Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Water, Wellness & Stories from the Mealagh River Bantry: Community Walk July 24th
Cultural Companions invite members of the community to Water, Wellness & Stories from the Mealagh River, a unique walk and workshop taking place in Bantry on Friday, 24 July at 11am.
This special event, facilitated by WiseWater, offers an opportunity to connect with the natural heritage of Bantry Bay and the Mealagh River while exploring the links between water, wellbeing, memory and community.
WiseWater's community workshops encourage participants to discover the powerful relationship between personal wellbeing and caring for our water environment. Through reflection, conversation and shared experiences, participants are invited to explore how water connects people, places and stories across generations. [wisewater.ie]
The event will include a guided waterside walk and community workshop where participants can share memories and stories of the Mealagh River, Bantry Bay and West Cork's rich natural heritage. Whether your memories relate to fishing, swimming, boating, local traditions, family outings, or simply favourite places in nature, all experiences are welcome.
The workshop forms part of Cultural Companions Nature Then & Now, a community heritage project that explores local connections to nature, landscape and place. With permission, memories shared during the event may be recorded as part of the project, helping to preserve local stories and heritage for future generations.
Event Details
Memories of Bantry Bay: Water, Wellness & Stories from the Mealagh River
Date: Friday, 24 July
Time: 11am
Location: Bantry
This event is presented as part of the Cultural Companions programme and is supported by The Heritage Council and Cork County Council through the Nature Then & Now community heritage project.
Booking Essential
📞 085 867 0744
📧 culture@muintircork.com
Places are limited and advance booking is required.
Join us for a welcoming morning of walking, storytelling and connection as we celebrate the waterways, memories and natural heritage that make Bantry and West Cork so special.
All are welcome.
A Full Afternoon of Guided History with Living Youghal
A Full Afternoon of Guided History with Living Youghal
At 12:00 noon, the group will begin with a guided tour of the Youghal Clock Tower, one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks. This centuries‑old structure has served many roles throughout its long life, and the tour offers a chance to step inside, hear its stories, and appreciate its place in Youghal’s heritage.
After the first tour, everyone will gather for 1:00 PM lunch at The Red Store. Lunch is at an additional cost, but it’s a lovely opportunity to unwind, chat, and enjoy a meal together before the afternoon continues.
Following lunch, the group will make its way to the nearby St. Mary’s Collegiate Church for a second guided tour with Wayne from Living Youghal. As one of the oldest churches in Ireland still in continuous use, it offers a serene and atmospheric glimpse into centuries of craftsmanship, community, and faith.
Special Group Rate
Both guided tours are available at a special discounted group price of €10 per person, making this an excellent value for a full afternoon of history and exploration. Lunch is not included in the tour price.
A Perfect Outing for Culture Lovers
This event is ideal for anyone who enjoys learning something new, meeting like‑minded people, and discovering the stories behind Ireland’s historic places. Spaces are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
Booking is essential, email culture@muintircork.com
Library Events July 2026 - Healthy Ireland at Your Library
|
IRD Mental Health Conference
See attached information on upcoming conference in IRD which looks really interesting and is being supported by the Rural Community health Project through Shane McHale
Appreciate if you can promote
Regards
Brendan
Cobh Selected to Represent Ireland in Prestigious European Entente Florale Competition
Cobh is to represent Ireland at one of Europe’s most prestigious community and environmental competitions.
The Cork harbour town has been selected to compete in the Large Town category of the 2027 Entente Florale Europe competition, which celebrates excellence in community-led environmental initiatives, sustainable development, and quality of life.
Established in 1975, Entente Florale Europe is a European competition involving towns and villages from Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Ireland. Often compared to the TidyTowns competition, Entente Florale places a strong emphasis on partnership between local authorities and communities in delivering lasting improvements to their towns and villages.
Cobh's nomination, by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, reflects the town's impressive track record in the Tidy Towns competition. The town earned its first Gold Medal in 2015 and has retained Gold status every year since. In 2021, it was named Ireland's Tidiest Large Town and, most recently, secured the South Cork County Award in 2025, finishing just four points behind the national overall winner.
The 2027 Entente Florale Europe competition will see Cobh showcase not only its environmental achievements but also the strong collaboration between local organisations, volunteers, businesses and Cork County Council that has helped drive the town's development in recent years.
