Council App Explores Cork

Staycations look to be the order of the year, which has prompted Cork County Council to launch a new app aimed at tourists, listing over 850 places to see and things to do throughout the county.

The Explore Cork app is the first of its kind to be launched by a local authority in Ireland. The council developed the free app following the success of its web-based Rediscover Cork County GIS tourism map, which launched in summer 2019. Key elements of this GIS map have been replicated in the app, with added functionality.

Users can browse tourism activities under 18 categories, which can be filtered by areas of interest such as beaches, heritage sites, arts and culture etc. The county’s 23 main towns are featured on the app through local information, video footage and lesser-known attractions. Walking trails are also detailed on the app, which is linked via the Pure Cork website to an extensive database of dining and accommodation options.

Tim Lucey, chief executive of Cork County Council, says that the Explore Cork app will be instrumental in helping the region recover from the Covid pandemic. “Initially, it will encourage people to realise the value of staying closer to home and enjoying the many outdoor activities throughout Co. Cork,” he said.

“In the long term, this app will serve as a significant marketing asset in attracting the international visitor, placing Cork firmly on the map as a leading tourism destination in Europe.” The Explore Cork app is available for Android and iOS devices.