Finding new places to go with the little man in tow has become an ever-growing hobby as he gets older and needs more to keep him interested. It’s not as easy to keep his attention (and keep him out of trouble) with the same places over and over, so I’m thrilled to discover new places. When they’re places that are right on our doorstep, all the better! So discovering Nano Nagle Place, which has reopened within the last year to the public after a huge renovation, has been a brilliant start to our Summer.
Where is it?
Nano Nagle Place is situated at the top of Douglas Street in Cork City, just minutes walk from the city centre. You can get directions to it on Google Maps here.
What is it?
Lovingly regenerated since the closure of the South Pres school in 2006, Nano Nagle Place is a heritage centre that engagingly tells the story of Nano Nagle and the city in which she worked to educate and care for the poor. It allows the visitor to explore the incredible spread of the Presentation Order, the changing lives of the sisters who have dedicated their lives to that order and the remarkable work they still carry out as educationalists and campaigners for social justice. With beautiful gardens and historical artefacts onsite, it’s a little haven from the madness in Cork City. It’s also home to the Good Day Deli which serves delicious food and coffee to visitors. The site is fully wheelchair accessible and welcomes guide dogs.
How Much Does It Cost?
Entry to the gardens, the tombs and visitor centre is free of charge. There is an interactive heritage experience telling the story of 18th Century Cork, Nano Nagle’s inspiring work and the lives and work of the Presentation Sisters over time, and today. This experience is self guided. There is also a daily guided tour which allows extra access to the Artefact Room and Miss Nagle’s Parlour. Both of these are housed in the oldest building on the site.
How Kid Friendly Is Nano Nagle Place?
In our visits there, I have found Nano Nagle Place to be SO kid friendly. It’s really buggy friendly, with lifts and slopes to everywhere you want to go. There’s massive green areas for the kids to run around and have fun. The gardens, while beautiful, aren’t done in a way where it’s look-but-don’t-go-near. This means that they can explore without adults freaking out about them going places they shouldn’t be. It’s an entirely secure campus, off the road, out of dangers way. It is a little piece of paradise in the centre of Cork.
The Good Day Deli is also really kid friendly. It serves great coffee for the much-needing it parents too.
Yes, Tell Me About The Food
In Nano Nagle Place, you have the option of bringing a picnic, or buying your food there. They have a cafe called Good Day Deli on site which has a delicious varied menu. Good Day Deli is a Sustainable Foods Deli serving a mix of healthy, local, seasonal, organic and fair trade foods with a commitment to sustainability. Open every day (except for Monday) from 10 until 5, you can get healthy eats and great coffee in their gorgeous cafe looking out onto the gardens. Both days I have been there were beautiful sunny days and we got a table outside, but there is a larger indoor seating area which is likely a better choice most of the year!
I highly recommend their bruschetta – last time I was there it was apple and goats cheese which was DIVINE. I’ve also heard amazing reviews of the fish tacos. And, of course, I couldn’t help but sneak a few of their tasty wedges from my son’s plate. Healthy choices made with quality food at fair prices – you can’t ask for much more!
How Do I Find Out More Information?
For more information on Nano Nagle Place, check out their website here. You can also follow them on Instagram here.
If you’re looking for more ideas for Days Out With Kids In Cork, you can find a (growing) list of ideas that we’ve tried and tested here.
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