Time for a Cuppa?  

Today is the official opening of the new community café in Bantry. The aim of the café is to dismiss the stigma that is attached to mental health, but it is a space that is open & welcoming to all of us & trust me, it serves up delicious coffee & cake. So please do […]

Spring into Action…  

As I write this, the sun is shining & spring is definitely in the air! With this fine weather due to stay with us at least until the weekend, why not check out the festival/events guide & make a plan for something fun to do. Here are just a few suggestions. 16   Ladies Open Golf […]

On Yer Bike…  

Once again, we are absolutely spoilt for choice over the coming days. Listed below are just a few of the festivals/events taking place throughout West Cork this weekend 12   Sports Inclusion Showcase   Dunmanway 12-14   Bosca Beatha Retreat   Goleen 13   10Km Run Fundraiser   Sheep’s Head 13-21   Bike Week   Skibbereen 14   Tour De South Coast Cycle   Minane […]

What’s Going On…  

Be one step ahead… Before you know it, the summer holidays will be here & you’ll be looking for things to do with the kids. Whilst there is always plenty of options available throughout West Cork for family entertainment, if you fancy a bit of “Me” time, then why not sign them up to one […]

Show Your Support…  

Time of Post: 4.15am On Saturday 6th May, people from all over Ireland will be taking part in this year’s ‘Darkness Into Light’ walk. This is a fantastic initiative, because not only does it raise much needed funding, but equally, it raises people’s awareness about mental health & what we can all do in a […]

Once Upon A Time…  

There really is so much choice over the May Bank Holiday. Whether you’re looking for something to fill the weekend or just a day trip…or two, then look no further. Here are just a few options. 28   Kids Storytime & Crafts   Clonakilty 28   May Day RNLI Fundraiser   Skibbereen 29   Rally of the Lakes   Beara 30   […]

And All That Jazz…  

Yes folks, it’s that time of year, so get out your dancing shoes & be prepared for some culture, entertainment & a whole rake of fun, for the Ballydehob Jazz Festival is happening this May Bank Holiday weekend. This year’s line-up is once again crammed with talent from all over the world & there is […]

Work(shop), Rest & Play…  

Winter is over & Summer is just around the corner…ish? So what better way to bridge the gap, than to immerse yourself in a mini project. Listed below are just a few workshop options that are both varied & suitable for all ages. 18(4Wks)   Weaving Class   Bandon   9.30am-11am   FB: BandonNB 19(6Wks)   Swimming Lessons(5+yrs)   Baltimore   4.30pm/5.30pm  […]

Making A Difference…  

Whilst I always aim to inform you of What’s On & Where To Go in West Cork, with regards to entertainment & fun for all of the family, I want to use today’s Post to implore all Community, Not-for-Profit & Social groups to send along at least one representative to the “Leader” Public Consultation Event, […]

It’s My B’day…  

westcorkCommunity.ie officially launched 1 year ago on 8th April 2022 at the Bantry NLN Centre. To date, there are 899 Groups listed, 32 Podcasts produced & over 1,300 Festivals, Events, Online Services & Workshops promoted…& so much more. I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone that has been […]

Easter Fun for Everyone!  

Easter is upon us & for those of you that have a house full of young ones, why not check out the series of Kid’s Easter Camps happening throughout West Cork…& give yourself a break at the same time. 3-5   Football Camp   Beara 3-6 Ioga Agus Spraoi Camp   Drimoleague 3-7   GAA Camp   Johnstown 3-7   Tennis […]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day+…  

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse for people to come together, to celebrate & appreciate the community in which they live and be proud of the contribution that they make. This Post is dedicated to all of the volunteers & employees who work tirelessly on behalf of their community…& today is all about letting […]

Birthday Performance…  

‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2, Episode 17. “Let It Be…” In this edition, I have an In-depth conversation with Martina Lyne, Secretary, Public Relations Officer & clarinet player with Bandon Concert Band. As well as discussing their 20th anniversary performance, taking place this Saturday 11th March at the Munster Arms Hotel, Bandon, Martina […]

