Cork Local Interest / History Books

In June 1631 pirates from Algiers and armed troops of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, led by the notorious pirate captain Morat Rais, stormed ashore at the little harbour village of Baltimore in West Cork. They captured almost all the…

East Cork was a particularly violent area during the War of Independence with many IRA ambushes and attacks on Crown Forces. The first major success nationally for the IRA was the capture and destruction of Carrigtwohill RIC Barra…

West Cork is a place apart, with its unique combination of ?ora, fauna, history and landscape, and is quietly explored by large numbers of visitors annually. This guide to some of the best low-level walks in the region has clear d…

The Laneways of Medieval Cork was first published in 2002 by Cork City Council.  As part of the refurbishment of the historic core of the city a study was carried out to identify and demarcate the medieval and post-medieval lanewa…

A new book celebrating the achievements of 12 inspirational women who made significant contributions to local government in Cork city was launched recently in Cork City Hall. ‘Leading the Way’ was written by Dr Aodh Quinlivan, Sen…

Most people remember the flooding of Cork in 2009 and the tremendous damage that was caused. Less well-known is that this was not the first time this had happened. On 1 November 1853 another flood of immense proportions poured int…

Tom Leahy hails from Ballythooly in North Cork. He is one of Ireland's most decorated Paralympians, winning a total of eight medals at the Paralympic Games. He is now a full-time artist, with his paintings appearing in many public…

From the early nineteenth century to the mid twentieth century, three generations of Hill architects were responsible for much of the fine architecture in Cork city and county. They designed the School of Science & Art (now Cr…

SWERVE publishes vibrant and fresh writing and visual art from Ireland in both print and digital formats. We also invite international artists and writers to contribute.

The Croppy Boy Way is a love letter to Cork’s Northside - its people, its stories, and the places that shaped generations. Over seven years, authors Gerry Corbett and the late Jim O’Shea walked the hills and boreens of their commu…

HEADLANDS is the fourth book from renowned Irish landscape photographer Norman McCloskey.  This monograph takes the photographer back to the southwest coast of Ireland, specifically to the area of West Cork, the first place he tra…

In the past fifty years or so, the landscape of Cork has changed significantly, in some cases beyond recognition. Throughout the past four decades, the author has taken thousands of photos of Cork and its people while also documen…

From Ballycotton to Baltimore, Mizen Head to Mallow, explore the unique beauty of Ireland’s Rebel County. With its wild Atlantic beaches and bustling city, from the grandeur of Cobh in the east to tranquil Garnish Island in the we…

'The Essential George Boole: Logic, Love and Legacy' is a captivating portrait of a brilliant mind and the family that shaped him. George Boole, a largely self-taught genius, as a youth mastered multiple languages and scientific d…

Cork is often described as Ireland’s southern capital. The city’s history goes back to a monastic then Viking settlement in the early mediaeval period to become Ireland’s second largest city. During the War of Independence in the …

The Forgotten Guerilla Campaign, 1922. In January 1922 Dáil Éireann ratified a treaty with the British government, finally giving Southern Ireland the independence it had fought for years to achieve. But the peace did not last, an…

The book developed from one man's love of Cork's unique language. Long before The Langer catapulted Cork slang into national awareness, Morty McCarthy went on a mission to record Cork's quirky words and expressions and make them a…

Through the Lens of Time: The Horgan Brothers' Ireland 1890-1940 Step back in time through the extraordinary photographs of The Horgan Brothers, who captured Ireland during its transformation from British rule to an Independent Re…

In 'Stone Mad' Seamus Murphy tells the story of his seven years spent as an apprentice to the stone carving trade, the growing knowledge of the challenges and joys of stone – and of the men who worked it. His artistic feeling for…

Place matters in Cork. From its marshy foundations at the lowest crossing point of the River Lee, the city spread across its steep suburban hillsides. Journeying from the south of the city to its north prospects reveals a rich ran…

This book offers a thoroughly researched and detailed account into the formation and development of Na Fianna Éireann in Cork city during a turbulent but fascinating period of Irish history. Through access to the recently discover…

John Creedon is a renowned storyteller. Following on from the sensational success of An Irish Folklore Treasury, here he seeks to capture the folklore of his own childhood. This Boy’s Heart is set in a city-centre household bursti…

This unique deck of playing cards celebrating Cork's most iconic pubs is more than just a playful addition to your card games; it's an exciting journey through Cork's vibrant pub culture. Each card in the deck unfolds its own tale…

The Cork Folk Festival has played an integral part in the history of Cork music since 1979. Over a period of 45 years it has presented an annual festival which encourages musicians, enchants audiences and contributes to the cultur…

Tom Ryan was arrested at his home, near Thomastown, on the night of 5 February 1921. He was held initially in Kilkenny before he was transferred to Kilworth 'rest camp' near Fermoy in mid-March and, on 17 May, to Spike Island inte…

First published by David Myler (Mealagh Valley Community Development Association) in 1998, ‘An Archaeological Survey of the Mealagh Valley’ highlights many sites of historical and archaeological interest in the Mealagh Valley, nor…

A monastic outpost in the Celtic Sea, a fortress built to defend an Empire, a prison established to intern a nation; Spike Island's remarkable 1300-year history far exceeds its modest acreage. No other place better encapsulates th…

Cork Stories, edited by Madeleine D’Arcy and Laura McKenna, is a collection of short fiction set throughout the neighbourhoods of Cork city and county by writers who live or have lived in Cork. Some of the stories present vivid po…

Cork has long been an important hub for international trade, including the lucrative transatlantic routes. This wealth is reflected in the city's fine architecture, which boasts a wide variety of styles, from Neoclassical to Gothi…

Join Noah on his Cork City Adventure!  This 20 page board book is the first book of a travel series. Each book will take the reader and their little one on the journey with Noah as he explores new countries, different cultures and…