2013

18th November 2013 – Reminiscences of Growing up in Bantry

A talk by Seán O Sé. Seán Ó Sé is a native of Bantry, Co. Cork, where he was born into an Irish speaking family immersed in traditional music and song.

7th October 2013 – Martello Towers

An illustrated talk by Ted O Sullivan, Historian.

22nd August 2013 – Heritage Week 2013

The Development of Bantry Town: three centuries of tourist and travellers’ descriptions, 1650 – 1950 by Richard Butler. This was an excellent and informative talk in which he gave us many glimpses of what life was like here in Bantry during that era.

A photographic record of all business/service premises in Bantry area was compiled by Seamus Larkin, and together with Judy O Connor it includes the relevant staff/business people. Thank you Seamus and Judy, we have a valuable historical record for future generations.

Bantry Town Council hosted a reception to pay tribute to three members of Bantry Historical Society – namely Donal Fitzgerald, Kathleen O Riordan and Sheila Harrington in honour of their contribution to the community through their involvement with Bantry Historical and Archaeological Society. See Honours for BHAS Members.

18th August 2013 – Bere Island

A guided tour of the East Loop by local historian Mr Ted O Sullivan. This well researched presentation included all about the British and American influence on the island; Napoleonic fortifications; we saw where Carew landed and learned about the terrible slaughter that ensued. We heard about the Viking remains, including a noust. We travelled on past a Bronze Age Wedge Tomb and back to the village for a much needed cuppa in a local guesthouse.

7th July 2013 – Historical Tour of Durrus / Ahakista Area

Led by Mr Charlie McCarthy. We visited Maulinward cemetery and learned its unique history, up the Mine Road to Standing Stones – more history/archaeology from Charlie there; over to the far side of Dunmanus Bay and saw the burial place of the sailors washed ashore; then on to Durrus Court – the seat of the McCarthy clan, then on to Durrus for refreshments and hear the history of Durrus village.

9th June 2013 – Castletownshend Outing

A guided tour of Castletownshend Castle given by the owner, followed by a visit to St Barrahane’s Church and adjoining graveyard with a talk on the history of both given in a most entertaining fashion by Robert Salter Townshend. This wonderful afternoon finished up with tea/scone in the castle dining room.

22nd April 2013 – A Virtual Tour of the Prehistoric surroundings of Bantry

An illustrated talk well delivered by Aine Brosnan, Archaeologist, who has expert knowledge on this subject. It certainly whetted our appetite to get out and savour the rich array of heritage spots in this locality.

20th March 2013 – Famine, Mortality and Emigration 1847 – 1851

A very informative and well researched talk delivered by Patrick Hickey author of Famine in West Cork and contributor to the more recently published Atlas of the Irish Famine by UCC Press.

19th February 2013 – Pirating & Prostitution in 16th Century West Cork

An interesting talk well delivered by Dr Connie Kelleher, Underwater Archaeologist.