Cork city's playful culture trail returns this summer

Cork city’s Playful Culture Trail will return for its fifth year this summer, after it was launched on UNESCO’s International Day of Play on Tuesday.

The 2025 edition of the trail puts a spotlight on discovery.

Guided by a child-friendly trail map, families can complete 20 interactive activities and collect stamps at each stop, from galleries and museums to historic landmarks and outdoor spots.

At the heart of the trail is Bláithín the Lizard, the trail’s mascot, who will be hidden in each attraction, helping participants to solve clues and unlock facts about Cork’s heritage and history.

Running from June through September, the trail features a mix of cultural and heritage sites, including: Blackrock Castle Observatory, The Butter Museum, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, Nano Nagle Place, The Glucksman Gallery, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Shandon Bells and Tower, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, as well as parks and picnic points such as Fitzgerald Park, The Lough, and Marina Park.

Highlights of this year’s trail include finding the centre of the labyrinth at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, learning the purpose of the Cork Horns at Cork Public Museum and borrowing a board game at Cork City Library.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle, praised the initiative’s creativity and collaborative spirit, saying:

 “I’m delighted to see the Playful Culture Trail return to Cork city for its fifth year.

“Children have come to know and love Bláithín the Lizard. This year’s detective theme encourages exploration, learning, and genuine fun across the city’s museums, galleries, and historic sites. 

"My sincere thanks to everyone who has collaborated to bring this trail to life.” The trail is coordinated by Let’s Play Cork, and the organisation’s Martin O’Donoghue said: “This trail aligns with global efforts to promote play as essential for children’s development. Cork continues to lead the way nationally in reimagining our cultural spaces as places for play, learning, and joy.” The Playful Culture Trail was first established in Cork in 2021 to make cultural and heritage spaces more accessible and fun for children.

Danielle O’Donovan, director of the Cork Butter Museum, said the trail is about transforming how children experience culture: “Children aren’t just welcome—they’re our VIPs. 

This citywide collaboration shows just how welcoming and playful Cork is. We can’t wait to welcome this year’s little super sleuths!” The Playful Culture Trail 2025 offers a unique and engaging way to experience the city this summer - opening times, access details, trail maps and further information can be found at: playfulculturetrail.com.