On the 12th Of May 2022 I began to explore the docklands area of Cork and the sky was very dark and was expecting some really heavy rain but the weather suddenly improved and the sun began to shine so I decided to walk all the way to Blackrock with the intention of returning to the city by bus. I arrived at the bus stop at 11am and was delighted to discover that a bus was due within seven minutes but as no bus had arrived by 11:25 and the next one was not due until after noon I decided to walk back to the city by a different route.

In December 2021 the first phase of the long-awaited Marina Park opened to the public. I had visited the area in August 2021 but could not gain access as it was still an active building site.

At the heart of phase one sits a distinctive red steel pavilion paying homage to the former Munster Showgrounds that formerly stood on the site and a central plaza made of natural stone and concrete that will be used for organised events and gatherings.

Marina Park is a new contemporary City Park situated within the South Docklands of Cork and extending from Shandon Boat Club to Blackrock Harbour with an approximate area of 32ha. The park is central to the redevelopment of the South Docks Area, as it will form the primary parkland area in a high density mixed use residential and business area. The redeveloped Pairc Uí Chaoimh stadium is incorporated as an integral element of the park.

The park will provide a wide range of passive and active recreation elements with a particular emphasis on water based activities, play and a range of event spaces. All elements will be seamlessly accommodated into a varied and visually attractive landscape that respects the existing natural features and heritage of the area.

Cork City Council has said that detailed design on the next phase of the Marina Park, which will see the development of a further 60-acres of land from the Atlantic Pond to Blackrock Pier leading to the creation of a ‘regional eco-park, is already underway.

It will incorporate ecological trails and resting points though existing forestry areas, carefully managed wetlands, a woodland playground, meadowlands and a heritage trail with access to the Barrington Folly, the old quay walls, the slipway at Dundanion Castle and the ice cave.

It is hoped that, following a public consultation process, work on phase two will commence in autumn 2022 and be completed the following winter.

According the Cork City Council future projects in the area will include the upgrading of the Marina Promenade, which will act as a conduit between the upgraded Passage Railway Greenway (from the Maria to Mahon), the Docklands area and Blackrock Village.