Welcoming the news, Municipal District Chair for Cobh, Cllr. Cathal Rasmussen, said the nomination is a fitting recognition of the town’s continued commitment to civic pride and community development.
Being selected to represent Ireland in Entente Florale Europe is a tremendous honour for Cobh and recognition of the hard work undertaken across the town over many years. Cork County Council is looking forward to working with Cobh TidyTowns, local businesses, community organisations and residents as preparations begin for the 2027 competition and as we showcase the very best of Cobh on the European stage.
Preparations for the competition will begin in the coming months, with Cork County Council, Cobh TidyTowns and community stakeholders working together to build on the town's strong foundations ahead of the 2027 adjudication.
Judging will take place during the summer of 2027 when an international jury will visit Cobh to assess a range of criteria, including environmental management, community involvement, sustainability initiatives and the overall quality of life within the town. The results will be announced at an international awards ceremony later that year.
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Newsletter 26/06/2026 Cork County PPN
A packed edition full of community news, opportunities, and ways to get involved!
This weeks’s E-Bulletin celebrates the strength of community action across Cork County, with highlights from Cavernoma Ireland, inspiring stories from local groups, and a warm welcome to Anthony Hussey, our new Interim PPN Coordinator. We also share a look back at another successful Cork Summer Show, where the PPN team enjoyed meeting members and promoting community participation.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, with ongoing calls for members to join our Secretariat, SPCs, LCDC, and Linkage Groups—all playing an important role in ensuring community voices are represented in local decision-making.
This edition also features a wide range of community events and initiatives, from the Full Circle Awards and Cycle of Hope to new biodiversity resources and local success stories, alongside another strong #FundingFriday with supports for sports clubs and community organisations.
Finally, we’re highlighting important national consultations, including opportunities to have your say on Ireland’s National Nature Restoration Plan and research into community participation in marine spatial planning.
Another opportunity-filled edition—packed with ways to connect, participate, and strengthen communities across Cork County!
Newsletter 26/06/2026 - Cork County PPNAs always, if there's anything you would like us to include in the newsletter, just give us a shout!
Best regards,
Noelle Nally | PPN Support & Development Worker | Cork County PPN
Community, Tourism & Rural Development
Cork County Council | Cork | T12 R2NC Ireland
T (021) 4285265 | M +353 860597563
Noelle.Nally@corkcoco.ie
Cork County PPN | Public Participation Network
Cllr. Damian Boylan Elected as the New Lord Mayor of Cork
Cllr Damian Boylan has been elected the new Lord Mayor of Cork at the Annual Meeting of Cork City Council this evening.
The Fine Gael councillor from Blarney, who represents Cork City’s North West Ward, was elected by 19 votes to 8 with1 abstention at the meeting in City Hall before the ceremonial passing of the historic Lord Mayor’s chain.
The new Lord Mayor, the 16th past pupil of the North Monastery to serve as Lord Mayor of Cork, said it was a “tremendous honour and a deeply humbling experience” to be elected.
“To be elected Lord Mayor of Cork, the city I love, is a privilege beyond anything I could have imagined when I was growing up as a young Mon boy,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Like many Cork people, I didn't spend much time thinking about titles or offices.
“I was raised to believe that if something needed doing, you rolled up your sleeves and got involved. You worked hard. You helped where you could. You left things a little better than you found them.
“That simple philosophy is what first brought me into community life, then into business, and ultimately into public service.
“Tonight, I want to thank my fellow councillors for placing their trust in me.”
He paid tribute to the outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, who he said represented Cork with dignity, commitment and enthusiasm.
“Fergal has given his all to the role, and I thank him sincerely for his service to our city. He has played a blinder. I would also like to acknowledge the Lady Mayoress, Karen Brennan,” the Lord Mayor said.
The outgoing Lord Mayor said serving the city as first citizen has been the greatest privilege of his life.
“If there is one thing I will take from this year, it is this: Cork is defined by its people, their decency, their creativity, their resilience, sense of humour and their community spirit,” he said.
“This year has also been a time of real progress and ambition for Cork.
“We are living through a period of unprecedented change, a city growing in confidence, in scale, and in opportunity. Cork today stands at a crossroads, but it is a positive one.
“We have the vision, the ambition, and most importantly the people to shape a city that is inclusive, vibrant and future-focused. As I hand on the chain of office this evening, I do so with great confidence in the future of this city.”
