The Byline Travel Guide to the O’Rahilly Building

University College Cork is a must-see tourist destination for any visitor to the Rebel County. Stunning feats of early Victorian architecture are offset by a vibrant, bustling 21st-century campus environment, all nestled along the banks of the gently meandering River Lee. Undoubtedly, the highlight of any UCC campus tour is a visit to the famed O’Rahilly Building, or ‘the ORB’ as it is affectionately known by staff and students alike; one can, quite literally, get lost within its halls.A beacon of modern ‘planning’, the ORB can be found nestled amongst the trees just northwest of the Main Quad and, boasts a host of modern artworks: statues; paintings; and, on the upper floors, many crude wall carvings from the tribes of people who roam the halls searching fro department offices. Just to your right, as you enter on the ground floor, is the Coffee Dock, serving a range of beverages and foodstuffs for the weary traveller. No, it’s not down that corridor. It’s to the right of the corridor you’re thinking of. Oh, you went in through the other entrance, okay. How about you just go back to the foyer and try again. Actually, never mind, forget it; just take the elevator to the first floor.The first floor of the ORB, much like the second and third floors, boasts a clean, off-white interior. A leisurely jaunt down one of four corridors leading off the common area reveals more artwork, and all the office space one would imagine to find within the halls of such a prestigious institution. Wait, did I remember to mention to take note of what corridor you walked down when you first arrived? No? Oh. Well, you should be fine. All you have to do is go down to the staircase in corner of one of the lounges and you’ll get right back to the entrance, unless you’re on the wrong side of the building. If you go down the stairs there you end up in the Arts Office, sorry. Try going back up, not too far up though, that’ll just make things worse. The ORB is well-known to many as a visual metaphor for college life; while each floor may claim to be fully navigable, with an assortment of maps dotting each hall, your personal experience may prove to be less so. However, there’s no need to worry – if in need, simply chat to the friendly staff at the front desk, which is located on the Ground Floor! All you’ll need is a great sense of direction, and a bit of faith in yourself if you want to find it. You can even enter a full reenactment of The Labyrinth, all you have to do is tie a long, red string to any immovable object by the front door to help you find your way back at the end of the tour. Perfect for survivalists and thrill-seekers, the ORB is a must-visit for anyone wishing to gain the full ‘university experience’ – one of confusion, despair, and self-delusion. That’s why we give it 4 stars!