It is curious to reflect that Cork, a merchant city surrounded by water, might once have thirsted for fresh water to drink. And that the solution came from a “little republic”, to be found just a short walk from the city centre.
For this is a lesser told story, a behind-the-scenes secret: yet an essential ingredient to the prosperity of Cork City’s rapidly growing population in Victorian times.
Arriving at the Old Cork Waterworks on the banks of the River Lee, you find handsome red sandstone and limestone buildings and a towering chimney: monuments to that same Victorian civic pride that left architectural legacies across Cork City.
Inside, exploring interactive exhibits and touring the Steam Centre, Boiler and Engine Rooms where giant restored machinery gleams, you discover three centuries of industrial heritage: in particular, the Victorian steam-powered scheme masterminded by architect/engineer Sir John Benson, much needed to update the city’s antiquated water supply.
And so the story keeps flowing, as does the Old Cork Waterworks with exhibits looking to the future in a city built on water in more ways than one.

Old Cork Waterworks Experience is open Monday to Friday 9.00-17.00 and weekends (Summer Only) 10.00-17.00

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