Kieran McCarthy

Cork is often described as Ireland’s southern capital. The city’s history goes back to a monastic then Viking settlement in the early medieval period to become Ireland’s second largest city. During the War of Independence in the early twentieth century the city was often at the forefront of fighting, the city centre being burnt down by British forces, and was again the focus of fighting during the ensuing Irish Civil War. The city has always been open to the world, as an Atlantic port, and today the city is a vibrant cultural, industrial and economic centre for south-west Ireland, where the past is in evidence while the city looks forward. Corkonians draw on rich heritage through the city’s history, from sports, maritime traditions, commerce and education to festivals, literature, art, music and the rich Cork accent. A–Z of Cork reveals the history behind Cork, its streets and buildings, businesses and the people connected with the city. Alongside the famous historical connections are unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well-known. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic city.

Did You Know? Cork’s Lord Mayors still annually perform the traditional ‘Throwing the Dart’ ceremony to signify their authority over the port and harbour. On the corner of the Grand Parade and Tuckey Street, embedded into the pavement, is a cannon that was reputedly used during the Siege of Cork. In November 1930 a world speed record was set by Joseph S. Wright when he rode his motorcycle at 150mph up the Carrigrohane Straight Road in Cork. The Little Book of Cork is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about Cork City.Here you will find out about Cork’s buildings and businesses, its proud sporting heritage, its hidden corners and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through its bustling thoroughfares and down winding laneways, this book takes the reader on a journey through Cork and its vibrant past, recalling the people and events that shaped this great city.A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of Cork.

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 range of historic spaces. The urban landscape is filled with stories about its past. Some sites one would pass and stop and contemplate whilst many others one would not give a second look. But a second and even a third look reveals some very historical nuggets about Cork’s development. Cork: A Potted History takes the viewer on a walking trail of fifty sites and takes a line from the city’s famous lake known just as The Lough across the former medieval core and ends in the historic north suburbs of Blackpool. Starting at The Lough – a Cork gem – which once hosted everything from duels to ice-skating and its own tree nursery, the trail then rambles to hidden moats, ancient hospital sites, lost meeting houses, legacies of medieval remnants, across ancient streetscapes to exploring forgotten industrial urban spaces. This book reveals the city’s lesser-known heritage and hidden urban features.

County Cork is the largest county in Ireland, with a heritage that has been recorded, celebrated and commemorated over many centuries. This book explores the historical curiosities within the county’s sweeping river valleys, epic mountainous locations and sprawling coastline.There are many sites and stories to discover that whisk the reader off through ancient underground worlds, myth-making landscapes and ghostly tales. From apparitions to zoomorphic images, Cork possesses a myriad of tales to stop the explorer in their tracks, all of which enhance County Cork’s strong sense of place.

Situated in the south-west of Ireland, the port city of Cork is right on the very edge of Western Europe and has always been open to influences from Europe and the wider world. The amalgamation of these influences has created a vibrant and historic twenty-first-century city. It is no surprise that, with such a wide range of influences, Cork has developed a very distinct culture. Corkonians have an immense variety of strong cultural traditions, from the city’s history to its sports, commerce and education. Then there is its maritime heritage, the festivals, literature, art, music and the rich Cork accent. In Celebrating Cork, local author Kieran McCarthy highlights the wealth of the city’s heritage and its citizens’ diverse achievements. The book explores some of the reasons why Cork is so special in the hearts of Corkonians and its many visitors. It takes the reader through the familiar and lesser-known layers of Cork’s importance in Atlantic Europe. Different chapters focus on the history of its port; the documents and maps which defined the city’s sense of identity; the Arts and Crafts movements, which can be viewed within the cityscape; its key institutions and charities; its engineering feats; and perhaps why Cork is known for its rebel nature. Illustrated throughout, Celebrating Cork will be of great appeal to residents, visitors and all those with connections to the city. It will be a source of civic pride as well as a valuable contribution to local history.

A fascinating collection of merged historic and modern images that reflect the changes in the city of Cork through the decades.

Situated in the south-western corner of Ireland, the region of West Cork attracts millions of visitors each year to discover its spectacular coastline and dramatic landscapes. It is known for many aspects: its scenery, its serenity, its culture and its people. 50 Gems of West Cork takes the reader from Bandon to Castletownbere, through the changing and unspoilt landscapes and seascapes, and provides an insight into the uniqueness of the region. The necklace of towns and villages are all linked together through a striking section of Ireland’s coastline, encompassing a raw coastal wilderness with expansive inlets. Together with the exquisite coastal scenery are undulating inland landscapes criss-crossed by mountains, hills, streams and rivers, imposing old-world villages and wonderful discoveries at every bend in the road. In this book, local author Kieran McCarthy seeks out the essence and the character of the area to show how special it is.

Olympic rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan may be the face of Irish rowing and Skibbereen Rowing Club, and have enormously increased the popularity of rowing in Ireland, but they're just one piece of a much larger jigsaw. Without their club and the people behind the scenes, they wouldn’t be Olympic silver medalists, 2018 world champions, former European champions and, in Paul's case, a three-time world champion. Almost one hundred Skibbereen Rowing Club athletes have represented Ireland at various regattas over the years; a staggering figure when viewed in light of the size of the club. Founded in 1970, it is now the undisputed most successful rowing club in the country, producing five Olympic rowers since 2000 and four world champions between 2016 and 2018. It is the characters involved in the club, the coaches, members and the athletes themselves, who come together to make Skibbereen Rowing Club what it is. Something in the Water reveals what goes on behind the scenes to create an environment that allows locals to excel on the national and international stages. The story is told through the people and families involved, showing how relatable they are to people around the country.

Cork Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world. It is a historical wonder, surrounded by villages, forts, towers and churches, all of which combine to tell the colourful story of Ireland’s largest county. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this book by author and historian Kieran McCarthy can be dipped into time and again to uncover new landmarks, people and stories from this stunning part of the world.

Cork City, Ireland’s southern capital, is a place of tradition, continuity, change and legacy. It is a place of direction and experiment by people of ambition and determination, experiences and learning, of ingenuity and innovation, and of nostalgia and memory. Cork’s urban landscape is filled with messages about the past, and the nearby harbour and surrounding towns hold many secrets. Well-known local author Kieran McCarthy takes the reader on a fascinating journey through Cork’s history, unearthing tales of double-crossing and infighting and introducing us to many nefarious characters along the way.

A guided tour of Cork City, showing how the areas people know and love have changed over the past century and more.

The year 1916 is a seminal year in Irish history, with the Easter Rising becoming a foundation stone of modern Irish society. For a whole array of purposes, the events of that year have been constructed and re-constructed, imagined and re-imagined time and again since the first days of the state. This book delves into the original newspaper reports of 1916 to show what life in Cork was actually like in that year. It shows the kaleidoscopic nature of the ideas that provided the context and framework for revolution alongside the tragedies of the First World War and the humdrum issues of everyday life.

Beautiful postcards capturing the Ring of Kerry in all its glory.

This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which North Cork has changed and developed over the last century.

Cork Harbour, at the mouth of the River Lee, is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Located close to Cork City, Cork Harbour is a popular attraction for both visiting tourists and residents. The harbour and the surrounding towns hold many secrets, and those who know the area tell tales of the families who once lived there, and the industries that they were part of. Known for its wonderful array of islands, of which Great Island is the largest, Cork has a longstanding place in the community. Cork authors Kieran McCarthy and Daniel Breen uncover the distinct history surrounding Cork Harbour’s past through a selection of old colour postcards and prints, matched with modern images, in order to show just what has changed and what has stayed the same in Cork Harbour Through Time.