Roots of Resilience: Free Wellbeing Workshops in Bantry

 

Bridge Street Community Café, Bantry has launched its Roots of Resilience programme, a series of free workshops designed to support resilience, mental health, and emotional wellbeing as the seasons change. The initiative is funded through REACH funding and offers a welcoming opportunity for people to connect, learn new skills, and strengthen their wellbeing in a supportive community setting.

The workshops are open to everyone, including individuals involved with local services and community organisations. Organisers are particularly keen to reach people who may benefit from additional support or who might otherwise find it difficult to access such opportunities. The café venue is wheelchair accessible, and participants are encouraged to consider car-pooling to help make the workshops accessible to those without transport.

Participation is free of charge. The September programme is available in the above schedule.

To find out more or to book a place, contact Liz Curry and the team at Bridge Street Community Café by email at bantry@corkmentalhealth.com or by phone on 083 4374096.

Cork County Council Launches New Information Brochure for Owners of Vacant and Derelict Properties

Cork County Council has launched a new information guide highlighting the supports available to help transform vacant and derelict properties into homes. The brochure follows a series of 31 community outreach events organised by Cork County Council during 2025 and 2026 to raise awareness of property activation and regeneration initiatives. The ‘Guidance for Owners of Vacant and Derelict Properties’ brochure is available in both Irish and English through the Cork County Library Network and is designed to help property owners understand the financial supports, planning guidance and regeneration initiatives available to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into productive use. Copies of the Bringing Back Homes manual - a technical resource developed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage - have also been distributed to the Cork County Library Network. Vacancy and dereliction can have a significant impact on communities, affecting housing availability, economic activity and the overall vibrancy of towns and villages. Bringing existing properties back into use not only benefits local communities and the environment but also helps property owners maintain the value of their assets and meet their obligations under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, said: ‘Bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use is a key priority for Cork County Council. This new guide gives property owners clear, practical information on the supports available to help restore buildings, provide homes and strengthen the vitality of our towns and villages.’ Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said: ‘Cork County Council is delivering a range of measures to address long-term vacancy and dereliction throughout the county. These initiatives support key objectives of the Government's Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, and the Town Centre First policy, both of which aim to revitalise town and village centres while increasing housing supply.’ Cork County Council has approved almost 1,400 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications to date and has paid out more than €26 million towards the refurbishment of 481 properties that have since been returned to use as homes. The guidance brochure aims to provide property owners with practical information and signposting to the supports available to help return vacant and derelict buildings to active use, contributing to the sustainable regeneration of towns and villages across County Cork. The brochure outlines the range of supports and guidance available to property owners, including: Croí Cónaithe Scheme - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Vacant Above the Shop Grant Scheme Buy and Renew Scheme Planning Exemptions and Planning Applications Heritage and Conservation Guidance For further information on the various supports available, contact Cork County Council's Town Regeneration Office at townregenerationoffice@corkcoco.ie.

Cork County Council EU Presidency Cultural Programme

CCC EU Presidency Cork County Council’s Cultural Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union 2026, along with Cork City Council’s Programme, delivers a broad, inclusive programme of cultural activity that celebrates Cork’s long standing European connections while enhancing civic participation during the Presidency. For more information visit: https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/events/cork-cultur-2026-sharing-irelands-culture.

Return of the Cork School Garden Workshops

Early October 2026 will see a return of the Cork School Garden Workshops providing practical support for primary schools that are interested in starting, maintaining, or further developing their school gardens. Aimed at teachers, SNAs, or indeed anyone from the community that supports their local school garden. Details of the workshops including dates and times will be confirmed shortly and for any queries in the interim email eao@corkcoco.ie. This initiative is led by the Cork Federation of Muintir na Tíre and is supported by Cork County Council and Cork City Council.

Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027

Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 The Heritage Council is pleased to announce that the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 will open for applications on in September 2026. This scheme supports community-led projects that protect, conserve, celebrate, record, share and promote Ireland's heritage. New for 2027: Two-Stage Application Process To make the application process simpler and more accessible, the scheme will operate a new two-stage application process: Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Applicants submit a short outline of their project idea. Detailed budgets, quotations and supporting documents willnot be required at this stage. Stage 2: Full Application Shortlisted projects will be invited to submit a detailed application for assessment. Funding Available Grants will range from €800 to €25,000 and will support practical projects that deliver heritage benefits, community engagement and lasting public value. Scheme Themes Applications will be invited under five themes: Heritage at Risk Biodiversity & Nature Restoration Traditional Skills & Conservation Digital Heritage, Access & Storytelling Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Key Dates EOI Opens: September 2026 EOI Deadline: 16 October 2026 Applicants Notified of Outcome: November 2026 Full Applications (invited applicants only): Nov 2026 - January 2027 Funding Decisions: Spring 2027 Further information, including detailed guidance notes and application materials, will be published when the scheme opens. Please keep an eye on the Community Heritage Grant Scheme webpage for further updates. Note, it is anticipated that the window will open on 18 September.

Heritage Keepers Programme Open for Applications

 

  

Community groups across Munster are invited to apply for the latest round of the Heritage Keepers programme, a free national learning and stewardship initiative that supports communities in celebrating and protecting their local heritage. The programme is coordinated by Mary Dillon of the Burrenbeo Trust. 

Heritage Keepers is open to community groups, residents' associations, sports clubs and other local organisations. Participants take part in five online workshops and receive funding to support a local heritage action project and field trip. Additional funding is available for groups in Munster during this application round.

An online information session will take place on Tuesday 15 September at 7.30pm, you can register here - Webinar Registration - Zoom , and applications close on 30 September.

Further information and application details are available through the Heritage Keepers programme website - www.heritagekeepers.ie .

For anyone with an interest in local heritage, this is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, connect with others, and take positive action within their community.

Cork County Council Welcomes Inaugural Visit of Hebridean Sky to Bere Island

 

Cork County Council was delighted to welcome the inaugural visit of the luxury expedition vessel Hebridean Sky to Bere Island last week, marking a significant occasion for the island community and County Cork's growing cruise tourism sector.

Operated by Noble Caledonia, the vessel arrived off Bere Island last Tuesday evening and remained at anchor overnight before approximately 100 passengers were tendered ashore from 8.30am last Wednesday morning.

The visit, hosted by the Bere Island Projects Group, provided guests with an opportunity to experience Bere Island's rich military heritage, scenic walking trails and renowned hospitality. Visitors explored sites including Lonehort Battery, the Martello Tower and the Bere Island Heritage Centre, gaining a unique insight into island life while enjoying the warmth of the local welcome, traditional hospitality and live music throughout the day.

The arrival of Hebridean Sky marked the final cruise call of a highly successful 2026 season for Cork County Council's municipal harbours and cruise destinations. During the season, eight premium cruise vessels visited locations across Kinsale, Youghal and West Cork, bringing international visitors to communities throughout the county and further enhancing Cork's reputation as a destination for boutique and expedition cruise tourism.

To commemorate the inaugural visit, a civic delegation led by the Chairperson of West Cork Municipal District, Cllr. Danny Collins, boarded the vessel for a formal gift exchange with Captain Karl Hendrick Karlsson. The Captain was presented with a gift by a local artist to mark Hebridean Sky's first visit to Bere Island.

Cork County Council officials were on hand throughout the visit to welcome passengers and support the local community in showcasing the island's many attractions.

The successful visit further highlights the growing appeal of Bere Island as a unique cruise destination along the Wild Atlantic Way.