With a small bit of creativity and forward planning, really memorable family days out (that don't cost an arm and a leg!) are waiting to be enjoyed in Cork - by both visitors and natives. It's amazing the amount of Corkonians I know who have never rung the bells in Shandon or even taken the open-top bus trip around the city. But I suppose it's easy to forget or overlook the great things that are just on our doorstep.

Out and About in Cork City...the first port of call has got to be to the English Market to pick up supplies. This market has been trading since 1788 and is one of the oldest markets of its kind. Being an indoor market it can also provide invaluable shelter from the inclement Irish weather!!! But on a day when you have a mini-walking tour of Cork planned, this is the perfect place for picking up the necessities for your picnic. Whatever you fancy you will find under this roof- from cooked homemade sausages, fresh crusty bread, cheese, olives, juice/smoothies to gorgeous pastries and tarts...you will be spoilt for choice. When you have made your purchases (and maybe indulged in a spot of playful haggling!) it is time to set off.

I always find with my children that it is best to let them expend some of their boundless energy before bringing them into a museum/church/exhibition (maybe it's a boy thing???) so I'm starting off this tour with a good brisk walk out Washington St. You will pass the Courthouse which was originally built in 1836 but was destroyed by fire in 1891. The present courthouse was completed in 1895 and has been undergoing renovations since 2003.

Western road follows on from Washington St. and is home to University College Cork which was established in 1845 as one of three Queen’s Colleges at Cork, Galway and Belfast.  The site chosen for the college is particularly appropriate given its connection with the patron saint of Cork, St Finbarr.  It is believed his monastery and school stood on the bank of the river Lee, which runs through the lower grounds of the university.  The University’s motto is  ‘Where Finbarr Taught, let Munster Learn.’ Guided tours of UCC can be booked through the Visitor's Centre on (021) 4901876 or visitorscentre@ucc.ie

The UCC campus is noted for its mature well-wooded grounds containing several Californian Redwood trees. These form a splendid setting for the Gothic revival-style Main Quadrangle buildings, modelled on a typical Oxford college by the renowned Cork architect of the mid 19th century - Sir Thomas Deane.The north wing of the Main Quadrangle houses UCC’s unique collection of Ogham Stones, thought to be burial stones or boundary markers. The inscriptions are the earliest written source of the Irish language and the oldest recordings or Irish personal names, dating back to the mid fifth and late seventh centuries.

Another must-see is the Honan Chapel. Built in 1916, and named after the Honan family, the Chapel can be regarded as a gem of Irish ecclesiastical architecture. The exterior is adorned with the architectural style known as 'Hiberno-Romanesque'. The Chapel, dedicated to St Finbarr, is most similar to the 12th century church of St Cronan in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, while its bell-tower on the north wall is inspired by round towers of monastic settlements so common in Ireland from the 9th century onwards. The Honan Chapel is famous for its mosaic floor (which includes symbols of the zodiac), and its nineteen stain glass windows, crafted by the late Harry Clarke and artists from the Sarah Purser studio.

At this point refreshments will probably be required, so next stop is Fitzgeralds Park (practically across the road from UCC). This is our picnic location so take a stroll around and find a nice spot. There are lovely views of the River Lee, a good playground, several interesting statues, a fountain and plenty of grassy spots. Fitzgeralds Park is also home to Cork Public Museum which is free entry Mon-Sat and on Sun costs €2.50 per family.

After lunch, walk back towards the city by the banks of the River. A footbridge brings you across the Lee to the North Mall and down past the Franciscan Well Brewery. Going up Shandon St. will bring you to the Church of St. Anne. This church is built from red sandstone from the original Shandon castle which stood nearby and white limestone taken from the derelict Franciscan Abbey which stood on the North Mall. It is from this red and white coloured stone combination that the Cork colours originated. Phone (021) 4505906 for information on opening times and admission charges. It is possible to climb the tower and ring the bells and don't leave without taking in the breathtaking views of the city from the viewing balcony.

Little legs will be worn out at this point and the best way of getting them back into the city is by the promise of going for a mug of the best hot chocolate available in Cork. This is to be found at O'Conaill Chocolate shop on French Church St, and is, in my opinion, the perfect end to a great day out!