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.

From Lovesong to Othello: Shakespeare Comes to The Everyman

  From Lovesong to Othello: Shakespeare Comes to The Everyman

If you joined us for Lovesong earlier this year, you may remember the work of Red ‘n Blue Theatre Company and, in particular, the creative talents of Jenny Fennessy and Dylan Kennedy.

We’re delighted to highlight their latest production, Shakespeare’s Othello, coming to The Everyman in Cork on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm.

A familiar creative team, a very different story

Red ‘n Blue Theatre Company has built a reputation for bringing classic plays to life with energy and clarity. Founded by husband-and-wife team Dylan Kennedy and Jenny Fennessy, the company’s previous productions include Lovesong, The Flags, Taboo and Macbeth.

Their new production of Othello offers a traditional telling of Shakespeare’s tragedy, remaining faithful to the original story and setting.

At its heart is the destructive power of manipulation. As Iago’s influence over Othello grows, love gives way to jealousy and trust to suspicion, with devastating consequences.

For those who enjoyed Lovesong, Othello provides a chance to see the same company tackle one of Shakespeare’s best-known tragedies — with Jenny Fennessy herself appearing as Emilia, alongside Dylan Kennedy as Iago. The cast also includes Benjamin Lafayette as Othello and Keziah Keenan O’Shea as Desdemona.

A great opportunity for Shakespeare fans

The production is particularly relevant for students studying Shakespeare, with school performances running from Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 September. There is also a public performance on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm, giving general audiences the opportunity to experience the production at The Everyman.

The performance runs for approximately two hours including an interval and is recommended for audiences aged 16+. The Everyman also advises that the production contains themes of domestic violence.

Othello at The Everyman

Tuesday 22 – Friday 25 September 2026
Public performance: Thursday 24 September, 7.30pm
Venue: The Everyman, 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork
Tickets: €23
Age recommendation: 16+

Book tickets and find full details at The Everyman

If Lovesong was one of your highlights earlier this year, Othello is a chance to reconnect with the same company and experience their take on one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies.

Registration for the Cork Hackathon 2026 is now open

 

Ocean Hackathon® is a national and international non-profit event designed to develop innovative prototypes in 48 hours using marine data. It fosters collaboration between researchers, developers, entrepreneurs and ocean enthusiasts to propose solutions for the preservation and enhancement of marine resources.

Registration is now open. We invite you to discover the challenges here: Cork- Challenges.

The Cork edition will take place in person, at the Cork County Council Headquarters, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road.

The Cork Ocean Hackathon® 2026 takes place on 16th – 18th October 2026 to develop and prototype innovative challenges focusing on the conservation and restoration of our oceans and related biodiversity and the resilience of our coasts for use / navigation, in fighting the effects of climate change (through mitigation and adaptation), etc.

The event is being ran by the Cork County Council (local authority and partner of the associated UPWELLING Interreg Atlantic Area project) and University College Cork (MaREI)(research centre and UPWELLING project partner) and volunteers from other Irish partners in the UPWELLING project (i.e. Dublin City University (DCU)) and organisations in oceanic and blue economy sectors in Ireland.

Four challenges that match the Ocean Hackathon® 2026 criteria have been selected and will be tested at the Cork Ocean Hackathon® 2026 by the applicants, participants (SME’s / Start-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs, academics / students, etc.) and volunteers.  The Cork Ocean Hackathon® 2026 will create a direct local platform for innovation, skills development, and transnational collaboration — central objectives of the UPWELLING project.

All participants must register.

Date & Time

Fri, 16/10/2026 - 16:00 to
Sun, 18/10/2026 - 18:00

Location

Cork County Council Headquarters, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, T12 R2NC Cork, Ireland.

Price

Free

Book Now

Website

https://upwelling.innovalia.org/

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Understanding Food Labels – Library Talks

Do you find information on food packaging confusing? Can you identify ingredients that are healthy and what might be highly processed? Does a source of fibre mean the item is high in fibre? Probably not!

In these talks, Ita Harris will provide you with helpful guidance on how to better understand food labels so you can learn the true nutritional value of what you’re eating and make informed and healthy choices for yourself and others. These talks are free to attend.

 

Culture Night 2026 to Bring More Than 150 Free Events to Communities Across Cork County

 

Cork County Council will present more than 150 free events across towns, villages and islands throughout the county as part of Culture Night 2026. From a spectacular fire show at Mallow Castle to contemporary traditional music in the stunning setting of Gougane Barra Church, the richness of Cork County's artistic talent and cultural heritage will be celebrated on Friday, 18 September.

This year's programme places a special spotlight on musical talent from across the county, bringing performances to unexpected and unique locations. In Skibbereen, Ar n'Áit will take over the town with performances at The Rock outdoor amphitheatre and its intimate venue space, showcasing Congolese rumba, Afrobeat and live electronic music.

