Cork County Council Stay Connected Arts News

 

Applications Open for Cork County Council Emerging Visual Artist Award 

Cork County Council’s Arts Office is delighted to announce an open call for applications to the Emerging Visual Artist Award, supporting County Cork artists at a pivotal stage in their professional development. Now in its third year, the award is designed to help an emerging visual artist take the next step in their career through financial, curatorial and professional support. Please contact arts@corkcoco.ie for queries, full guidelines or application forms. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 6th November 2026.

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Cultural Companions in Youghal – Developing Local Connections

Youghal Active Retirement Association Social Subgroup is looking at how Cultural Companions could potentially be developed locally in Youghal. The aim is to create more opportunities for people to connect through arts, culture, heritage and community activities, while making it easier for local members to find out about activities and get together.

A local group could help with coordination in Youghal, allowing members to share ideas, suggest activities and organise opportunities that reflect local interests. This might include visits to exhibitions, music and performances, heritage events, creative activities, walks, talks or simply meeting up and enjoying good company.

We're at an early stage and would really like to hear from people who might be interested in being involved.

Interested in joining a Youghal group?

If you'd like to be added to a specific Youghal Cultural Companions group so that you can hear about local activities and opportunities as they develop, please let us know.

You don't need to have any particular experience or role. Whether you're interested in arts, music, history, local heritage, creative activities or simply meeting other people and getting out and about, we'd love to hear from you.

The idea is to develop something local, welcoming and shaped by the people who take part.

If you're interested in being added to the Youghal group, please contact the Cultural Companions coordinator and let us know at culture@muintircork.com

Celebrate Women in Jazz with Cultural Companions 22nd October 🎷🎷🎷

 

Cork City Cultural Companions 🎷🎶

For our October Cork City get-together,🎷 we're heading to Cork City Library on Grand Parade for an afternoon of free live music and conversation.

We'll start with Women in Jazz, presented by Cork-based jazz vocalist Ivy Favier.

From the 1940s to the present day, women in jazz have often been overlooked. Ivy will bring their stories, achievements and contribution to the world of jazz into the spotlight.

🎷 Women in Jazz with Ivy Favier
📅 Thursday 22 October
🕚 11:00am–12:00 noon
📍 City Library, Grand Parade
🎟️ Free

We'll then have a break for lunch or coffee together before returning to the library for:

🎶 Timeless Jazz Standards with Neasa
🕐 1:00–2:00pm
📍 City Library, Grand Parade
🎟️ Free

This is a lovely opportunity to enjoy some live music together in the city, with both events taking place in the library.

We're looking for one member to volunteer as a meet-and-greeter and welcome people as they arrive. If you'd be happy to do this, please let the Cultural Companions coordinator.

There is no charge for either event.

If you'd like to come along, please let the coordinator know so we have an idea of who is attending.

We hope you can join us for an enjoyable afternoon of jazz! 🎷

Bandon Cultural Companions – Initial Meeting 🌿19th Oct

 

Bandon Cultural Companions – Initial Meeting 🌿

We're delighted to be getting a new Cultural Companions group started in Bandon, and we'd love you to be part of it from the beginning.

We're inviting interested members to an initial get-together where we can meet one another, have a chat and start sharing ideas about what we'd like the Bandon group to become.

This will be a chance to talk about the kinds of arts, culture, heritage and community activities that might interest local members, as well as how we can create opportunities to get together, take part and enjoy each other's company.

Most importantly, this is an opportunity for members to help shape the group from the outset. There are no set plans yet- we'd really like to hear your ideas and see what interests people locally.

📅 Monday 19 October
🕟 4.30pm
📍 Board Room, Bandon Town Hall

Whether you're already familiar with Cultural Companions or are simply interested in finding out more, you're very welcome to come along.

We hope you can join us and help us lay the foundations for a welcoming and active Cultural Companions group in Bandon. 💛

Please let the Cultural Companions coordinator know if you can attend.

Bealtaine Gathering – Dublin 🍂🎭14th October

 

Bealtaine Gathering – Dublin 🍂🎭

A couple of Cultural Companions members are planning to attend the Bealtaine Gathering in Dublin, and we'd love to hear from anyone else who might be interested in joining us: especially our wonderful volunteers.

The Bealtaine Gathering brings together people interested in creativity, the arts and ageing, with a programme of talks, performances, conversations and creative projects throughout the day. The programme includes contributions from poet Rita Ann Higgins, theatre and arts organisations, artists and performers, as well as a panel exploring inclusion as a creative opportunity.

