County Cork has close to 14% of all the archaeological sites in Ireland
ARCHAEOLOGY is the study of the past through the collection and investigation of monuments and artefacts.
The County of Cork has some incredible artefacts spanning many thousands of years located in museums throughout Cork, Ireland and further afield, and in terms of archaeological monuments, it is hard to believe that there are over 19,000 such sites in the County (close to 14% of all archaeological sites in Ireland).
Archaeological monument types are vast and varied – there are over 450 different classes/categories in Ireland - and the County of Cork contains many of these. Extensive volumes have been published on all known monuments in the County – the Archaeological Inventory of County Cork – and new reports are always being undertaken, for example, summary accounts of all archaeological excavations in Ireland since 1969 are available for anyone to view on www.excavations.ie, containing over 2,000 accounts from County Cork alone.
In recognition of the rich archaeology of County Cork, in 2020 Cork County Council is undertaking its 8th instalment in the Heritage of County Cork Publication Series – the Archaeological Heritage of County Cork, supported by the Heritage Council. While previous publications in the Series have touched on many more recent aspects of archaeology, this upcoming publication will pay particular attention to prehistoric monuments and those from some later periods that have not yet featured covering a range of eras from the Mesolithic; Neolithic and Bronze Age, to the Iron Age; Early Christian Age and elements of the Medieval and Post-Medieval periods.
Archaeological sites and monuments tell so much of Cork’s history and heritage, ranging from Stone Circles and Megalithic Tombs to Ringforts and Holy Wells, and this publication sets out to convey how our archaeology is at the heart of community, particularly with regard to the identity of place.
One of the most important elements of this publication, if not the most important, is the input of local heritage enthusiasts and groups and to date Cork County Council’s Heritage Unit has received some very nice submissions, containing accounts of different local archaeological sites, stories and photographs for use. Cork County Council would be delighted to receive many further submissions and these can be posted in or emailed (cork.heritage@corkcoco.ie) up until Friday 29th May 2020.
The publication will set out to reference as many submissions as possible and further information on how to get involved can also be obtained by phoning 021 4285905.
Your favourite Cork heritage sites
In addition to the upcoming Archaeological Heritage of County Cork publication, Volume Two of the Colourful Heritage of County Cork is also being undertaken in 2020, supported by the Heritage Council and through the Creative Ireland Programme.
Everyone with an interest in this upcoming publication is encouraged to recommend their favourite local heritage sites and characters for inclusion and, as formed part of Volume One, a number of drawings and sketches submitted by the public will feature in the book.
The County has some great budding artists, young and old, and Cork County Council’s Heritage Unit is very much looking forward to the range of different drawings that will be submitted – all welcome up to and including 29th May 2020 by emailing cork.heritage@corkcoco.ie.
Storytelling competition
In addition to drawings skills, many people in the County of Cork have exceptional story telling skills, a fantastic tradition in itself. Story telling has been recognised by the Local Authority Waters Programme and a new national storytelling competition has just been launched: ‘‘Stories from the Waterside’ / ‘Scéalta Ó Thaobh An Uisce’.
Also supported by Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland, The Heritage Council and the Local Authority Heritage Officers Network, this competition is open to all with €4,000 in prizes to be won.
Entries are welcomed from across the Island of Ireland and may be submitted in either in English or Irish. Stories should be 600 words or less and only original and previously unpublished stories.
The closing date is 31st May 2020 and entries are encouraged online through the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) website: http://watersandcommunities.ie/storiesThis website includes full details of how to enter the competition and the full Terms and Conditions. Given the number of rivers and waterways in Cork it is hoped that there will be a great selection of stories submitted from the County.
Oral History Network of Ireland
Storytelling is very much part of our Oral Heritage and Ireland is lucky to have in place for some time now – the Oral History Network of Ireland. For the past number of years an annual conference has been held by the Network but given the measures in place regarding Covid-19, this conference has now been postponed until 2021.
Notwithstanding this, the network is staying busy and on Friday 15th May, from 13:00 to 15:00, has organised on ‘Oral History Basics’ Online Training Workshop. This two-hour online workshop is specifically designed for beginners who are interested in learning more about oral history and its potential as a research methodology. It outlines some of the key issues to consider when using oral history and offers a preliminary introduction to project planning, ethical considerations, interview techniques and potential outputs.
The event will take place via Zoom and requires a nominal cost for participation.
For further information and to book a place visit www.oralhistorynetworkireland.ie. Later into the month of June it is planned to have in place an online panel session which will discuss Social Distancing and Oral History; another event to look forward to.
The Oral History Network is always looking for new members and for more information simply send an email to info@oralhistorynetworkireland.ie or visit their website.
Upcoming
On the mention of upcoming dates, Thursday May 14th is one to also take note of for all groups with an interest in culture, heritage and commemorations in the County of Cork; this being the closing date for applications under Cork County Council’s County Cork Commemorations Grant Scheme 2020 and Creative Ireland County Cork Grant Scheme 2020.
For more information on either scheme email commemorations@ corkcoco.ie or creativeireland@corkcoco.ie as appropriate or phone 021 4285905.
Many fantastic applications have already been submitted to date.