Happy 20th Anniversary…  

This Saturday Band Concert Band will be celebrating its 20th Anniversay with a performance at the Munster Arms Hotel, Bandon. Tickets are still available via their website & on the door & it starts at 8pm sharp. FB: BandonConcertBand If you are unable to attend, worry not, as there are plenty of other events happening […]

Newly Opened Community Café  

‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 16. “Bantry Community Café” In this edition I am joined by Nuala Kenny, founder & team leader and Becky, Natasha & Mo, all representing the newly opened Community Café in Bantry – providing a safe space for people dealing with anxiety, depression &/or mental health issues. […]

Spring Is In The Air…  

Some say that the 1st day of spring is St. Brigid’s Day. Others say the 21st February & even the 21st March…or is it when the daffodils 1st appear? Regardless of opinion, the days are getting longer, drier & dare I say, a little bit warmer. So if you have not already come out of […]

Life Throughout The Ages…  

The ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 15. In this Edition, I speak with Vincent O’Neill – Chairperson & Conor O’Buachalla – Vice-Chairperson of the Castlehaven & Myross Historical Society. Both give detailed information on the lives & activities of the inhabitants of the parish, dating back to the Bronze Age. They […]

A Time For Giving…  

Happy St. Valentine’s Day! Apparently, chocolates, flowers & fancy dinners aside, the best way to show your love, is to make your partner the perfect cup of tea…I’ll leave with you? However, there is plenty of activities happening throughout West Cork this week that I trust will also be of interest. 15   Sheep farmers meeting   […]

Get On Course…Get Online.  

Regardless of where you live in West Cork, there is a whole series of online courses & workshops available to take part in, many at a time that suits you best throughout the month of February. 1-31   Budding Yoga 1-31   Cancer Care Support 1-31   Connected Teachers Meditation 1-31   Oppositional Defiant Disorder & ADHD 20(6 Evenings)   […]

Healthy Body…Healthy Mind…  

The ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 14. In this edition I speak with Rob Krawczyk, proprietor & head chef of The Chestnut restaurant in Ballydehob & Nuala Kenny, a qualified Nutritional Therapist + a Mental Health Recovery Support Worker & Open Dialogue Facilitator with the HSE in Bantry. Every New Year, […]

Ride On to Clon…  

The ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 13. In this, the first edition for 2023, I have an In-depth conversation with Graeme Ghillie from the Clonakilty Bike Circus. Established in 2019, Graeme talks about all of the services & membership benefits that they have to offer. He also explains how the project […]

New Year…New Beginnings…  

If you have not already kick-started 2023, then checkout the festivals/events guide. As well as a whole series of events taking place throughout the month of January, there is also a series of online services to avail of and if you are looking for something to get stuck into, why not take advantage of one […]

Round Up! Round Up!!  

The ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast series will be returning next Friday, continuing to produce In-depth interviews with Community, Not-for-Profit & Social groups based in West Cork. If your group would like to take part & share your story about all of the amazing & vital work that your services provide within the community, then […]

In Loving Memory…  

“In Loving Memory…” I want to dedicate this Post to my dear friend – Bev Cotton, who sadly passed away on New Year’s Day. If it was not for Bev, westcorkCommunity.ie would not exist. He taught me, not only how to build my own website, but also, how to keep it maintained…& if I ever […]

Happy New Year!!  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Wishing each & everyone, a very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2023… westcorkCommunity.ie will continue to provide updated listings of all Community, Not-for-Profit & Social groups based in West Cork. The Festivals & Events guide will keep you informed on all festivals, events, online services & workshops organised by West Cork groups, happening […]

Xmas Playlist ’22  

The ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Christmas Playlist ’22 Firstly, I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone that has given their time to both podcast series to date. I equally want to say, thank you to everyone that has followed the westcorkcommunity.ie Facebook page & website. This episode is […]