At Gougane Barra, renowned musician David Murphy will perform traditional music on pedal steel guitar in one of Cork's most iconic landscapes. Niall McCabe will take to the stage in the historic setting of St Mary's Church, Youghal, while Leevy, the acclaimed five-piece band from the Múscraí Gaeltacht, will perform in O'Mahony's Bar, Watergrasshill. In Schull, singer-songwriter Ger Wolfe will perform in An Tigín.

Classical music enthusiasts can enjoy performances by Kantos Quartet at St James's Church, Mallow, Meliora Quartet at St Brendan's Church, Bantry, and the Irish Guitar Quartet at Briery Gap, Macroom. The programme also features an impressive line-up of contemporary Cork artists, including How I Became a Wave, As If I Always Knew, The Fynches, Fixity and Áine Duffy.

The Irish language will feature strongly throughout the programme, with events including a bilingual production of Billy Goats Gruff, Puipéid sa Pháirc and a range of ciorcal cainte gatherings. To celebrate the EU presidency, Cork County's rich cultural diversity will also be reflected through a series of talks, demonstrations and workshops led by artists from across the European Union who now call Cork home.

Other programme highlights include The Night Market on Cobh Promenade, featuring arts and crafts stalls, food vendors and live DJ sets. At Mallow Castle, audiences can enjoy circus performances, bilingual children's theatre and a spectacular fire show in the castle grounds. Sirius Arts Centre will open its doors late into the night an event that celebrates diversity and inclusion within contemporary Irish culture.

Coordinated by Cork County Council and funded by the Arts Council, Culture Night shines a light on the diverse, dynamic and creative communities that make Cork County a leading cultural destination. The event provides an opportunity for artists, performers, venues and cultural organisations to engage with new audiences and showcase their work in a welcoming and accessible way. In 2025, Culture Night in County Cork 161 events were programmed in 35 towns and villages and two islands with and audience of 18,712.

Following a highly successful 2025 programme that attracted more than 18,000 attendees, this year's Culture Night will offer interactive family experiences alongside events that celebrate both Irish traditions and global influences. Culture Night Late also returns, extending the celebrations into the evening with a vibrant programme of late-night events across the county.

Culture Night Cork County 2026 will feature pop-up performances, poetry readings, live music, children's workshops, exhibitions and short-form theatre and so much more in locations across the county. The events all take place on Friday, 18 September 2026, from 4pm until late. All events are free to attend, although advance booking is required for some.

Culture Night Programme

Full programme details are available here

September North Cork Dementia Alliance dates

 

 

Tuesday 1st	Exercising for the Brain, Mallow is back
Wednesday 2nd	Exercising for the Brain, Fermoy is back
Thurs 3rd	Singing for the Brain, Mallow is back

 Please contact Margaret on 087 690 2898 if you would like more information on these or other services

 

Newmarket Dementia Café (Takes place 1st Thursday of the month)

Will take place on Thursday 3rd September, 11am-12.30 in the Culturlann, Newmarket., P51 D854.

Anna Collins from Kanturk Library will be talking about some of the services and resources available there. As always there will be plenty of chat, some light exercise and brain challenges! 

 

Fermoy Support Group (takes place the 2nd Thursday of the month)

Will take place on Thursday 10th September  in The Hub, 3 Brian Boru Square, Fermoy, P61 R596 7pm-8.30. This is for relatives of people with dementia and is an opportunity to get advice and information from staff and to share experiences with others.

 

Charleville Dementia Cafe (takes place on the 3rd Friday of the month)

Will take place on Friday 19th May, 11am-12.30 in the Charleville Park Hotel. This is an opportunity to meet others, challenge your brain and have fun! Terry O’Connell, Yoga Instructor will be talking about the benefits of yoga and will take us through a light yoga session.

 

Fermoy Dementia Café (takes place on 4th Wed of the month)

Takes place on Wednesday 23rd September in Adair Hall, (adjacent to the Church of Ireland Church), 2.30-4pm. John Arnold, Local historian and story teller will be speaking.  This is an opportunity to meet others, challenge your brain and have fun! 

 

Mallow Support Group (takes place on the 4th Thursday of the month)

Will take place on Thursday 24th September  in St Marys Day Care Centre, Lenihans Lane, Mallow, P51 WKE3, 7-8.30pm. This is for relatives of people with dementia and is an opportunity to get advice and information from staff and to share experiences with others.

 

September Social Club outing

Will take place on Monday 7th September with a visit to Annes Grove Gardens , Castletownroche, P51 HR74. We will meet at 11am in the carpark. For further information or to register contact Margaret on 087 690 2898.

 

Fundraisers

Massive thanks to Laya Healthcare who donated €5589.30 to the North Cork Dementia Alliance. This money was raised at their charity day and we were so pleased to be one of the three recipients of the funds.  Many thanks to  Eleanor Llerena for nominating us.

 

Thanks too to Gas Networks Ireland who donated €250 to us from their charity fund. We are so grateful to Mary Cotter for nominating us. Any money raised goes directly towards the services we provide – counselling, fitness groups, the dementia cafes, support groups and social club outings.

 

Please also see attached a summary of the dates for September. I have also attached a list of other dementia services in North Cork. 

 

If you would like to be removed from this mailing list please get in touch.

