Picnic on the hilltop green
The big grassy field is made for spreading out a blanket, letting children run, or kicking a ball. There are no on-site facilities, so bring whatever you need with you.
Bell's Field
4.7 (468)
About
A steep scramble up Cork's northside ends at a grassy hilltop with the city's most famous panorama — the same view painters and The Young Offenders film crew came for.
Things to Do
Catch the city panorama
This open field at the top of Patrick's Hill is where Cork goes for its quintessential view: the northside rooftops, the colourful houses of Blackpool, Shandon Bells and, in the distance, St Fin Barre's Cathedral. It is the same vista John Butts painted from Audley Place nearly 300 years ago.
Climb Patrick's Hill
Getting there is the workout: a steep 25% gradient climb up the hill, about ten minutes' walk from Patrick's Street. Wear grippy shoes and take it slowly — the worn steps and rough surfaces are part of the experience.
Shoot the golden hour
Photographers time visits for clear afternoons and the hour before sunset, when the light over the city is at its best. Sunset from the field is the classic shot.
Follow The Young Offenders trail
The field is a well-known filming location for the TV series The Young Offenders, and it still turns up in travel programmes and reports about the city.
Coffee and crepes nearby
Bell's Coffee & Crepes sits on Old Youghal Road a couple of minutes from the field — the easy way to round off the climb with a coffee or a snack.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day, year-round — though the views are really a daytime (and sunset) affair.
- Admission: Free — public park with no admission charge
- Parking: Easy parking is available close to the field, which makes it convenient for families arriving by car; the approach roads are steep.
- Food: No on-site food. Bell's Coffee & Crepes (3 Old Youghal Road) is a short walk away, serving coffee and crepes.
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