Be Active Be Well Programme in Kilworth

 Our next Be Active Be Well programme is starting the end of October in Kilworth Community Hall.

 

The ‘Be Active Be Well’ programme is about helping inactive people to make positive physical activity changes. It is not an exercise class!! We do some light movements and focus our attention on setting our own personal goals and how to go about achieving them – this programme is open to all adults and completely free of charge for participants.

 

The programme explores participants motivation to change and looks at why becoming more physically active is important for us.

The programme is facilitated by HSE, Physical Activity Health Promotion Officers from the Health Promotion and Improvement Department, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare.

Cultural Companions Members: Enjoy 20% Off Aiteall in Bantry

 

We have some news for Cultural Companions members in and around Bantry — you can now enjoy 20% off tickets for Aiteall, the new West Cork Music festival taking place in Bantry from 23–25 October 2026.

Aiteall, the Irish word for sunshine between showers, brings a weekend of live music to West Cork, celebrating local, emerging and established singer-songwriters across a wide range of styles. The programme includes eight concerts, free pop-up gigs, workshops and musical appreciation events.

A weekend of music in Bantry: There’s plenty to choose from across the three days.

Friday evening features Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and John Francis Flynn, both performing at St Brendan’s Church.

Saturday brings The Vernon Spring and Amano to Marino Church, followed by Lemoncello at St Brendan’s Church and Ae Mak & d_abdu at Ma Murphy’s. There’s also a lilting workshop with Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin during the day.

Sunday continues with an Irish Song Workshop with Amano, a panel discussion on emerging music featuring RTÉ 2FM's Beta Da Silva and others, followed by performances from Leevy, Sorcha Richardson and d_abdu & Isaac Jones.

There are also Friday, Saturday and Sunday Day Passes for anyone who wants to make a full day or evening of it.

How to claim your Cultural Companions discount

Cultural Companions members can receive 20% off their Aiteall tickets.

There is one important thing to note: the discount cannot currently be applied when booking online.

To receive your 20% discount, you need to book your tickets by phone or in person and mention that you are a Cultural Companions member.

So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to enjoy some live music in Bantry this autumn, Aiteall could be just the ticket!

Aiteall | 23–25 October 2026 | Bantry

See the full Aiteall programme and ticket information on West Cork Music

From Lovesong to Othello: Shakespeare Comes to The Everyman

 From Lovesong to Othello: Shakespeare Comes to The Everyman

If you joined us for Lovesong earlier this year, you may remember the work of Red ‘n Blue Theatre Company and, in particular, the creative talents of Jenny Fennessy and Dylan Kennedy.

We’re delighted to highlight their latest production, Shakespeare’s Othello, coming to The Everyman in Cork on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm.

A familiar creative team, a very different story

Red ‘n Blue Theatre Company has built a reputation for bringing classic plays to life with energy and clarity. Founded by husband-and-wife team Dylan Kennedy and Jenny Fennessy, the company’s previous productions include Lovesong, The Flags, Taboo and Macbeth.

Their new production of Othello offers a traditional telling of Shakespeare’s tragedy, remaining faithful to the original story and setting.

At its heart is the destructive power of manipulation. As Iago’s influence over Othello grows, love gives way to jealousy and trust to suspicion, with devastating consequences.

For those who enjoyed Lovesong, Othello provides a chance to see the same company tackle one of Shakespeare’s best-known tragedies — with Jenny Fennessy herself appearing as Emilia, alongside Dylan Kennedy as Iago. The cast also includes Benjamin Lafayette as Othello and Keziah Keenan O’Shea as Desdemona.

A great opportunity for Shakespeare fans

The production is particularly relevant for students studying Shakespeare, with school performances running from Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 September. There is also a public performance on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm, giving general audiences the opportunity to experience the production at The Everyman.

The performance runs for approximately two hours including an interval and is recommended for audiences aged 16+. The Everyman also advises that the production contains themes of domestic violence.

Othello at The Everyman

Tuesday 22 – Friday 25 September 2026
Public performance: Thursday 24 September, 7.30pm
Venue: The Everyman, 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork
Tickets: €23
Age recommendation: 16+

Book tickets and find full details at The Everyman

If Lovesong was one of your highlights earlier this year, Othello is a chance to reconnect with the same company and experience their take on one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies.

