Cork Libraries Launch Extensive Heritage Week Programme

Cork County Council's library network will celebrate Heritage Week 2025 with an ambitious programme of talks, exhibitions and family history events across the county from tomorrow, Saturday 16th August through to Sunday 24th August.

This year's theme, "Exploring Our Foundations", will see libraries from Fermoy to Schull hosting events that examine not just the physical structures of Cork's past, but the landscapes and cultural traditions that have shaped the county's identity.

The Local Studies Library is taking a lead role with family history talks scheduled for Fermoy, Schull and Newmarket branches. A particularly unique offering is their photographic exhibition showcasing the sport of road bowling in both Cork and Armagh, highlighting the shared sporting heritage between the two counties. The exhibition runs Monday to Friday at the County Library Building on Carrigrohane Road.

Libraries across the county will host talks covering an eclectic range of topics. Bandon, Dunmanway, Kinsale, Midleton and Skibbereen branches have lined up speakers discussing everything from the historic Cil Bhrogáin Wells to West Cork in bygone days, along with sessions on oral history and ecclesiastical sites.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley:

"National Heritage Week is one of the highlights in the annual calendar of events here in County Cork and I would like to thank all the libraries and staff who put in a huge amount of effort to make events like these so successful."

Several libraries have curated special exhibitions for the week. Charleville Library has partnered with the Charleville Heritage Society for their display, whilst Macroom Library, working with Cork County Council, will showcase four important cultural heritage sites near the new N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom road; a timely exploration given the recent infrastructure development in the area.

Skibbereen Library adds a literary flavour to proceedings with a historical collection of Somerville & Ross books on display, celebrating the renowned West Cork writing partnership that captured rural Irish life with both wit and wisdom.

The exhibitions in Charleville, Macroom, Midleton and Skibbereen will feature diverse historical figures and heritage sites, with some displays created by library staff themselves and others developed through collaboration with local historical groups.

Full details of all Heritage Week events are available at heritageweek.ie or by contacting local libraries directly through corkcoco.ie. With events spread across the county and covering such varied aspects of Cork's rich heritage, there's something to engage history enthusiasts of all ages and interests.