Brief Description : This route is located in the western half of the city and largely follows the River Lee. It uses a combination of public walkways, footpaths and quiet roads. The route is very flat. Ideal for anyone wishing to go for a short run.
In the map shown below, the route starts at a small car park near the County Hall. If you are not sure where that is then click on this map. There is also on-street parking available on the Mardyke Walk.
(Option...if you want to add a little bit, you can turn left here....over the bridge then right up Sundays well road taking the next pathway right again and back down to the 'Shakey Bridge'. From there, you exit out on to the Mardyke Walk)
Otherwise turn right.....and cross the road and through the bollards and onto the Mardyke Walk which has very little traffic.
From here, you keep going straight and taking a left at the second set of traffic lights. From here, you follow the south bank of the river. You have a choice of a number of bridges that you can cross over depending on how far you want to run.
In the map shown above, the route crosses the river at North Gate Bridge. Otherwise, you have a choice of crossing at the next pedestrian bridge or at the Opera House. Beyond this and you'll have to deal with more traffic.
Once across the river, you head west along the northern bank. Just where you encounter the old pedestrian bridge, you carry on straight and onto a riverside walkway. Please note that this is only open at certain times.
At the end, you cross the river again and exit out on to the Mardyke Road again. Turn right and head back the way you came earlier.
Overall, a short quiet run in the heart of Cork City where you can manage to avoid most of the traffic.
Safety : Besides the obvious road junctions, it's mostly on footpaths. Suitable only as a daytime run.
