Tivoli was a well-to-do area for British naval personnel in the 18th & 19th Centuries and as a result there many fine Georgian & Victorian residences in the area. However, the riverside is currently occupied by a major industrial and maritime complex which combines a modern Container Terminal, roll on, roll off, bulk liquid and general purpose docks.

But things are about to change as the Port of Cork is moving ahead with plans for the long-term redevelopment of the city's Tivoli Docks and Container traffic and other services will relocate to a new Cork Container Terminal currently under construction at Ringaskiddy.

The Port of Cork is the world’s second largest natural harbour and is a key international gateway for trade. The the key seaport in the south of Ireland, it is one of only two ports in Ireland to service all six shipping modes - lift on/ lift off, roll on/ roll off, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk and cruise.