Together at the Castle returns for its 5th successful year

"Together at the Castle" mental health and wellbeing event takes place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Mallow Castle.

Event Details
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Mallow Castle, County Cork
Cost: Free admission


What to Expect
Live Music & Entertainment: Performances from local acts like The Outdated and headliners Hell For Leather

Family Activities: Children's games, fun activities, and entertainment in a relaxed setting.

Support Services: Up to 50 local and regional community groups, wellbeing workshops, and informational stands connecting people with mental health resources.
Food & Drink: Various local food trucks and drink options available on-site

Mallow Scribes Culture Night Spotlight

 Mallow Scribes are having an event in Mallow Library on Culture Night, Friday 18^th September, 2.30pm.

“A Sense of Place” (impressions and memories of Mallow)

Local readers and musicians

Open Mic

Free Event

String Quartet Concerts Coming to Cork This September

 

Cork will welcome two acclaimed string quartets this September as part of the National String Quartet Foundation’s (NSQF) autumn season.

The ConTempo Quartet visits Cork on its September tour, followed later in the month by the Lir Quartet, bringing two very different programmes of classical and contemporary string music to the city.

ConTempo Quartet – September 12

Formed in Bucharest in 1995 and based in Ireland since 2003, the ConTempo Quartet has established a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles.

The quartet features Bogdan Sofei and Ingrid Nicola on violin, Andreea Banciu on viola, and Adrian Mantu on cello.

Their September tour travels from Newbridge and Dundalk to Birr, Cork and Dublin, with the Cork performance taking place on September 12.

The programme includes works by composers including Judith Ring, Haydn, Beethoven, Janáček, Dvořák and Caroline Shaw, offering audiences a broad programme spanning different periods and musical styles.

Lir Quartet – September 25

Cork will also feature on the September tour by the Lir Quartet, which visits the city on September 25.

The quartet brings together Siobhan Doyle and Sophie Williams on violin, Séamus Hickey on viola, and Killian White on cello. Scottish violinist Sophie Williams joins three of Ireland’s finest musicians for a programme combining established masterpieces with new Irish composition.

The concert includes music by an elderly Haydn and a young Mendelssohn, alongside Bullens Bay, a new string quartet by award-winning Cork composer Linda Buckley. The work was newly commissioned by the National String Quartet Foundation with funding from the Arts Council.

For Cork audiences, the inclusion of Buckley’s new work adds a particularly local connection to the programme, placing contemporary Cork composition alongside some of the great works of the string quartet repertoire.

A September of String Quartets in Cork

With performances by both the ConTempo Quartet and Lir Quartet, Cork is one of the stops included in NSQF’s nationwide autumn season, which brings three string quartets to 15 venues across Ireland during September.

The series is supported by the Arts Council, RTÉ Lyric FM, the National Concert Hall, University College Cork, MTU Cork School of Music, Cork City Council and Cork County Council.

Full details of the Cork concerts and the wider NSQF autumn programme are available at NSQF.ie.

Silver Screen Movies in Midleton

The Arc Cinema in Midleton are running "Silver screens" every Friday, these are specifically for people over 60 where we show a different movie every week, tickets only 7 euro each and we serve tea/coffee and biscuits. 

4^th September - power ballad 3pm

11^th September - one night only 3pm

18^th September - practical magic 2 3pm

25^th September - the death of robin hood 3pm 📽

Chatty Hands Creative Sessions at Greywood Killeagh

 Chatty Hands is back this autumn. And while we do make things, that's only part of it!

It's a Thursday morning away from the phone, the jobs that need doing and the endless list in your head. For 90 minutes, we sit around a table together. We try something creative. We drink tea. We chat. We laugh. Sometimes what we make turns out brilliantly. Sometimes... less so 

Nobody minds.

You don't need any experience and you definitely don't need to think of yourself as "creative".

Just come as you are.

 Six Thursday mornings
 17 & 24 Sept | 1, 8, 15 & 22 Oct
 10.30am to 12pm
 All materials provided
 Refreshments included
 €60

Contact hello@greywoodarts.org to book.