 

Follow us on social media to find out about dementia services being provided throughout Cork. Facebook (Cork Dementia Services) and Instagram (corkdementiaservices)

 

Best wishes

Sheena, Amy and Margaret

 

 

 

Sheena Cadoo

 

Occupational Therapist / North Cork Dementia Alliance Lead |Cork Kerry Community Healthcare | Health Service Executive| Memory Resource Room  | Floor 2 | Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre| Mallow | Co Cork | Eircode: P51Y8EC.

Tel. 022/58700 | Mobile 086 787 1818 | E-mail: sheena.cadoo@hse.ie | www.ncdementiaalliance.ie | The North Cork Dementia Alliance is registered with the Charity Regulatory Authority . CRA No 2024866

 

Follow us on social media to find out about dementia services being provided throughout Cork. Facebook (Cork Dementia Services) and Instagram (corkdementiaservices)

 

                                                                          

 

Aware Resilience Programme - Fermoy Community Resource Centre

 

Build Your Resilience This Autumn

This autumn, Fermoy Community Resource Centre will be hosting a 6-week Aware Resilience Programme.

This programme offers participants an opportunity to learn practical new skills, connect with others, and access support in a welcoming and supportive environment. Based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the programme helps participants better understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected and provides practical tools for managing everyday stress and challenges.

Please see the attached flyer for further information, including programme content and registration details. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please feel free to share this information with them.

Starting: Tuesday 13th October (subject to sufficient numbers)
Time: 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Cost: €20

To book your place, call (025) 32962 - Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Jacinta McCormack 

Oibrí Sláinte Pobail Fhear Maí 

Fermoy Community Health Worker

 

Tionscadal Sláinte Pobail Fhear Maí | Ionad Acmhainní Pobail Fhear Maí | 42 Sráid McCurtain | Fhear Maí | Co. Chorcaí | P61 T267

Fermoy Community Health Project | Fermoy Community Resource Centre | 42 McCurtain Street | Fermoy | Co Cork | P61 T267

 

085 8742320 | jacinta.mccormack@hse.ie | www.southwest.hse.ie | www.healthactionzone.ie

 

CORK COUNTY COUNCIL Relief School Warden – Charleville (26/073) St. Annes NS Newtownshandrum NS CBS NS

 

CORK COUNTY COUNCIL Relief School Warden – Charleville (26/073) St. Annes NS Newtownshandrum NS CBS NS              Closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is 2pm on Thursday, 17th September 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

CROSSHAVEN (26/071)CORK COUNTY COUNCIL REQUIRES RETAINED FIREFIGHTER AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: CASTLETOWNBERE (26/067) DUNMANWAY (26/068) SCHULL (26/072) SKIBBEREEN (26/069) CARRIGALINE (26/070)

 

CROSSHAVEN (26/071)CORK COUNTY COUNCIL REQUIRES RETAINED FIREFIGHTER AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:  CASTLETOWNBERE (26/067) DUNMANWAY (26/068) SCHULL (26/072) SKIBBEREEN (26/069) CARRIGALINE (26/070)              Closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is 4pm on Thursday, 8th October 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

Upcoming Understanding Your Child Parenting Programme Mitchelstown

I would like to inform you of an upcoming ‘Understanding Your Child’ programme which will be commencing in Mitchelstown Primary Care Centre.

This is a 10-week programme which aims to support parents to better understand their child’s emotional development, behaviour and communication, while also helping them to build confidence in responding to their child’s needs. The programme is delivered in a supportive and informal group setting, giving parents an opportunity to learn, reflect and share experiences with others. It is suitable for parents of  young children up to 8 years of age (Age range is a guide only, facilitators are open to considering parents of older children who are still in primary school).

The programme will be facilitated by Orla Geary, Public Health Nurse and Susan O’Mahony, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, both trained in the Togetherness Approach.

It is important to note that this is a closed 10-week group rather than a drop-in service, to support continuity, trust and group development over the course of the programme.

The programme is open to parents across CHNs 4 and 5. Parents who are interested or who would like to find out if the programme would suit them, are asked to phone Orla or Susan for an informal chat and further information before booking on 025-45300.

There are currently limited comparable parenting supports of this nature available locally, so we feel this will be a really positive addition to services for parents and families in the area.

We would really appreciate your support in sharing the programme widely with colleagues and with parents and families under your care who may benefit.

Please see attached poster with further details,

Many thanks,

 

 

Kind Regards,

Orla Geary

Public Health Nurse

 

Please note I do not work on Thursdays

 

Orla Geary

Altra Sláinte Poiblí | FSS an Iardheiscirt

Public Health Nurse | HSE South West

 

 

Lárionad Cúraim Príomhúil Dhún ar Aill Mainistir Fhear Maí, Mainistir Fhear Maí, Corcaigh. Eircode P61NN79

 

Fermoy Primary Care Centre, Fermoy, Cork. Eircode P61NN79

 

087 9394479 | 025 45300 | orla.geary@hse.ie | southwest.hse.ie | @HSESouthWest