Nano Nagle Place — Attraction in Cork

A most unexpected gift that was good for your soul!

Right off the top if you visit Cork a must see is Nano Nagle Place. It was truly enjoyable, inspirational and I am sure your hearts will be touched as much as ours were.

Arriving off a cruise ship we travelled to Cork for the day. The very helpful tourist office circled a number of points of interest on our map and off we went. We arrived at Nano Nagle Place, having no idea what it was, expecting a museum of some sort. Well!! it was that and much much more.

We were greeted by an Ambassador named Agnes who instantly helped us understand the extraordinary significance of this museum and gardens dedicated to the Venerable Nano Nagle, an inspirational woman who in the 1700s of Cork dedicated her life to supporting those in need. Her story and life was neither one we had not been aware of, nor her connection to Canada.

The grounds are magnificent with a lovely cafe on the grounds as well as a gift shop and of course the museum. The staff we encountered were friendly, welcoming and professional.

When we left Agnes saw us off like life long friends rather than the day-trippers we were. She touched our hearts deeply with her warmth, her passion for her work and the stories she shared. Now back on the ship I am now becoming much more acquainted with the compelling life story of Nano.

What a gift...

Wonderful exhibit and grounds telling the story of Nano Nagle, a nun who secretly taught the poor of Cork in defiance of the penal laws, her family's wishes, and social norms for women. Her powerful legacy of social justice extends into the present, and the exhibit is housed in the former convent that was home to her work.

Absolutely gorgeous campus, gardens, and cemetery, and notably every part of the grounds and museum are accessible to wheelchair users via lifts. Accessibility is also extended via sensory kits and lightweight stools for anyone who might want a place to sit, among other accessibility tools. Children were also clearly considered with activities for them throughout the exhibits.

All the staff were warm, knowledgeable, and welcoming. The gardens are free to walk through and are an immensely peaceful oasis with many opportunities to sit and appreciate the natural and architectural beauty of the surroundings. The museum tickets were affordable and well worth it.

I highly recommend stopping in at the Good Day Deli and eating outside. The food is phenomenal, mostly vegetarian, mostly local, and the view of the garden is a beautiful setting for a meal. The staff at the cafe...

Museum offered great insight into the Cork of old. Having often visited the beautiful gardens and the Good Day Deli restaurant on the grounds before, I finally paid a trip to the museum itself. It offered a great insight into what Cork was like in the mid 18th century, and the work Nano Nagle did for the Catholic poor of the time. The museum was of high quality, with interactive displays, videos and artefacts from the time. Much of it is inside an old chapel with some beautiful stained glass windows. Afterwards we spoke with the man at the museum reception desk, I think his name was Gerry, he was super friendly and answered any remaining questions we had about Nano Nagle, Cork of that time, and offered more insight into things like the Cork catholic merchant class, the remaining nuns, and the community work that still goes on in Nano Nagle place today. It gave me a new appreciation for the gardens, and we visited Nano Nagle's grave afterwards, which are inside the grounds. I would definitely recommend, and as is often the case in museums, it's worth taking the time to talk to the people working there, as they usually have great...