Mallow Library has lots on this September

As summer gives way to autumn, we look forward to welcoming you to the library for another season of reading, learning, and discovery. Whether you're searching for your next great book or joining one of our events, we're delighted to be part of your journey. This month we have lots happening, including the events below.



“More Life in your Years” – talk by Nutrition & Wellbeing Coach, Noelle Sheahan. Friday 4th September at 2pm

Discover how small, everyday choices around nutrition, movement, strength & connection can help protect your energy, mobility & independence - so you can keep saying YES to the life you enjoy. Come along and learn more. Everyone welcome. No booking required.



“Decoding Your Payslip” – Presented by Revenue. Saturday 5th September at 12 noon.

Are you starting a new job? Returning to work? Unsure how to read your payslip? Come along to this informative session with a Revenue representative, who will explain everything you need to know about understanding your PAYE payslip. Free Event. Everyone Welcome.



Adult Bingo at the Library Friday 11th September at 2pm

Join us for an afternoon of fun, laughter & prizes! Everyone welcome. No booking required.



“What Ancient Irish Monks can teach us about Silence, Solitude and Slowing Down”  Presented by Dr. Danny Forde Saturday 12th September at 2pm.

Danny is a philosopher and writer based in UCC. This talk looks at the importance of silence and how life is about more than being busy.



Age Friendly Coffee Morning Thursday 17th September: 11am

Take a break and join our Age Friendly Coffee Morning for refreshments, social connection, and a warm welcome. Everyone welcome.



Mallow Revisited with Mallow Scribes CULTURE NIGHT - Friday 18th September: 2pm – 5:30pm

Memories & Impressions of Mallow town. Everyone welcome.



“Second-Hand Human Robot” – Live Performance Broadcast from Dursey Island to Mainland. (By Seiko Hayase) CULTURE NIGHT - Friday 18th September: 5pm – 5:30pm

Show time: 18th September from 17:00 - 17:30 (performance approximately 25 minutes)

*Live Broadcast from Dursey Island to Mallow Library. No booking required. (Please note: Music has some mechanical sounds.)



“Getting Winter-Ready: Nourish, Energise & Feel Your Best” – talk by Nutritionist Garima Sieghardt. Friday 25th September at 2pm

Join Garima and discover simple, natural ways to support your digestion, boost your energy, and enhance your overall wellbeing as the winter months approach. Everyone welcome. No booking required.



CLASSES:

Age Action One-to-One Digital Literacy Class - Starting Friday 4th September 10:30am - 12:30pm

Do you need help with your smartphone, tablet or laptop? Build your confidence online with one-to-one digital support tailored to your needs. Contact Mallow Library on 022-21821 to secure a place.



Conversational English Class – beginning Thursday 10th September: 10am – 11:30am

Would you like to improve your spoken English and build confidence in everyday conversations? Join our Conversational English Class, where learners can practise speaking, listening, and communicating in a welcoming group setting. Booking essential. Contact Mallow Library on 022-21821 to book a place.



Using Your Smartphone – 6 week course beginning Thursday 10th September: 12noon – 1:30pm

Would you like to get more from your smartphone? Join us for a beginner-friendly course designed to help you build confidence using your device. Learn the basics in a friendly, supportive setting. Booking essential. Contact Mallow Library on 022-21821 to secure a place.



FOR THE CHILDREN:

Children’s Tots Time Fridays at 10:30am

Bring your little ones along for a delightful session of music & movement especially for toddlers and preschool children.



Children's Storytime Saturdays at 11:30am

Calling all little book lovers! Join us in the Children’s Area on Saturdays at 11:30am for Storytime! Suitable for 3-6yrs.



Children’s LEGO Club Saturdays 12noon – 1pm

Do your children love LEGO? Come along to our LEGO Club and enjoy an hour of creativity, problem-solving, and fun with friends. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Suitable for 4-12yrs. Limited spaces. Booking advised. Contact Mallow Library on 022-21821.



OUR REGULAR LIBRARY GROUPS:

If you are interested in joining any of our regular groups, please drop in and chat to us. New members are always very welcome!