The new Lord Mayor said he intends to focus on a very simple two-word message in the year ahead – “be sound”.
“Every Cork person understands exactly what that means,” the Lord Mayor said.
“You won't find it in any policy document. You won't hear it in many boardrooms. But you will hear it every day across our city.
“Be decent. Be kind. Be fair. Look out for one another. Give somebody a hand when they need it. Show patience when it would be easier to show anger. Treat people with respect even when you disagree with them.
“It sounds simple because it is simple. Yet I believe it is one of the most powerful ideas we possess.
“Over the coming year, I hope to bring that message into schools across our city.
“Not a slogan. Not a campaign. A way of living.
“A reminder that every one of us has the ability to make life better for somebody else.
“One conversation at a time. One interaction at a time. One act of kindness at a time.”
The Lord Mayor also announced that fellow Fine Gael Cllr Gary O’Brien will be the Deputy Lord Mayor.
The Deputy Lord Mayor said he never imagined he would have the privilege of serving in the role so early in his time on Council.
“I recognise that the role of Deputy Lord Mayor is, first and foremost, one of support,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
“I look forward to working closely with Damian throughout the coming year and assisting him in any way I can.
“I am proud to take on that responsibility and to support the Lord Mayor in representing the people of Cork. It is a great privilege to serve a city as special as Cork.
“We are a city with a proud history, strong communities and ambition for the future.
“I look forward to working with councillors from all parties and none, with the Council Executive, council staff, community organisations, and businesses in the year ahead.”
About Cllr Damian Boylan
Fine Gael Cllr Damian Boylan represents Cork City's North West Ward, encompassing Blarney, Tower, Kerry Pike, Cloghroe, Gurranabraher, Sunday's Well, Knocknaheeny and surrounding communities.
He lives in Blarney with his wife Brenda. They have two children, Simon and Kate.
First elected to Cork City Council in 2019 and re-elected in 2024, he has built a reputation as a hardworking and accessible public representative, focused on practical solutions and community engagement.
A native of Cork City and a proud past pupil of the North Monastery, Damian has a long history of involvement in community and business organisations.
In 2008, he founded the Blarney Business Association, which continues today as the Blarney Chamber of Commerce.
He has also served as Chair of Cork North Central Fine Gael and remains actively involved in community development initiatives throughout the city.
He is President of the North Monastery Past Pupils Union, he is a board member of Gurranabraher Credit Union, he sits on the board of Gaelscoil Muscraí and he is a member of the general council of The Munster Agricultural Society.
Outside of politics, Damian has spent much of his career in business development, sales and energy services. He currently works with the energy company, Pinergy, where he has held various senior commercial roles.
His professional experience provides him with a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing businesses, communities and public services.
He brings this perspective to his work on Cork City Council, where he has consistently advocated for housing delivery, infrastructure investment, economic development, road safety improvements and stronger community facilities.
Councillor Bernard Moynihan Elected Mayor of the County of Cork
Councillor Bernard Moynihan has been elected as the new Mayor of the County of Cork, with Councillor Finbarr Harrington elected as Deputy Mayor at Cork County Council’s AGM this afternoon.
Mayor Moynihan was nominated by Councillor Gearoid Murphy and seconded by Councillor Alan Coleman.
The Duhallow native and Fianna Fáil member has been a public representative for 12 years. He was first elected to Cork County Council in 2014.
He was subsequently re-elected in 2019 and 2024, and was the first councillor elected across all local electoral areas (LEAs) in Cork in 2024. He topped the poll in the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District and was elected on the first count.
Mayor Moynihan graduated from University College Cork with a BA in Education. He worked as a schoolteacher for nine years, before going on to work as a trade union representative with the Association of Secondary Schools Ireland, where he advocated for improved terms and conditions for members, while also representing and supporting members at the WRC.
Mayor Moynihan is a member of Cork County Council's Planning SPC, Economic Development SPC, and the Local Community Development Committee.
World Listening Day 2026 on July 18th in Tramore Valley Park, Cork.
Join Seán Taylor on a unique journey through Tramore Valley Park, exploring sound in nature like never before!
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL Relief School Warden – Crosshaven (26/050) Scoil Bhride National School Crosshaven Crosshaven Boys National School
|
National Heritage Week takes place from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd of August
Date/Time: Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd August 2026
Event: National Heritage Week in County Cork
Location: Various Locations, Co. Cork
Additional Information: August 2026 and over one hundred and fifty events are expected to take place throughout the county of Cork. Registration of events is already underway and to see the listings, visit www.heritageweek.ie.
