Who we are

Cork Cultural Companions is an Age & Opportunity Arts initiative, delivered by Muintir Cork and supported by the HSE and Cork City and County Councils. Cork Cultural Companions has local networks of members who attend events together regularly in Cork City, Mallow, Bantry and East Cork.

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Cork Cultural Companions July events at a glance


 

Cork Cultural Companions – July Events Programme

Our July programme is well underway following a wonderful theatre outing to Cork Arts Theatre earlier this month. There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy heritage, music, nature and community with Cultural Companions throughout the rest of July.

Stories of the Blackwater: Water, Wellness & Memories in Mallow

Thursday 9 July | 11am | Mallow Castle

Join us for a guided riverside walk and community workshop with WiseWater Academy exploring Mallow's connections with water, nature and wellbeing. Participants are invited to share memories and stories of the River Blackwater, local waterways and natural heritage.

This free event is part of the Nature Then & Now community heritage project and is supported by The Heritage Council and Cork County Council.

Booking essential.


Historic Youghal Tour

Monday 20 July

Discover the rich history of one of Ireland's most historic towns with a Cultural Companions day trip to Youghal. The programme includes a guided tour of the historic Clock Gate Tower at 12 noon, followed by lunch at 1pm and a visit to St. Mary's Collegiate Church.

A wonderful opportunity to enjoy local heritage, culture and good company.

Special price: €10 per person (excluding lunch). Booking essential.


Mallow Arts Festival Community Concert

Wednesday 22 July | 9pm | Hibernian Hotel, Mallow

Enjoy a fantastic evening of music and entertainment as part of the Mallow Arts Festival. The concert features performances from One Town One Voice, Clinton Idehen, Barry Forde and Mallow Musical Society, showcasing some of the region's finest local talent.

Admission is free. Cultural Companions members will meet from 8pm in the Hibernian Hotel before the concert.


Memories of Bantry Bay: Water, Wellness & Stories from the Mealagh River

Friday 24 July | 11am | Peace Park, Bantry

This special WiseWater Academy workshop combines a guided walk and community conversation exploring Bantry's relationship with water, nature and wellbeing. Participants are invited to share memories and stories connected to the Mealagh River, Bantry Bay and the area's rich natural heritage.

This free event forms part of the Nature Then & Now project and is supported by The Heritage Council and Cork County Council.

Booking essential.


Booking Information

For bookings and enquiries please contact:

📧 culture@muintircork.com
📞 021 450 0688

We look forward to welcoming Cultural Companions members and friends to a month of shared cultural experiences, heritage discovery and community connection across Cork.

Water, Wellness & Stories from the Mealagh River Bantry: Community Walk July 24th

Cultural Companions invite members of the community to Water, Wellness & Stories from the Mealagh River, a unique walk and workshop taking place in Bantry on Friday, 24 July at 11am.

This special event, facilitated by WiseWater, offers an opportunity to connect with the natural heritage of Bantry Bay and the Mealagh River while exploring the links between water, wellbeing, memory and community.

WiseWater's community workshops encourage participants to discover the powerful relationship between personal wellbeing and caring for our water environment. Through reflection, conversation and shared experiences, participants are invited to explore how water connects people, places and stories across generations. [wisewater.ie]

The event will include a guided waterside walk and community workshop where participants can share memories and stories of the Mealagh River, Bantry Bay and West Cork's rich natural heritage. Whether your memories relate to fishing, swimming, boating, local traditions, family outings, or simply favourite places in nature, all experiences are welcome.

The workshop forms part of Cultural Companions Nature Then & Now, a community heritage project that explores local connections to nature, landscape and place. With permission, memories shared during the event may be recorded as part of the project, helping to preserve local stories and heritage for future generations.

Event Details

Memories of Bantry Bay: Water, Wellness & Stories from the Mealagh River
Date: Friday, 24 July
Time: 11am
Location: Bantry

This event is presented as part of the Cultural Companions programme and is supported by The Heritage Council and Cork County Council through the Nature Then & Now community heritage project.

Booking Essential

📞 085 867 0744
📧 culture@muintircork.com

Places are limited and advance booking is required.

Join us for a welcoming morning of walking, storytelling and connection as we celebrate the waterways, memories and natural heritage that make Bantry and West Cork so special.

All are welcome.







Stories of the Blackwater: Water, Wellness & Memories in Mallow Free event 9th July

 

Water, Wellness & Memories – A Special Community Workshop with WiseWater Academy in Mallow

Mallow Cultural Companions invites members of the community to Water, Wellness & Memories, a unique riverside walk and workshop starting at Mallow Castle grounds on Thursday, 9 July at 11am.