Irish Conversation Circle Tuesdays 11:30am – 12:30pm

Irish Conversation Group Wednesdays 11am – 12noon



Mallow Scribes (Creative Writing Group Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm



HSE Mum & Baby Group Tuesdays 10:30am – 11:30am

HSE Breastfeeding Support Group Wednesdays 10am – 12noon



Adult Knitting Group Wednesdays 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Library Quilters Thursdays 10:30am – 12:30pm

Lacemakers (2nd Thursday of each month) Thursdays 10:30am – 12:30pm



Active Retirement Group (Card Players) Thursdays 2pm – 4pm



Adult Book Club (2nd Saturday of each month) Saturdays 10:30am – 11:30am

Children’s Book Club (2nd Sat. of each month) Saturdays 2:30pm – 3:15pm



EXHIBITIONS:



Donal Deady – Acrylics & Oils 3rd September – 16th September

Discover a vibrant collection of original paintings by local artist Donal Deady, showcasing the beauty and versatility of acrylic and oil painting. Everyone welcome.



Mallow Art Club – Acrylics, watercolours and oils 16th September – 30th September

discover a diverse and inspiring collection of artwork created by members of Mallow Art Club. This exhibition showcases a range of styles and subjects through the vibrant mediums of acrylics, watercolours, and oils. Everyone welcome.



We look forward to seeing you soon.

Mallow Library Staff

Talks at Cork Biodiversity Hub

 Thursday September 17 at 7pm

"Resilient communities in a changing climate"

Delivered by the Climate Action Team from Cork City Council

A Community Climate Resilience workshop/conversation. 

What is it?

A casual conversation designed to inform the Cork Climate Action Plan, as our climate is rapidly changing, to complement the local authorities emergency response to extreme climate events with preparedness interventions before such events happen. Local residents are invited to share their experience of extreme weather in their neighbourhood and in their homes. Join us and have your say on future plans for hyperlocal interventions based on actual needs, tailored to each community, street or estate. Let’s help everyone be prepared for extreme heat, wind or rain events and their consequences on daily life.

All are welcome, as usual let us know if you are coming by texting Eithne on 086 8371166 or email corkbiodiversityhub@gmail.com

Wild Journeys, the Diversity, Dynamism and Drama of Salmon and Trout. 

As the title suggests this will be an evening full of powerful accounts on the lives of salmon and trout. Delivered by Dr. Tom Reed of UCC

Thursday September 24 at 7pm

As above book by phone or email

You're Invited to: Autumn Gold: Stories Songs & Surprises Mallow

Everyone’s Invited to Autumn Gold: Stories, Songs & Surprises to help ease ourselves into the Autumn - Winter seasons. Pull up a chair have a cup of tea and enjoy some lovely entertainment in warm and friendly company

🍂 Join us for this special afternoon of stories, songs, performances and good company!

Tuesday, 29th September from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the Mercy Centre, Mallow.

Come along and enjoy a delightful miscellany of live performances, stories, songs and surprises, with refreshments served during the afternoon. It’s a chance to relax, meet others and enjoy some of the creative talent and community spirit that makes Cultural Companions so special.

The afternoon will also be an opportunity to find out more about the Cultural Companions programme, hear about what’s coming up, and importantly have your say. We’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions for future events, activities and experiences that members might like to attend or get involved in.

Whether you’re already a Cultural Companions member, have joined us before, or are simply curious to find out more, you are very welcome.

🌟 Free event – everyone welcome!

Tuesday, 29th September
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Mercy Centre, Mallow

And why not bring a friend? The more, the merrier!

 

Tour of Macroom Buffalo Farm with Cultural Companions

 MEET THE FARMERS • MEET THE BUFFALO

Join us for a tour of  Macroom Buffalo Farm, Kilnamartyra, Co. Cork, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes experience with Johnny and Geraldine Lynch and their family farm.

Discover:

• 🌱 The history of this generations-old family farm
• 🐃 Ireland's water buffalo and sustainable farming
• 🚶 A scenic guided walking trail through the Lee Valley
• 🐄 Meet the buffalo and visit the calves
• 🥛 See the milking parlour and learn how buffalo milk is produced
• 🧀 Discover the story of buffalo cheese and meat production
• 🎥 Watch a video showing how buffalo mozzarella is made

🧀 FARM-TO-TABLE TASTING

Finish the tour with a delicious tasting board featuring three farm-fresh buffalo cheeses:

Buffalo Mozzarella • Ricotta • Halloumi 

📅 WEDNESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER

Tour duration: 90 minutes
Location: Macroom Buffalo Farm, Kilnamartyra, Co. Cork
Eircode: P12 EV90

👟 What to wear: Comfortable layered clothing and covered-toe shoes or boots. The farm paths may be muddy.

