A uniquely future orientated reflection of County Cork’s rich historical past is set to commence with the announcement that Cork County Council will develop a comprehensive guide to commemorations from 2025 to 2040. The initiative is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.
Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting will develop the guide, which will serve as
a resource for documenting, understanding, and celebrating the memorial landscape across the county. Through a process of public consultation and community engagement, it will offer insights into how historical and contemporary events may be remembered in the years to come.
Welcoming the initiative, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, said "This guide will become an essential tool for locals, visitors, historians, and cultural enthusiasts alike, offering a supportive resource for memorials, monuments, and commemorations throughout Cork for the next fifteen years. I am confident that this project will enrich County Cork’s commemorative and cultural legacy and will ensure that our commemorative landscape continues to inspire and educate future generations."
Renowned as experts in the field of cultural heritage, Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting will work closely with historians, local heritage, and community groups to map out County Cork’s rich commemorative landscape. The consultancy, led by historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara, has a proven record of preserving and interpreting Ireland’s history.
While the project will be largely informed by the results of public consultation, highlights will include a focus on the centenary of key events such as the Irish revolutionary period, with updates to historical sites like Béal na Bláth, Kilmichael amongst others.
The cultural legacy of the county will be a central theme with suggestions on how to honour the county’s creative writers, artists, poets, and musicians. These may include sculptures, murals, public art, bursaries, or festivals, which will ensure the county’s cultural heritage is celebrated for years to come. The county’s inextricable connection with the Irish diaspora through places such as Cobh will also be a focal point, presenting opportunities to build on County Cork’s connection to the global Irish community.
Over the coming months, community consultation will be undertaken to ensure that the guide is reflective of the broader opinions in the county. An online digital survey will also invite members of the public to contribute ideas on what they believe should be commemorated.
If you are a local heritage or community group, or an individual who wants to suggest a commemoration for inclusion, email commemorations@corkcoco.ie for more information. The completed guide is scheduled for release in 2025.
Further information on the project is available via: