Eat at UCC in Cork

I loved it; the observatory is wonderful. The tour offered by the University is well worth it, as you learn about its history and get a good laugh. Ashley was lovely and it was her first time as our guide! A delight.

Great university and beautiful campus

An excellent building, very beautiful

Still a great atmosphere here many years after graduating.

A must visit on Cork, it feels like going to Hogwards

The UCC campus is stunning, more so when the day nears its end and beautiful man-made embers illuminate the quad and other locations in what is one of the safest and most sustainability-forward tertiary institution in the world.

I didn't get into those universities.

Walked round the grounds was so picturesque, the river was high and flowing very fast, had to play pooh sticks o one of the bridges.

The university college grounds are freely accessible and feature both historic buildings from the early period and more recent additions. It does all feel a bit elitist.

An absolute botanical and historical masterpiece – and completely free! Anyone looking for a peaceful oasis in Cork while also wanting to delve deep into Irish history simply must visit the grounds of University College Cork (UCC). The campus is laid out like a gigantic, perfectly manicured castle park and is completely free for the public to explore. You can simply stroll through and soak up the "Hogwarts" atmosphere. These are my highlights and the most fascinating facts about this special place: Impressive historical facts: The historic heart of the campus, the Main Quadrangle, was built in the Gothic Revival style from 1845 onwards amidst the worst years of the Great Famine in Ireland and was officially opened as Queen's College Cork in 1849. The grounds also feature the famous, beautiful Honan Chapel and the Crawford Observatory, dating from 1880 – the only historic observatory on an Irish university campus! An absolute highlight in the university's Stone Corridor is the largest publicly displayed collection of ancient Ogham stones (an early form of the Irish language) in all of Ireland. The world-famous Arboretum: The grounds are not simply lawns, but comprise the internationally accredited UCC Arboretum. Some of the majestic trees were planted when the university was founded and are almost 180 years old! Among the giants are two approximately 150-year-old California redwoods right next to the Boole Library, as well as one of the rarest trees in the world, the Wollemia nobilis. Take a complete walk around the campus: The paths meander through beautifully landscaped gardens such as the President's Garden, past historical statues like that of the famous mathematician George Boole (inventor of Boolean algebra and co-founder of the digital age). The walk leads down to the Lower Grounds along the idyllic River Lee canal, home to the award-winning, modern Glucksman Art Gallery. Best of all – it's free: Entry to the entire park and its paths is completely free. You can wander for hours, read the information panels about the historic buildings, or sit on the lawns with a coffee. (Tip: For a more in-depth experience, you can book a guided tour at the Visitor Centre for just a few euros.) A few facts at a glance: Size: The green park covers approximately 42 acres (about 17 hectares). Tree population: Over 2,500 trees of around 120 different species from all over the world. Location: Perfectly situated, just a 10–15 minute walk west of Cork city centre. For me, one of the most beautiful places in all of Ireland to combine history, outstanding architecture, and nature. A definite 5 stars and a strong recommendation for every visitor to Cork!