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Cork County Library Local Studies

Preserving all aspects of life in County Cork, past and present

We have an extensive collection of specialist reference works, newspapers, periodicals and historical journals. Local Studies also houses important collections including the Cork Place Names Archive and the Cork and Irish Collections. We also provide advice and assistance on family history matters.

We're all going on a Summer Holiday

Visit the 1940's top tourist destinations

The Irish Tourist Association Topographical and General Survey Files were compiled by the Irish Tourist Association, the forerunner to An Bord Fáilte (now known as Fáilte Ireland). These surveys were carried out in the 1940s and they cover over 90 parishes across the county from Adrigole to Youghal.

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Recent News

Podcast on Placenames

Placenames are of great importance in Ireland, helping to shape and define both place and...
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Heritage Week: Maps and Local History Exhibition

We are delighted to display the Royal Irish Academy’s Exhibition titled Mapping Urban Ireland: an...
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Local Studies Exhibition: A Selection of Travellers’ Accounts from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries

Many foreign travellers wrote an account of their travels in Ireland in the late eighteenth,...
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Local Studies Digital Archive

Our Local Studies Digital Archive is a large repository that explores the fascinating history and heritage of the county. The digital archive consists of items such as photographs, postcards, maps, pamphlets and notebooks.

Our vision is to bring resources relating to the history of Cork to a wide audience, by making these resources easily accessible online.  The digital archive is constantly growing and expanding as new material is digitised.

Visit the Digital Archive

Collections

Explore our photographic collections, postcards, journals, library exhibitions and more.

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Podcasts

We are continually adding to our podcast series, which explore the history, traditions and folklore of County Cork.

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Genealogy

Discover how we can help you with family history research

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Schools

Learn about our resources and how they can help you with your history project.

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You're welcome to call on us

The Local Studies Library is open for everyone: historians, students, and general members of the public. If you have a query regarding local history or family history, please visit us.

In addition, you can always contact us with any queries you may have.