UCC’s ‘Cork Histories’ Conference
Demand exceeded all expectations as an estimated 400 people attended Cork Histories, a UCC School of History public conference, held over two days on 11-12 September 2026. Designed to be inclusive and accessible, connecting academic research with community knowledge and public curiosity, the event brought together a wide range of speakers to explore the rich history of Cork and its people.
The conference began Friday afternoon in the Aula Maxima with a keynote lecture by Professor Howard B. Clarke, co-author of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas fascicle for Cork. His richly illustrated lecture, a cartographical feast, was followed by the conference’s opening panel, Island and City, chaired by Heritage Council CEO Virginia Teehan, with papers by Dr Tom Spalding and Diarmuid Ó Drisceoil. Lord Mayor of Cork City Cllr. Damian Boylan and Cork County Mayor Cllr. Bernard Moynihan opened the evening reception by voicing strong civic support for the study, preservation and celebration of Cork’s history. Following welcomes from UCC President Professor John O'Halloran and Dr Damian Bracken, Head of the School of History, attendees gathered for the Roger Herlihy Memorial Lecture, On the Writing of Cork's History, delivered by Professor David Dickson. He outlined his personal research journey which culminated in his landmark monograph, Old World Colony: Cork and south Munster. Professor Dickson also acknowledged the late Roger (‘Ronnie’) Herlihy’s enormous contribution to the promotion of Cork history, and recognised members of Ronnie’s family in attendance, including Anne Herlihy and his sister Mary Hourihan.
On Saturday, 24 speakers participated in eight themed panels in UCC’s Western Gateway Building. They explored topics ranging from medieval Cork and the city's colonial past to labour history, sport, religion, emigration, revolutionary politics and the development of Cork's dairy industry. Audiences engaged enthusiastically with speakers, contributing their own local knowledge, family stories, personal recollections and even historical artefacts during lively question-and-answer sessions. Informal discussions continued over coffee breaks and lunch when many commented on the inclusive programme, the uplifting nature of the event and the welcome opportunity to celebrate Cork's history and heritage.
The success of Cork Histories reflects the UCC School of History's longstanding commitment to public history and community outreach. The conference provided for dialogue between researchers, historians and the public, showcasing how historical scholarship fosters civic engagement, cultural understanding and an appreciation of the communities and places that have shaped Cork's past and present.
The School of History extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, chairs, attendees, supporters and volunteers who made Cork Histories such a memorable and successful event. It was a timely reminder that Cork’s history remains a living and shared resource that can inform, inspire and engage diverse audiences.
Picture (from left): Dr Virginia Teehan, CEO of The Heritage Council , Dr Helene O'Keeffe, CACSSS, UCC, County Mayor, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Professor John O'Halloran UCC President , Lord Mayor, Cllr. Damian Boylan, Dr Damian Bracken Head of the School of History UCC , Dr Natasha Dukelow, Postdoctorate Fellow, UCC and Professor Stephen Graham Head of College of Arts, Celtic Studies , Social Sciences, UCC. , UCC Cork Histories Conference. (Photography by Gerard McCarthy)
Picture (from left): Anne Herlihy (wife of Roger Herlihy), President of UCC, Professor John O'Halloran, Dr Donal Ó Drisceoil, Mary Hourihan (sister of Roger Herlihy).