Founded in 2013, Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage is a community organisation which seeks to preserve, record and foster an interest in the history, archaeology and heritage of Clonakilty and its environs.
Regular society activities include public lectures, field trips for members and local guided walks to the general public. Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage publish the Clonakilty Historical and Archaeological Journal which has three volumes to date. Other publications include the sold-out book, ‘The History of Clonakilty Town Council’ by Dr. Matthew Potter as well as two documentaries carried out as part of Heritage Week 2021 and 2022 which can be viewed here.
The organisation encourages and facilitates research by its members and the community at large, in order to better understand and preserve our local heritage, and to make it accessible to local and wider audiences for education, inspiration and enjoyment. Society sub-committees include lectures, field trips, journal, preservation and commemorations.
We welcome new members and information about joining the Society is available by clicking on Membership.
Lectures
We host a series of lectures every year from September through to March. The range of topics is broad and includes the history, archaeology and folklore of Clonakilty, West Cork and indeed wider afield. Guest speakers are from both academic and non-academic backgrounds. These talks take place at the Clonakilty GAA Club Grounds in Ahamilla and everyone is welcome. For more information on upcoming talks, please keep an eye on the News and Events section of the website.
Excursions
Every summer, Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage organise a series of excursions for our members. These vary from guided day trips to local and neighbouring sites of historical or archaeological interest to overnight trips around Ireland. Some events such as guided Clonakilty town walks are open to the general public, however, due to issues with insurance, excursions are limited to members only. Please visit our News and Events section for further information, including details of previous and upcoming excursions.
Journals
Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage publish the Clonakilty Historical and Archaeological Journal which has three volumes to date. The journal focuses on Clonakilty and the wider West Cork Region and taps into the wonderful talent, knowledge and expertise from historians and archaeologists living, working, studying and researching locally. If you are interested in contributing to our Journal, please get in touch through the Contact Us form below. Click here for more information.
Representations
Where appropriate, the Preservation Committee will make representations and submissions to relevant public bodies in relation to the protection, preservation and/or restoration of structures of special architectural, historical, archaeological or cultural interest and significance within the greater Clonakilty area. The Commemoration Committee seek to mark significant social, cultural and economic contributions to society and celebrate the uniqueness of our town and create a sense of place through plaques, monuments, talks or publications.
The structure of Duchas Clonakilty Heritage includes sub-committees covering all interests - specialist lectures, to field trips, publications, the Clonakilty Museum, etc.
Duchas Clonakilty Officers:
Cathaoirleach/Chairman: Tim Feen
Leas Chathaoirleach/Vice Chairman : Michael O'Mahony
Rúnaí/Secretary: Marian O'Leary
Leas Rúnaí/Vice Secretary: Barbara McGuirk
Cisteoir/Treasurer: Fachtna McCarthy
Leas Cisteoir/Vice Treasurer: Michael O'Sullivan
Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí/PRO: Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin
Leas Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí/Vice-PRO: Con O'Neill
Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage is a community organisation which seeks to foster an interest in local history, archaeology and heritage in Clonakilty town and its environs through public lectures, field trips, guided walks and a variety of other mediums. The organisation encourages and facilitates research by its members and the community at large, in order to better understand and preserve our local heritage, and to make it accessible to local and wider audiences for education, inspiration and enjoyment.