lunch fare in a warm, family-run setting.
Bella Napoli
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Koto
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CoqBull
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Restaurant 14a
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Cornmarket Centre
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Peacock & Ruby
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Paul Street Shopping Centre
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MrPRICE Cork City
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Agora
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Casa Craft
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Pinocchio's Toys & Gifts
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Handcrafts Cork
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Samui
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Nine Crows Cork
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Vibes & Scribes Crafts
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Unbound
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Søstrene Grene Cork
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Miss Daisy Blue
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sin é
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The Black Dog
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Paladar
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The Raven Bar
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Impala
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The Liberty Bar X Resistance
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Mutton Lane Inn
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Edison
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The Shelbourne Bar
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Cask
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The Alibi Bar + Kitchen
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The Thomond Bar
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The Silly Goose
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An Bróg Bar + Kitchen
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
