Bishop Lucey Park Reopens with New Pedestrian Bridge in Cork City Centre

Cork's historic Bishop Lucey Park has been officially reopened following a major redevelopment, alongside a new 27-metre pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the city centre to Wandesford Quay. Lord Mayor Cllr. Fergal Dennehy cut the ribbon this afternoon, delivering both projects to the public in time for Christmas.

The park's transformation has removed the original 1980s boundary walls and fencing, opening up the space and creating stronger visual and physical connections with surrounding streets. The redesigned park features a new pavilion, plaza, and tower structure marking the entrance on South Main Street.

The redevelopment has brought Cork's 13th century medieval city wall to the fore as a striking focal point. Originally uncovered during excavations in 1984, an additional section of the wall was exposed during the recent works. The wall now forms a continuous element clearly marking the park's eastern boundary.

Heritage features within the park have been carefully preserved and restored, including the Christchurch graveyard, Seamus Murphy's bronze sculpture "The Onion Seller", John Behan's "The Swan Fountain" featuring eight swans (each representing 100 years of Cork's chartered city status), and the Boxer's Wall commemorating Cork's boxing champions.

The award-winning design by Hall McKnight Architects was selected through an international competition run by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in conjunction with Cork City Council. Construction was carried out by Cumnor Construction and funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

The new pedestrian and cycle bridge, also opened today, spans 27 metres connecting Lambley's Lane off South Main Street to Wandesford Quay. Designed by Seán Harrington Architects of Arup and manufactured by Thompsons of Carlow (who also built Mary Elmes Bridge), it provides a direct route from Parnell Place to Wandesford Quay via Oliver Plunkett Street and Tuckey Street. The bridge was co-funded by URDF and the National Transport Authority.

Lord Mayor Cllr. Fergal Dennehy said:

"It's fantastic to be able to give this wonderful amenity space back to the public in time for Christmas. The redeveloped Park is a fusion of the City's medieval heritage and modern, functional design, opened up to the wider city centre. It will be a place of relaxation, play, performance and community gathering. It will attract more people to enjoy this green space in the heart of the city."

Cork City Council Chief Executive Valerie O'Sullivan said:

"The City Council's ambition was always to deliver a high-quality facility for the city, and that has been done. Because the city of Cork deserves no less. The City Council also wanted to ensure that after two years of work and disruption, that the park would be available to the public in time for Christmas.

The opening of the park and the new bridge, combined with the public realm upgrades in and around South Main Street, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of this historic area that will enhance connectivity, encourage footfall, and foster a stronger sense of community, delivering long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors."

The redevelopment forms a key part of Cork City Council's City Centre Strategy, supporting a city projected to grow to 300,000 people in the next 20 years, with increasing numbers of young families expected to live in the city centre.

Works continue on the wider Beamish & Crawford Public Realm Upgrade Scheme, which will see complete renewal of the area around the southern gateway to the medieval city. The scheme connects Grand Parade and historic lanes and streets with the south channel of the River Lee and the city centre business core. Full completion is expected in early summer 2026.

The park site previously housed shops and residential buildings until a major fire in 1970 destroyed the Sean Jennings furniture store at the corner of Grand Parade and Tuckey Street. The park first opened in 1985 to celebrate Cork's 800th anniversary as a chartered city.

A public vote will be held to name the new bridge upon completion of the Beamish & Crawford Public Realm Improvement Scheme, similar to the process used for Mary Elmes Bridge and Vernon Mount Bridge.