📅 Wednesday 14 October 2026
🕥 10:30am–4:00pm
📍 National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin
🍴 Light lunch included

🚆 Travelling together

We're looking at travelling by train from Cork City to Dublin, with members able to join the group at Mallow. If you have Free Travel, you can use this for the train journey. Otherwise, train travel will be at your own expense.

The Cultural Companions coordinator has a limited number of complimentary tickets for the Gathering, which we'd like to offer to interested members and volunteers.

If you'd be interested in coming along, please contact the Cultural Companions coordinator as soon as possible. culture@muintircork.com

It should be an interesting day 🍂

Bantry Hub: Meet the Makers 🎨20th October

 

Bantry Hub: Meet the Makers 🎨

For our October Bantry hub gathering, we're heading along to the West Cork Feel Good Festival for a special afternoon celebrating creativity, community and the work of people living with dementia in West Cork.

Mind and Motion is a creative arts project for people living with dementia in West Cork. Led by Jonathan Cairns and supported by Gemma Casey, the project created a welcoming Creative Studio at the Westlodge Hotel in Bantry, moving away from a traditional clinical setting.

The project participants' work will be on exhibition at Bantry Library from Saturday 10 October for two weeks.

As part of the festival, there will be a Meet the Makers afternoon with guest speakers Jonathan Cairns, Vanessa Bradbury, Sarah Cairns and Anne O'Donovan, followed by a visit to the exhibition at Bantry Library.

📅 Tuesday 20 October 2026
🕑 Meet at 2:00pm
⏰ Event: 2:00–3:00pm
📍 Bridge Street Community Café, Bantry, P75 EC42
🎨 Followed by a visit to Bantry Library

The event is organised by the West Cork Dementia Inclusive Project as part of the West Cork Feel Good Festival.

This is an informal, member-led Cultural Companions gathering. There won't be a formal Cultural Companions programme, members can meet up, enjoy the afternoon together and take part in the event and exhibition visit.

We need a Bantry member to volunteer to be the meet-and-greeter at 2:00pm. This simply means being there at the agreed meeting point, welcoming members as they arrive and helping people find each other. If you'd be happy to do this, please let the Cultural Companions coordinator know in the form below

We'd love to hear how you get on, so please share your feedback and any ideas for future Bantry activities with the Cultural Companions coordinator afterwards.

We hope you can join us!

Mallow Hub: Gather & Share Tuesday 20th October

Mallow Hub: Gather & Share

Following suggestions from members at our recent gathering, we're trying something a little different in October.

Mallow Cultural Companions members are invited to get together informally for a chat, to share stories and memories, perhaps sing a song, or simply enjoy some good company.

This is a peer-led gathering, so there won't be an organiser or formal programme on the day. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether you'd like to share something or simply listen and chat. Everyone pays for their own coffee, lunch or drink.

It's also a chance to talk together about what you'd like the Mallow hub to do over the coming weeks and months: perhaps outings, cultural events, music, walks, shared lunches or simply more opportunities to meet up.

📅 Tuesday 20 October
🕜 1:30pm
📍 Maureen's, Mallow

This time also gives anyone who takes part in the Tuesday morning walking group the option of coming along afterwards.

Please let us know you are coming here: https://forms.gle/oT2mtykvh5KcyAau9

We're looking for a member to volunteer to meet and greet people at the start and help everyone feel welcome. If you'd be happy to do this, please let the Cultural Companions coordinator know.

We'd love to hear how you get on. Please share your feedback and any ideas for future activities with the Cultural Companions coordinator afterwards.

Community Information Morning Carrigtwohill Community Centre Wed 28th October

 

Gather, Listen and Connect at Cuardíocht: An Evening of Story, Poetry and Conversation

Culture is about connection, shared experiences and finding meaning through stories, creativity and community. This October, we are delighted to highlight a unique event that embodies these values.

An Evening with Paddy Doyle

As part of Mental Health Week, poet and storyteller Paddy Doyle invites audiences to experience Cuardíocht, a traditional Irish practice of gathering together to share stories, poetry and conversation.

Drawing on poems and true stories from his own life, Paddy explores themes that touch many of us at different stages of life: grief, anxiety, depression, belonging, healing and hope. Through honest storytelling and thoughtful reflection, he creates a space where people can connect with the universal experiences that shape us all.

What is Cuardíocht?

Traditionally, Cuardíocht was a way of gathering in community, sitting together in a circle to listen, learn and share experiences. In a busy and often disconnected world, this practice feels more relevant than ever.

Throughout the evening, audience members will be warmly invited to take part in a gentle and open-hearted conversation. There is no expectation to contribute. Participants can choose to share their thoughts and experiences or simply enjoy listening to others.