Cork Simon Appeal…  

‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 11 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL APPEAL!! Cork Simon is celebrating 51 years of service, providing shelter & support for people experiencing Homelessness & Trauma throughout Cork City & County. In this Special Episode, I have an in-depth conversation with Paul Sheehan – Campaigns & Communications Manager, who outlines […]

Fairytale of…  

West Cork… Due to the recent Icy weather, I was sad to see that a whole rake of local events had to be cancelled. For many Community groups & Charities, Christmas really is the ‘last throw of the dice’ as a means of raising much needed funds, so that they can continue with all of […]

Feel Good: Part 2…  

The ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 10b. As promised, here are just some of the highlights from Week 2 of the Feel Good Festival Pt:2, held throughout West Cork between 1st – 19th October 2022. Once again, there was the perfect blend of music, poetry, workshops & interviews, including singer/songwriter, Ger […]

Two Sides to…  

Every Coin… Whilst yes, I am dedicating the ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast series for the month of December to Mental Health, Homelessness & Local Artists, it is also important not to loose sight of the Fun & Joy that Christmas brings. Personally, I love giving & receiving presents, Indulging in my favourite treats & […]

Feeling Good…Again!  

The ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 10a. The 1st of a 2-part series, featuring music, poetry & interviews recorded during Week 1 of the ‘Feel Good Festival – Pt:2’, held between the 1st – 19th October ’22, throughout West Cork. There is music & interviews with Luka Bloom & Jinx Lennon, […]

A Time for Giving…  

Christmas is a time for sharing, receiving…& giving! This year, it’s more important than ever to shop local & support West Cork traders. From arts & crafts, fine foods & one off unique gifts, give those special people in your life a present to remember & cherish. Throughout West Cork there is a host of […]

Ho! Ho! Oh No…  

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s fair to say, that for the majority of us, Christmas is the happiest time of the year…It certainly is for me! Families come together, presents are placed under the tree & we eat, drink & be merry… However, there are many others for whom Christmas is the actual opposite. Stress, anxiety, […]

Together Is Better…  

‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast – Series 2, Episode 9. In this episode, I have an In-depth conversation with Suzi Chan from the iCommunity  – shared practice lab. We discuss their past, present & future projects & why NICVA, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action & The Wheel, the National Association of Community & […]

West Cork Wonder…  

West Cork has award-winning Towns & Villages, Stunning Landscapes & Historical Sites of interest, but as I have also discovered, it has plenty of activity too. Since the official launch of westcorkcommunity.ie, not only have I been pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming number of worthy Community & Voluntary groups, providing vital services & outlets, but […]

Your Voice Matters…  

I recently attended the Cork County PPN “Wellbeing Community” workshop in Leap & I’m so glad that I did. It was an opportunity, for me & all those present, to have a say in which direction we want to develop the Strategic Plan for all Community & Voluntary groups based in County Cork & City. […]

Going for Gold  

‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 8. In this Episode, I have an In-depth conversation with Margaret O’Donovan from the Ballineen & Enniskeane Tidy Towns Group. We discuss their much deserved coveted overall ‘Pride of County Cork’ Award 2022, as well as their many other projects – past, present & future. Margaret […]

It’s Official…  

Well done to all West Cork Tidy Towns… It is official…Not only do we have the best Community in Ireland, but we also have the most beautiful! That’s according to the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards 2022. The West Cork Towns & Villages once again walked away with a whole series of winning awards & from […]

Poetry In Motion  

‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 7. In this episode, I have an In-depth conversation with Catherine Ronan, a West Cork born & bred poet. By day, Catherine works in finance, as well as running her own jewellery & card making business. She also has a degree in French & Applied Psychology, […]

Music to the Ear…  

Hello & welcome to the ‘Voice of West Cork’ podcast, Series 2 – Episode 6. In this Special Edition, we listen back to a beautiful fusion of music & poetry recorded last weekend as part of the ‘Feel Good Festival’ Pt:2. The venue was Levis Corner Bar in Ballydehob, so a massive thank you to […]