Cork City is inviting families to put on their detective hats and set off on a cultural adventure this summer, as the much-loved Playful Culture Trail returns for its fifth year—launched on June 11, UNESCO’s International Day of Play.
Designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration through fun, play-based learning, the 2025 edition of the trail puts a spotlight on discovery. Children and families will journey through the city’s cultural gems, guided by a child-friendly trail map, completing 20 interactive activities and collecting stamps at each stop—from galleries and museums to historic landmarks and leafy outdoor spots.
At the heart of the trail is Bláithín the Lizard, the trail’s popular mascot, who returns this year as a pint-sized sleuth. Hidden in each attraction, Bláithín invites young explorers to sharpen their detective skills, solve cultural clues, and unlock fascinating facts about Cork’s heritage and history.
Running from June through September, the trail features a vibrant mix of 20+ cultural and heritage sites, including: Blackrock Castle Observatory, The Butter Museum, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, Nano Nagle Place, The Glucksman Gallery, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Shandon Bells and Tower, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, plus, parks and picnic points such as Fitzgerald Park, The Lough, and Marina Park.
Highlights of this year’s trail include: Finding the centre of the labyrinth at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral; learning the purpose of the mysterious Cork Horns at Cork Public Museum; and borrowing a board game at Cork City Library.
Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle praised the initiative’s creativity and collaborative spirit, “I’m delighted to see the Playful Culture Trail return to Cork city for its fifth year. Children have come to know and love Bláithín the Lizard. This year’s detective theme encourages exploration, learning, and genuine fun across the city’s museums, galleries, and historic sites. My sincere thanks to everyone who has collaborated to bring this trail to life.”
The trail is coordinated by Let’s Play Cork, a city-wide partnership that uses play as a strategy for place-making, inclusion, and wellbeing. Launching this year’s edition on the UN International Day of Play was no coincidence, according to Martin O’Donoghue of Let’s Play Cork, “This trail aligns with global efforts to promote play as essential for children’s development. Cork continues to lead the way nationally in reimagining our cultural spaces as places for play, learning, and joy.”
For Danielle O’Donovan, Director of the Cork Butter Museum, the trail is about transforming how children experience culture, “Children aren’t just welcome—they’re our VIPs. This citywide collaboration shows just how welcoming and playful Cork is. We can’t wait to welcome this year’s little super sleuths!”
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Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Playful Culture Trail 2025 offers a unique and engaging way to experience the city—one clue, stamp, and smile at a time.
Check out playfulculturetrail.com for more, including opening times, access details, and trail maps to help plan your cultural caper.
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