The focus is on creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

Why This Matters

Stories have always played an important role in Irish culture. They help us understand ourselves, connect with others and make sense of life's challenges and joys.

For Cultural Companions members, events like this can be particularly valuable. They provide an opportunity to:

• Meet new people in a relaxed setting.
• Enjoy poetry and storytelling.
• Reflect on themes that connect us all.
• Experience a sense of community and belonging.
• Engage with local cultural events alongside others.

Event Details

Venue: Cox's Hall Dunmanway

Doors Open: 6.30pm Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Refreshments: Tea and coffee available after the show

Join Us

Whether you are a regular attendee of cultural events or someone looking to try something new, this promises to be a thoughtful and engaging evening.

Discover Wellbeing, Connection and Creativity at the West Cork Feel Good Festival

 

Discover Wellbeing, Connection and Creativity at the West Cork Feel Good Festival in Bantry

This October, Bantry will play host to a wonderful programme of events as part of the West Cork Feel Good Festival, offering opportunities to nurture wellbeing, connect with others, explore creativity and celebrate community. Cultural Companions participants and volunteers are warmly encouraged to take a look at the diverse range of activities taking place throughout the month.

Whether you're interested in music, mindfulness, nature, movement or meaningful conversation, there is something for everyone.

Begin with a Breath

The festival opens with opportunities to slow down and reconnect. On 8 October, Natasha will present a free talk at Bantry Library on Using Your Breath to Create a Pathway to Inner Peace, Calm and Clarity. Participants will learn how mindful breathing can support relaxation, focus and emotional wellbeing.

For those wishing to continue the journey, a Breathwork Taster Class takes place on 27 October at Bridge Street Community Café, offering practical breathing techniques to help reduce stress and promote calm.

Stepping Lightly into Winter

As the evenings grow longer, Stepping Lightly into the Long Winter Nights through Self Nurturing on 10 October at Bridge Street Café offers a gentle and restorative experience. Through guided meditation, poetry and body prayer, participants can uplift mind, body and spirit in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

Move, Stretch and Reconnect

Movement plays an important role in wellbeing, and several festival events focus on gentle, accessible ways to stay active.

• Forest Bathing, taking place in Glengarriff Nature Reserve on 4 October, invites participants to immerse themselves mindfully in nature and experience the calming effects of the forest.
• The Unity Class on 5 October at Bridge Street Community Café combines body meditation, conscious breathing and movement to help participants reconnect with themselves and find inner calm.
• Chair Yoga for Wellbeing on 14 October at the Westlodge Hotel offers gentle, accessible yoga suitable for a wide range of abilities.

Explore Wellbeing Through the Senses

On 15 October, Aromatherapy for Wellbeing at Bridge Street Community Café explores how essential oils can support mood, help manage stress and contribute to everyday wellbeing.

Music, Creativity and Community

Music has a unique power to bring people together, and several events celebrate connection through shared musical experiences.

The Open Door Music Session on 16 October at Bridge Street Community Café, led by Trace Irwine, welcomes people to share, listen and connect through music in an inclusive and supportive setting.

A festival highlight will be A Celebration of Bantry's Choirs on 30 October at St. Brendan's Church. This candlelit concert will feature performances from Bantry Community Choir, Bantry Folk Choir and Bantry Gospel Choir. Admission is free with donations welcome, making it an accessible evening of music and community spirit.

Supporting Dementia Awareness

On 20 October, Meet the Makers & Dementia Information Session at Bridge Street Community Café will showcase the creative achievements of participants involved in the Mind and Motion creative arts project. The event also offers valuable information and awareness around dementia, making it an important opportunity for learning, understanding and community support.

A Different Kind of Conversation

One of the more intriguing events on the programme is Motorcycle Maintenance – An Alternative Discussion-Based Approach on 22 October. Inspired by real-life experiences and the well-known book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, this thought-provoking session uses motorcycle maintenance as a starting point for wider conversations about life, learning and personal growth. As the organisers note, it's "not necessarily about motorbikes!"

Join the Festival

The West Cork Feel Good Festival demonstrates the wealth of opportunities available locally to support wellbeing, creativity and social connection. Many of these events are affordable or free and provide welcoming spaces where people can meet others, learn new skills and enjoy shared experiences.

At Cultural Companions, we know how important connection and participation are for wellbeing. We encourage our members, volunteers and the wider community to explore the festival programme and consider attending one or more of these inspiring events.

For full programme of events in West Cork and booking information, visit the West Cork Feel Good Festival website.

https://westcorkfeelgoodfestival.ie/