🚗 Parking: Ample parking available on site.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL & VISIT WILL ONLY GO AHEAD WHEN WE HAVE A MINIMUM GROUP OF 10+

Email culture@muintircork.com or text 0858670744

Culture Night: Connect Through Culture in Bandon

 

Discover Cultural Companions and help shape what comes next

Are you aged 50+ and interested in arts, culture, meeting new people and enjoying local events in good company?

This Culture Night, we’re inviting people in Bandon and the surrounding area to come along and find out more about Cork Cultural Companions an Age & Opportunity initiative delivered by Muintir na Tíre Cork.

📅 Friday 18 September | 5.30pm to 6.30pm

📍 Creative Bandon Arts Centre, 17 South Main Street, Bandon

👥 For people aged 50+

Cork Cultural Companions brings people aged 50+ together around a shared interest in arts and culture. It helps people get out and enjoy events and activities together, while creating opportunities to meet new people, make connections and enjoy culture in good company.

What could a Bandon network look like?

This Culture Night event is an opportunity to meet people, hear more about the Cultural Companions idea and, most importantly, find out what local people would like to see happening in Bandon.

The evening will include:

• An introduction to Cork Cultural Companions

• An opportunity to meet others who enjoy arts and culture

• Tea, coffee and treats

• Live music with Martin Leahy

• A chance to share ideas and discuss the types of cultural activities and events you would like to enjoy locally

• The Cultural Companions event will be followed by a Culture Night miscellany of performing artists from 7 to 9pm courtesy of Creative Bandon

Whether you love music, theatre, film, visual arts, literature, heritage or simply getting out and trying something new, we’d love to hear from you.

You don’t need to commit to anything just come along, meet some people, enjoy the evening and help us explore whether a Cultural Companions network in Bandon could be something that local people would enjoy and benefit from.

Come along this Culture Night and connect through culture!

Everyone aged 50+ is very welcome.

Cultural Companions East Cork: Silver Screen Afternoon

 

Friday 4 September | 3:00pm
ARC Cinema Midleton

Join us on Friday 4 September at 3:00pm at the ARC Cinema to enjoy the Silver Screen showing of Power Ballad.

🎬 Power Ballad is a feel-good musical comedy starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. It follows a wedding singer and a fading pop star who bond over music but things take an unexpected turn when a song they work on together becomes a hit.

🎬 Film: Power Ballad
📅 Date: Friday 4 September
🕒 Time: 3:00pm
💶 Cost: €7 per person

Your €7 includes tea, coffee and biscuits, so you can sit back, enjoy the movie and have a chat with fellow Cultural Companions.

Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re a regular Cultural Companion or coming along for the first time, we’d love to see you there.

Come along, enjoy a great afternoon at the cinema and meet some new people along the way. 🍿🎬

We hope to see you there!

Cultural Companions: Vision Boards, Tea, Coffee & Planning for the Year Ahead

Tuesday 22 September | 11:00am
Civic Trust House, 50 Popes Quay

We’re inviting all Cultural Companions to join us for a relaxed and inspiring morning focused on your goals and vision with Sally Crowley

Come along for a chat over tea and coffee and learn about the creative vision board process. It’s a chance to pause, think about what you’d like to achieve, explore your personal goals and put some ideas down on paper.

Afterwards, we’ll bring those ideas together and spend some time planning our programme goals. We want to hear from you-what activities would you like to see? What would you like to get involved in? What would make the Cultural Companions programme meaningful and enjoyable for you?

Whether you have lots of ideas or simply want to come along, meet others and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, you’re very welcome.

📅 Tuesday 22 September

🕚 11:00am

📍 Civic Trust House, 50 Popes Quay

Please let us know if you’re coming, so we can make sure we have enough materials, tea and coffee for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there and planning the next steps together!