Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage

16/06/2026

The annual 1798 commemoration of the ‘Battle of the Big Cross’ will take place this Friday June 19th at Asna Square, Clonakilty at 8pm. Widely recognised as the only significant uprising of the United Irishmen in Co. Cork, the battle occurred just north of Shannonvale, about two miles from Clonakilty town on June 19th 1798.

The historical, non-political commemoration, which is organised by Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage, will be dedicated this year to the late Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, who was instrumental in organising the event each year. Dúchas Vice-Chairman Michael O’Mahony will deliver a short historical account of the battle and a wreath will be laid by the Mayor of Clonakilty Clonakilty Mayoral Council.

All are welcome to attend.

05/05/2026

Timoleague Historical Society is delighted to welcome you to a presentation by William Casey on Thursday May 14th at 8pm in Timoleague Community Hall (eircode P72 F884).

William is an expert on burial grounds and Cillíní or Children's Burial Grounds are a common historical feature in the Irish landscape. Despite this, and the fact that they were used until comparatively recent times, relatively little is understood about them. This illustrated talk will explore various aspects of cillíní, especially those located in West Cork, including Timoleague, Barryroe, Kilbrittain and the surrounding areas. He will examine who was buried in these sites, when they were used, what rituals and traditions were associated with them and how these locations were chosen.

All are welcome and there is a suggested donation of €5 to the society at the door with refreshments served afterwards.

27/04/2026

On Thursday night, we welcome historian Gerald Butler as he presents: "The Sinking of the German U-260 Submarine Off Glandore Harbour During World War 2."

The U–260, which was one of the most modern German submarines during World War 2, sank on the 12th of March 1945. All 48 sailors on board, under Captain Klaus Becker, survived the experience. This talk, which will be delivered by Gerard Butler, will commemorate all those involved, including the local coast watchers at Lookout Post 27 (LOP 27) at Galley Head.

All welcome!

Where: Clonakilty GAA Pavilion, Ahamilla
When: Thursday, April 30th at 8:00 PM
Cover: €5

More information here: https://duchasclonakiltyheritage.ie/News-and-Events/The-Sinking-of-the-German-U-260-Submarine-Off-Glandore-Harbour-During-World-War-2/

10/04/2026

These are the events, organised by our members, occurring next week.

04/04/2026

It would be amazing to find anyone locally who would be interested in getting on board with the recording of oral history. If you think you might be interested please get in touch.

Interested in recording oral history? West Cork Oral Heritage will hold a training session with Dr Tomás MacConmara in Dunmanway on Tuesday 7 April. Details in poster.

28/03/2026

These are the events occurring next week.

24/03/2026

This Thursday! 🗓️ Join Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage for our next lecture: The Rise and Fall of Linen in Clonakilty c.1730 – 1826.

Presented by Con O'Neill, this talk marks the bicentennial of the 1826 collapse of the local linen industry. Discover how linen transformed Clonakilty into a thriving market town, the devastating overnight crash that followed, and the wider history of the West Cork 'linen belt' which extended from Clonakilty to Skibbereen.

The Details:

Date: Thursday, March 26

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Clonakilty GAA Pavilion, Ahamilla, P85 WN84

Cover: €5

More info here: https://duchasclonakiltyheritage.ie/News-and-Events/The-Rise-and-Fall-of-Linen-in-Clonakilty-c-1730-1826/

Looking forward to seeing you there!

07/03/2026

These are the talks, organised by our members, that are occurring in the coming week.

02/03/2026

Reminder that our AGM takes place tonight. All welcome!

The Annual General Meeting of Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage will take place on Monday, March 2nd, at 8pm in O'Donovan's Hotel. All are welcome to attend, both members and non-members. We would very much like to see more people becoming more actively involved in our committees, so please do come along to the AGM and share your ideas and opinions.

Hope to see you there.

Picture: Group outing to Garranes Ringfort in June 2025 with Professor William O'Brien of UCC.

28/02/2026

The Annual General Meeting of Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage will take place on Monday, March 2nd, at 8pm in O'Donovan's Hotel. All are welcome to attend, both members and non-members. We would very much like to see more people becoming more actively involved in our committees, so please do come along to the AGM and share your ideas and opinions.

Hope to see you there.

Picture: Group outing to Garranes Ringfort in June 2025 with Professor William O'Brien of UCC.