This special event, facilitated by WiseWater, offers an opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and reflect on the important role that water plays in our lives, wellbeing, memories and communities.

WiseWater's work explores the powerful relationship between personal wellbeing and caring for our water environment. Through engaging and accessible activities, participants are encouraged to deepen their connection with local waterways and the natural world, while recognising how water connects people, places and communities. [wisewater.ie]

During this relaxed and welcoming session, participants will enjoy a gentle walk along the River Blackwater before gathering to share memories, stories and reflections inspired by water. Whether your memories are connected to the Blackwater, a local stream, a favourite swimming spot, or a special place in nature, all stories and experiences are welcome.

The workshop forms part of Cultural Companinos Nature Then & Now, a community heritage project exploring local connections to nature, landscape and place. Participants also have the opportunity to contribute memories and stories to the project, with permission.

Event Details

Water, Wellness & Memories
Date: Thursday, 9 July
Time: 11am
Venue: Mallow Castle

This event is part of the Cultural Companions programme and is supported by The Heritage Council and Cork County Council as part of the Nature Then & Now project.

The event is free to attend, however booking is essential.

Bookings

📞 085 867 0744
📧 culture@muintircork.com

Come along to discover the stories held within our waterways, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a meaningful morning of conversation, wellbeing and community.

All are welcome.




Discover Youghal’s History with Cultural Companions 20th July

 

If you’re looking for a summer outing filled with heritage, architecture, and great company, Cultural Companions has a wonderful day planned in the historic town of Youghal. This upcoming event is designed especially for adults aged 50+ who enjoy culture, conversation, and exploring Ireland’s past at a relaxed pace.

A Full Afternoon of Guided History with Living Youghal

At 12:00 noon, the group will begin with a guided tour of the Youghal Clock Tower, one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks. This centuries‑old structure has served many roles throughout its long life, and the tour offers a chance to step inside, hear its stories, and appreciate its place in Youghal’s heritage.

After the first tour, everyone will gather for 1:00 PM lunch at The Red Store. Lunch is at an additional cost, but it’s a lovely opportunity to unwind, chat, and enjoy a meal together before the afternoon continues.

Following lunch, the group will make its way to the nearby St. Mary’s Collegiate Church for a second guided tour with Wayne from Living Youghal. As one of the oldest churches in Ireland still in continuous use, it offers a serene and atmospheric glimpse into centuries of craftsmanship, community, and faith.

Special Group Rate

Both guided tours are available at a special discounted group price of €10 per person, making this an excellent value for a full afternoon of history and exploration. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

A Perfect Outing for Culture Lovers

This event is ideal for anyone who enjoys learning something new, meeting like‑minded people, and discovering the stories behind Ireland’s historic places. Spaces are limited, so early booking is encouraged.

Booking is essential, email culture@muintircork.com



Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Free Community Concert in the HiB Wednesday July 22nd 9pm Mallow Arts Festival

 Join us for a fantastic evening of music and entertainment as part of the Mallow Arts Festival, with a wonderful lineup showcasing the very best of local talent.

Featuring performances from One Town One Voice, Clinton Idehen, Barry Forde, and the Mallow Musical Society, this promises to be a night filled with great music and community spirit.

📆 Wednesday 22nd July 2026
🕒 9:00pm
📍Hibernian Hotel

Free Admission — all are welcome, so come along and enjoy a brilliant night of live music!



Monday, 29 June 2026

Heritage Week 15th to 23rd August

 Heritage Week

Date/Time: Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd August 2026  

Event: National Heritage Week in County Cork 

Location: Various Locations, Co. Cork 

Additional Information: National Heritage Week takes place from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd August 2026 and over one hundred and fifty events are expected to take place throughout the county of Cork. Registration of events is already underway and to see the listings, visit www.heritageweek.ie.

Mallow Field Club events

Spa

Date/Time: Friday 24 July 2026 at 15:00

Event: A visit to the Spa area, Mallow

Location: Meet at Tip O’Neill Park, Mallow, Co. Cork

Additional Information: Organised by Mallow Field Club, the afternoon of Friday 24 July sees a visit to the Spa Area of Mallow, as part of Mallow Arts Festival. All welcome.


Laneways

Date/Time: Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 18:00

Event: Exploring more Mallow laneways

Location: Meet at Garda Station, Mallow, Co. Cork

Additional Information: Organised by Mallow Field Club, the evening of Tuesday 18 August sees a visit to the historic laneways of Mallow. All welcome.