Theatre on Whiddy Island with Cultural Companions 15th July

Join Bantry Cultural Companions as we head to Whiddy Island for Seamus O’Rourke’s The Sand Park on Tuesday, July 15th 2025

Bantry Cultural Companions are invited to experience a unique evening of theatre and community as part of the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival.
Join us on Tuesday, July 15th for the acclaimed one-man show “The Sand Park”, written, directed, and performed by Seamus O’Rourke.

We’ll travel together to Whiddy Island, with members meeting in time for the 6 PM Ferry

🎭 About the Show:
“The Sand Park” is the sometimes hilarious, deeply touching account of James Anthony Lowery, a big-hearted Offaly farmer in his mid-fifties, trying to come to terms with the loss of his son 15 years ago and more recently, his beloved wife, Rose. It’s about the fun of life, the ritual of death, and how we cope when either is suddenly altered.

✍️ Written, Directed & Performed by: Seamus O’Rourke
👥 Age Suitability: 15+
🕒 Running Time: 55 minutes (no interval)

🗓 Event Details
📍 Venue: Bank House, Whiddy Island, Co. Cork. The Bank house on Whiddy island is located just metres away from the ferry dock.
📅 Date: Tuesday, July 15th
🧍‍♀️ Group Meet-Up: 5.45 PM at Bantry Pier
⏰ Show Time: 8:00 PM
🚪 Doors Open: 7:30 PM
🎟 Tickets: €15 – available at the door only
⛴ Ferry NOT included in ticket price, TRAVEL PASS accepted on ferry
🛳 Return Ferry Departs Whiddy at 10:00 PM

🎫 Return ferry tickets can be purchased at Bantry Pier
🌐 whiddy.ie/ferry

The West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival runs from July 11th to August 6th, bringing high-quality theatre to the heart of rural and island communities in the tradition of the 1950s fit-up circuit. Be part of something truly special.

Mallow Cultural Companions in for a treat of music and laughs 23rd July

 🎭 A Night of Music & Laughter at Mallow Arts Festival – Join Us on Wednesday, 23rd July! 🎶

Calling all cultural companions and lovers of the arts!
We’re looking forward to a fantastic double bill of live entertainment at this year’s Mallow Arts Festival, taking place at the Hibernian Hotel on Wednesday, 23rd July.

We’ll be meeting from 6:30pm for a friendly catch-up and to make sure we get the best seats for the shows. Come along early and enjoy a chat with fellow members before the evening kicks off!

At 7:15pm, the wonderful Mallow Musical Society takes the stage with a vibrant 45-minute musical revue spanning the eras and styles of musical theatre. Our very own Eithne Foley will be performing, so let’s show her our support! Admission is free, making it the perfect start to the night.

Then at 8:30pm, get ready to laugh with The Bold Ensemble as they perform their hit improv show “Improv Thingimabob.” Fresh from sell-out performances at Kinsale Arts Weekend and Cork Arts Theatre, this hilarious, off-the-cuff comedy show is shaped entirely by audience suggestions. Even better, one of our Cultural Companions members is part of the cast! Please note: this show is not suitable for under 16s. Tickets are €10.

You’re welcome to join us for one or both shows, whatever suits you best. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant evening of local talent, laughter, music, and great company.

Hope to see you there! let’s make it a night to remember!

Mallow Musical Society 2025

The Bold Ensemble

West Cork Literary Festival 2025

Poetry at 2025 West Cork Literary Festival Poetry has always been a very important part of West Cork Literary Festival and we are delighted to bring you a series of events with a mix of well-established award-winning poets and newer poets for you to discover.   Doire Press: Claire Hennessy & Jennifer Horgan Friday 11 July 3pm Maritime Hotel More details Salena Godden Friday 11 July 6.30pm Maritime Hotel More details Wake of the Whale: Alice Kinsella, Daniel Wade & Patrick Dexter - SOLD OUT Saturday 12 July 2.15pm Whiddy Island More details Supported by Creative Places West Cork Islands and Cork County Council Maria Barnas & Keith Payne Sunday 13 July 10am Bantry House Loggia More details Supported by New Dutch Writing, the Dutch Foundation for Literature Gallery Goes to WCLF: Tom French, Vona Groarke & Aifric Mac Aodha Sunday 13 July 5pm Marino Church More details Mona Arshi & Oluwaseun Olayiwola Sunday 13 July 6.30pm Marino Church More details Presented in association with Poetry Ireland  Irish Writers Centre: The Word on the Street Tuesday 15 July 5pm Bantry Library More details Poetry Workshop with Ruth Padel - SOLD OUT Wednesday 16 - Friday 18 July 9.30am - 2.30pm St Finbarr's Boys' School More details Annette Skade Thursday 17 July 11.30am Bantry Bookshop More details James Harpur Friday 18 July 1pm Bantry Library More details Thomas McCarthy & Ruth Padel Friday 18 July 6.30pm Marino Church More details