Cork County Council Invites Expressions of Interest Under the 2026/2027 ORIS Scheme
Cork County Council is inviting expressions of interest from local community groups for projects under the 2026/2027 ORIS scheme.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has launched the 2026/2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with €20 million available nationally for investment in outdoor recreation amenities.
The scheme supports the development, enhancement and promotion of outdoor recreation infrastructure, including walking trails, looped walks, cycleways, mountain bike trails, mountain access routes, bridleways, Blueways, and recreational facilities at beaches, lakes, rivers and bogs.
Projects supported under the scheme should encourage outdoor recreation, sustainable tourism, health and wellbeing, inclusion, biodiversity, and improved access to Ireland’s natural amenities.
Cork County Council is now seeking Expressions of Interest to identify suitable projects across the county which may be considered for submission under the scheme.
Projects must demonstrate strong community engagement and should enhance or redevelop existing amenities, or support new opportunities to develop local natural resources. Applications should also align with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, and where applicable, relevant County Outdoor Recreation Plans and other regional or national strategies.
The scheme includes a number of funding measures:
Measure 1 – Small-Scale Projects
Funding of up to €40,000 at a 90% aid rate, for small scale outdoor recreation projects. Cork County Council may submit up to six applications under this measure plus one additional project located in a Gaeltacht area or offshore island.
Measure 2 – Medium-Scale Projects
Funding of up to €200,000 at a 90% aid rate, for medium scale projects, including new amenity development, repair, maintenance and upgrade. Cork County Council may submit up to three applications under this measure.
Measure 3 – Strategic Large-Scale Projects
Funding of up to €500,000 at a 90% aid rate, for larger strategic projects, including new development, significant extensions or upgrades to established trails, walkways, cycleways, Blueways, mountain access routes and other outdoor recreation facilities. Cork County Council may submit one application under this measure.
Project Development Measure
Funding is also available to support the detailed development of projects to make them ready for future ORIS applications. This may include design, planning, procurement preparation, ecological surveys, screenings and appropriate assessment.
Projects may receive up to 90% grant aid, with applicants required to provide a minimum 10% contribution.
Cork County Council can submit up to four prioritised applications with a combined value of €100,000 under this Measure. If sufficient demand and interest exist, it can submit one additional application for equestrian trails/bridleways up to €50,000. One additional application, up to €50,000, may be submitted under this Measure for a Gaeltacht area or offshore Island.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted to the relevant Municipal District Office by Friday, 24th of July 2026.
Further information on the scheme and Expression of Interest process is available by clicking the link below.
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní Win the Overall Best City School Garden award in the Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition 2026.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy has paid
tribute to Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní for winning the Overall Best City
School Garden award in the Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition 2026.
Speaking at the Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Awards
ceremony in Cork County Hall, Cllr. Dennehy said:
“I am deeply impressed by the work being undertaken in the
primary schools that enter the Cork School Garden Competition. They are all
winners, and the knowledge and skills the children are learning today will
stand to them throughout their lives. I congratulate all the schools that
participated in 2026.
I am delighted that schools are teaching children how to
grow vegetables, fruit and flowers — skills they will never forget. This work
also makes an important contribution to climate action. I commend the
commitment and dedication of the principals, teachers, SNAs, parents and all
those involved in developing and maintaining these wonderful gardens.”
Una Leader, Executive Scientist with Cork City Council,
expressed her delight that biodiversity is now a major feature of most gardens
entering the competition.
She noted that by allowing a patch of nettles to grow in a
small corner of a school garden, schools are providing an important food source
for the larvae (caterpillars) of several once-common butterfly species, all of
which lay their eggs on nettle leaves. Even a narrow strip of uncut grass can
support butterflies that depend on native grasses as a food source during their
larval stage.
Ms. Leader also highlighted the importance of upcycling in
school gardens.
“Upcycling helps reduce the amount of waste going to
landfill and lowers CO₂ emissions by making use of existing materials instead
of purchasing new ones. Schools participating in the competition are encouraged
to rethink, repair, refurbish, reuse and recycle. I am delighted that colour
and art have become key features of many gardens, with recycled materials often
being used creatively to achieve this.”
