Heritage of County Cork Series

Heritage Towns and Villages of County Cork (2022)

Telling the stories of over 200 of Cork’s towns and villages, this book encourages people to learn more about the place we call home. Beautifully illustrated, documenting our culture, music, language & literature, our craftsmanship, & our buildings & streetscape. Read through this book to find details of your town or village and the history of towns and villages throughout the county. A pdf version of this publication will be available here shortly.

Heritage Artefacts of County Cork (2021)

This publication looks at the historic and prehistoric artefacts of County Cork. From the earliest signs of life to the recent times, the readers will learn of the county’s fascinating past, as told through its artefacts, and will learn of the many museums that can be visited where this heritage can be enjoyed. Discover the artefacts of the past. From the log boat of 450AD excavated in 1992 to Amber necklaces from 1000 B.C. discovered in 1920 when it fell from a cracked piece of turf that was being put in the fire in Ballydehob. A pdf version of this publication will be available here shortly.

Archaeological Heritage of County Cork (2020)

This publication on archaeological heritage encourages a greater appreciation and sense of pride in the County’s unrivalled archaeological heritage. It will take readers on a journey through the past of Cork County as told through the archaeological record. Detailing the bronze age stone circles in Kealkill & around County Cork, Ogham stones scattered throughout the county and a myriad of other archaeological sites such as castles, abbeys and holy well, this publication contains a wealth of information on all thing archaeology and the county of Cork. A pdf version of this publication will be available here shortly.

Industrial Heritage of County Cork (2019)

County Cork’s industrial past is fascinating, and this publication seeks to highlight the nature and wealth of industrial heritage throughout the county. Including detailed maps of our rich industrial past, such as mills, lime kilns, distilleries and quarries, it is beautifully illustrated capturing a range of industries, which were thriving in their time. Many of the featured associated with industrial heritage are also set out. A pdf version of this publication is available by clicking here.

Europe and the County of Cork: A Heritage Perspective (2018)

This book covers the many fascinating connections between Cork and Europe from a range of heritage perspectives, ranging from archaeology to natural history. Within this book you will see Europe’s influence on our buildings, our biodiversity, religion & so much more and how Cork also had its influence on Europe. It is beautifully illustrated and contains a number of maps. This book was undertaken in 2018 to mark the European Year of Cultural Heritage. A pdf version of this publication is available by clicking here.

Heritage Castles of County Cork (2017)

This publication examines the importance of castles and, through the use of illustrations, examples and accounts, conveys their rich history in Cork. The book touches on a range of castle types and features 30 examples (exemplars) to focus on why they are such an important part of our collective heritage. These castles are detailed with a map, locally relevant history and a variety of illustrations, highlighting many of the features that can still be observed on castles today. From tower houses like Ballinacarriga to Fortified Houses like Kanturk, there is a great selection of castles to be found. A pdf version of this publication is available by clicking here.

Heritage Centenary Sites of Rebel County Cork (2016)

Centenary Sites of Rebel County Cork covers a range of different conflicts and movements throughout the centuries and is heavily illustrated and packed full of personal accounts. Mapped and illustrated showcasing Cork County’s monuments to the events and acknowledging the great men & women of our past. A timeline is also provided covering the years of 795AD all the way up to 1949, when the Republic of Ireland comes into existence. A pdf version of this publication is available by clicking here.

Heritage Churches of County Cork (2015)

This illustrated publication tells the story of heritage churches in the County of Cork, from the earliest times right up to the recent past. With over 200 illustrations, this publication will provide the reader with a great insight into the heritage churches of the County; their unique styles, dates of construction and the many fascinating stories related to them. A number of Saints and their associations with the county of Cork are also mentioned. A pdf version of this publication is available by clicking here.

Heritage Houses of County Cork (2014)

This illustrated publication tells the story of heritage houses in the County of Cork, big, small and all else in between spanning thousands of years of history and prehistory within the county. With over 150 illustrations, this publication will equip the reader with a great insight into the heritage houses of the County, their assorted styles, dates of construction and the many fascinating stories related to them. A text version of this publication is available by clicking here.

Heritage Bridges of County Cork (2013)

This illustrated publication tells the story of bridges in the county of Cork, and how they played such a fundamental role in the establishment of settlements within the county. Many towns and villages are indeed name after bridges and crossings from Coachford and Ladysbridge to Droichead na Bandan (Bandon) and Clondrohid. With over 150 illustrations, and even a chapter on the ecology of bridges, this book will enhance any reader’s knowledge of the bridges that have served us and continue to serve us in our travels, past present and future. A text version of this publication is available by clicking here.

Since 2013, and supported by the Heritage Council, Cork County Council’s Heritage Unit has been publishing a yearly heritage publication. Ranging from bridges and houses to artefacts and County Cork’s role in Europe (from a heritage perspective) there is a great variety of information contained within each book’s pages. The books are available in numerous bookshops around the county of Cork, and are available to purchase online with thanks to the Skibbereen Heritage Centre – https://skibbheritage.com/skibbereen-heritage-centre-shop/.