Special Things Art Workshop Free at Triskel July 2nd and 26th

The Triskel Sample Project Space are offering this very exciting Special Things workshop on Wednesday 2 July with resident artist, Annie Mar.
In this free workshop you are encouraged to bring an item of personal significance, and under Mar’s guidance, you will paint or draw these objects in order to explore their impact on us and the memories they embody.
There will be multiple iterations of this workshop, so don’t panic if you miss out on one of the free places this time around; we have a second workshop on Saturday 26 July.
Elysia on our Box Office and Marketing Team sat down with Annie this week to speak about her practice. Read what she had to say as part of our Curating Curiosity series.
Special Things invites you to bring an object of personal significance to the workshop. If you would prefer to bring a photo or draw from your mind, that is also fine. There is no obligation to share your connections to the objects with the group.


About Annie Mar
Annie Mar is an artist and illustrator based in Cork City. She produces commissioned illustrations and animations, facilitates workshops and has her own artistic practice. She is currently Artist in Residence in Triskel Sample Project Space.

Book your place HERE

Meet your heroes - Mallow Castle Sunday July 28th, 2pm

 

Join us in Mallow Castle on Sunday, July 28th at 2pm to Meet your Heroes!! There on the day will be:

• Mallow First Responders
• Mallow Search & Rescue
• Mallow Fire Brigade
• An Gardaí
• Cork County Council
• Defence Forces

They’ll have all their vehicles and equipment with them!

This is an autism friendly event in conjunction with Cork County Council. Mallow Castle Sunday July 28th, 2pm

Cultural Companions Visit Spike Island July 20th

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Explore Spike Island – Sunday, July 20th

Join Cultural Companions on a day trip to Spike Island on Sunday, July 20th!

We’ll be departing from Cobh at 10:30 AM for a 3.5-hour visit, including ferry ride to the island. Upon arrival, we will have a 40-minute guided tour of the island’s impressive fort, led by one of Spike Island’s expert guides. After the tour, we are free to explore the rest of the island at your leisure, from historic prison buildings to scenic walking trails and engaging exhibitions.

There’s also a café, gift shop, and toilet facilities on site to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable.

Trip Details:

• Date: Sunday, July 20th

• Departure: 10:30 AM from Cobh Meet from 10am

• Duration: 3.5 hours (including ferry crossing)

• Cost: €23.95 + €1 booking fee

• Booking: Tickets must be booked online in advance OR by phone 021-237 3455

• Early booking recommended

• Important: Please select the Senior Citizen ticket option at checkout, whether or not you personally qualify. This is the discounted group rate recommended by the Spike Island team. Book HERE

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of Ireland’s most unique and atmospheric heritage sites with a friendly group of fellow cultural explorers.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Fit Up Theatre West Cork with Cultural Companions

 🎭 Cultural Companions Outing – Join Us for The Sand Park on Whiddy Island! 🎭

Dear Cultural Companions,

We're delighted to invite you to a special evening of theatre as part of this summer's Blood in the Alley West Cork Drama Festival!

Our group will be attending The Sand Park on Tuesday, 16th July at 8pm, at the Bank House on Whiddy Island. This promises to be a memorable performance in a truly unique setting, perfect for a cultural evening with good company.

🎟 Ticket Information

• €15 per ticket

• Tickets are available on the door only, so please arrive early.

• Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

• Seating is limited — early arrival is recommended.

⛴ Ferry Details

Please note: Ferry travel is not included in the ticket price.

Return ferries are scheduled after the performance, and return tickets can be purchased at the pier.

For Whiddy Island, the ferry departs from Bantry:
🔗 whiddy.ie/ferry

We recommend checking ferry times in advance to ensure a smooth journey. Feel free to coordinate with other companions for carpooling or shared transport to Bantry via the WhatsApp group.

📅 Festival Highlights

The West Cork Fit Up theatre festival features a rich line-up of plays across four weeks in various island and mainland venues. Other titles include Paddy: The Life and Times, Mary’s Hopes and Dreams, and Ham Sandwiches and Discipline.

You can find additional information on ferry services for other island venues at:

• Heir Island: heirisland.ie

• Sherkin Island: sherkinferry.ie

• Bere Island: murphysferry.com

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Let us know if you’ll be joining, and we’ll coordinate a meet-up spot before the ferry. It's a perfect way to enjoy live theatre and connect with fellow companions. Looking forward to a wonderful night of laughter, storytelling, and West Cork craic!

June Bantry Newsletter