Play time on Leeside

An open air playground will arrive in Cork city centre for two days this week.

It’s part of Cork City Council’s Open Streets initiative and, in conjunction with Basketball Ireland, they are set to bring the excitement of Paris 2024 to the city with two temporary 3x3 street basketball courts on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September.

Players of all ages and abilities are invited to come and try their hand at the two courts that will be installed temporarily on Grand Parade.

It doesn’t just end with basketball as Cornmarket Street, North Main Street, St Patricks Street and Grand Parade will be full of animation for Friday evening with music, games and more. North Main Street will be opened to play with a series of street games and play equipment available for all to use from 5-7pm.

Cornmarket Street will see the piloting of a new experience where darkness is transformed into a playful glow zone from 6-9pm. In an enclosed marquee, there will be ultraviolet lights and specially designed play equipment designed to inspire new ways we can play together in public spaces during the long winter evenings ahead. There will also be pop up music along St Patricks Street.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle said: “We are delighted to continue this series of Open Streets events showing the potential for different uses of our civic spaces and streets. In combination with Culture Night, it promises to show the best of our city centre and what can be done when the communities and citizens of the city are given the opportunity. We are grateful to the long list of partners involved in making these events a success.”

While car parks are unaffected for those who do need to take the car, the organisers are encouraging everyone to walk, cycle or take public transport into town that day.

The quays and all car parks will be open to traffic as normal and street closures will be applied to St Patrick Street, North Main Street, Cornmarket Street, Castle Street and Adelaide Street from 4-10pm.

Buses and taxis will be able to access St Patrick Street as normal, while access for blue badge holders and local residents will also be facilitated as normal.

For a detailed map and further details see corkcity.ie.