CORK city (Irish name Corcaigh, meaning marsh), like Venice, is built upon waters. It is fortunate to have all the amenities of a large city, but is compact enough to have countryside within walking distance of its centre.

This walk will give you a chance to capture the excitement of a vibrant, living city and enjoy the pleasures of peace and tranquillity in the countryside as you stroll past many interesting places along the River Lee, enjoying the views of historic buildings and landscape.

The walk begins at the North Gate Bridge, also known as Griffith Bridge (see map below). This is the site of one of the entrances to Cork's medieval city, only 200 metres from the centre. Our walk progresses up the treelined North Mall to the entrance of Irish Distillers, once the site of the 13th century Franciscan North Abbey. Turn left over the ornate steel bridge and continue along the river bank, passing the Mercy Hospital, which was originally erected in 1767 as the Mansion House for the Mayor of Cork the riverfront, as you admire the old stone building of the Lee Maltings, now the home of the National Microelectronics Research Centre, turn right on to the Mardyke and its tree lined walk to Fitzgerald Park with its museum, gardens and fountains.

Enter the park and proceed along the river bank passing University College Cork's athletics grounds (usually a hive of activity). Maintain your course along the riverbank to the road crossing at Western Road (be careful). Cross the road and keep left as you now walk towards the junction at the top of the Western Road passing the Sacred Heart Church and turn right.

You are now exiting the city via the main Killarney road by Carrigrohane Road. When you reach the end of the now closed Public City Baths opposite County Hall - Ireland's tallest building - turn right back onto river walk. Now coming into view is Europe's longest old building, the picturesque Our Lady's Hospital. As you pass the city weir you may see a salmon jumping upstream.

Walk to the end of the path until you're on the main Carrigrohane Road or alternatively continue along the river bank on a small grass path until it rejoins the main footpath. Turning right continue along the path to the Anglers' Rest, an ideal place for a rest stop. You can sit and enjoy views of the River Lee in the beer garden of this well frequented hostelry before continuing on your journey.

Resuming your walk, turn right as you leave the Rest down a very small pathway that will bring you onto a small hump back bridge. Then, 50 metres beyond the bridge turn right into green fields. This entrance is just beyond the first house on your right.

You are now on the homeward stretch on the opposite side of the river bank, it is also where the Shournagh River meets the River Lee and is a favoured spot for salmon and trout fishing. Follow the grass pathway as it manoeuvres its way back towards the city, enjoying the pastures of the farmland and the life of the river, including herons and swans. In general, wildlife is in abundance as you stroll along the river, until you are forced out onto the roadway.

Continue along the path, passing Our Lady's Hospital on your right and Cork City Waters on your left, until you come to Thomas Davis Bridge. In view is the renowned Daly Bridge, known locally as The Shaky Bridge, about 200 metres ahead. Continue uphill and take the first turning on the right down some steep steps. After crossing the bridge, continue through Fitzgerald Park and back to the start of your walk.

Alternatively, after leaving Thomas Davis Bridge continue on up Sundays Well, past the church, back to North Mall and start of walk.