Mr. Sean Holland, Chair of the Cork Muintir na Tíre
Committee, which has organised the competition since 2012, said the initiative
continues to enjoy immense popularity among schools throughout Cork.
He praised the exceptionally high standard of entries and
thanked all the city schools that participated in 2026.
“We visited many gardens, both large and small, new and
established, and each one was unique. The children were amazing — welcoming,
enthusiastic and eager to show us their gardens while explaining what they had
done and what they had learned.”
The Cork School Garden Competition continues to encourage
environmental awareness, biodiversity, sustainability and practical gardening
skills among young people across Cork City and County.
For full details and other winners go to Muintircork.com
Derinagree National School Wins Overall Best County School Garden in Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition 2026
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley,
has paid tribute to the students and teachers of Derinagree National
School, Mallow, whose dedication and
hard work sowed the seeds of success, earning them the title of Overall Best
County School Garden in the Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition
2026.
Co-sponsored by Cork County Council, the annual Cork School
Garden Competition is open to all primary schools in Cork City and County that
have a school garden or are in the process of developing one.
Speaking at the Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Awards at
Cork County Hall, Mayor Mary Linehan Foley said:
“I am extremely impressed with the work being done in the
primary schools that entered the Cork School Garden Competition this year. I
want to congratulate all forty two schools who entered, as well as acknowledge
the commitment and dedication of the principals, teachers, SNAs, parents and
others involved in helping to develop the gardens. I hope next year’s
competition will be even bigger.”
Sean Holland, Chair of the Muintir na Tíre Committee and
organiser of the competition since 2012, added:
“The Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition
continues to be immensely popular with schools throughout the county. The
standard is exceptionally high, with each year reaching new levels of
creativity, ingenuity and biodiversity. I want to thank all forty two schools,
from Youghal to Derrinagree and from Curraglass to Skibbereen, for getting
involved and embracing the spirit of the competition.”
This year’s competition showcased a wide variety of gardens,
both large and small, newly established and long-standing, each with its own
unique character. Students applied their knowledge and environmental awareness
to create welcoming, functional and biodiverse spaces that support local
wildlife and native species. They also demonstrated impressive creativity
through repairing, refurbishing, reusing, recycling and upcycling materials to
bring their gardens to life, helping to reduce waste and lower carbon
emissions.
For more information on the Muintir na Tíre Cork School
Garden Competition, visit
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL REQUIRES Electrical Projects Manager (26/048) Part-time Tour Guide (Kinsale Museum) (26/049) Civil Engineering Apprentices (26/047)
|
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Carrigaline playground to close for four weeks to facilitate upgrade works
Cork County Council, in partnership with the Carrigaline Playground Committee and SECAD, is pleased to announce that renovation works on Carrigaline Playground in Carrigaline Community Park will commence on 15 June 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting upgrade that will deliver a modern, enhanced play space for the local community.
The Carrigaline Playground Committee welcomed the commencement of works, “As members of the Playground Committee we couldn't be happier we are now at the stage for work to begin. This has been a long work in progress and during this time the current playground has deteriorated significantly. The much-needed upgrades will have a huge beneficial impact to all users of the playground creating a safer, modern and more inclusive space.”
To facilitate these improvements, the playground will be closed for approximately four weeks from June 15th while the works are carried out. While the temporary closure may cause some inconvenience, every effort will be made to complete the project as efficiently as possible.
The Chair of the Carrigaline Municipal District Cllr Ben Dalton O’Sullivan acknowledged, “A significant amount of work has been carried out by the Carrigaline Playground Committee over the past number of years. It has been a long journey to reach this point and, on behalf of myself and all the elected members of Carrigaline, we want to recognise and sincerely thank the committee for their voluntary efforts and dedication”
Cllr Dalton said: “The elected members are aware that the timing of the playground closure is not ideal; however, this is unfortunately unavoidable due to contractor timelines. Despite this short-term disruption, the young people of Carrigaline can look forward to enjoying a fantastic new playground in just a few weeks’ time.”
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL REQUIRES Traffic / Litter Warden - East Cork (26/046)
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
REQUIRES
Traffic / Litter Warden - East Cork (26/046)
Closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is 4pm on Friday, 26th June 2026.
Further details and application forms for the above posts are available on the careers’ section of the website: www.corkcoco.ie; or by e-mailing: recruitment@corkcoco.ie
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)