Saints, Sinners, and Stories: A Historical Cork Audio Tour

1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Saints, Sinners, and Stories: A Historical Cork Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Ireland’s second city was shaped by centuries of rebellion and invasion. On this walking tour around Cork’s medieval quarter, you’ll hear tales of the rebels and rulers who roamed these streets during its turbulent history.

You’ll hear how Vikings sailed up the River Lee to establish settlements that grew into medieval Cork. As you wind through narrow streets, once canals in this ‘Venice of the North,’ you’ll learn how public executions at Gallow’s Green became entertainment for crowds of 20,000. You’ll also hear the miraculous story of the hanged man who survived his execution – and then interrupted a theatre performance to share the news.

By the end of this tour, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Cork’s remarkable history, brought vividly to life through tales of saints and sinners, rebels and rulers.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Architecture Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Not included

Not included: Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Food and drink

Itinerary

St Fin Barre's Cathedral

Passing by

As we pass the iconic Cathedral, you'll uncover legendary tales of saints battling serpents, discover the origin story of Cork, and try your hand at using symbolsim to decode dramatic medieval biblical scenes , once used to warn the townsfolk. Please note: while we admire the Cathedral from the outside, entry is not included on this tour, but the stories outside are wild enough!
Stop 2

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Old Bear and its hear its history while you walk.
Elizabeth Fort

Passing by

Step through the gates of Elizabeth Fort, where heads once rolled and curses still linger — quite literally. Built during bloody rebellions and battered by cannon fire, this 17th-century stronghold offers killer views of Cork (and maybe a ghost or two whispering sweet revenge from the shadows).

You'll be glad to know entrance is free 7 days a week.
Stop 4

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll walk across the historical South Gate Bridge with its macabre ”drowning dungeon” where prisoners were tortured as the tide rose.
Stop 5

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Counting House (Beamish & Crawford) and its hear its history while you walk.
Stop 6

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Oval and its hear its history while you walk.
Stop 7

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll stroll through Peace Park and its hear its history while you walk.
The English Market

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll step inside the English Market, Cork’s over 200-year-old covered market, where Queen Elizabeth II shared a joke with a local fishmonger.
Stop 9

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Farmgate Cafe and its hear its history while you walk.
Stop 10

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the Coal Quay and its hear its history while you walk.
Stop 11

Passing by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll pass by the North Gate Bridge and its hear its history while you walk.
Stop 12

Passing by

The tour finishes at St. Anne’s Church Shandon Bells and Tower, where you can climb the tower and ring the bells, creating your own melody to echo across the city.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts in front of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This self-guided audio tour ends in front of St Anne's Church.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]