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

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.

Highlights

Cork Place Names Archive

Clonakilty Photographs

Cork Postcards Collection

Dermot McCarthy Collection

Discover the history of Clonmel Old Cemetery near Cobh

Explore our fully searchable database of the Clonmel Old Cemetery Burial Register from Cobh!

Headstone inscriptions and burial records from 1698-1984 were compiled into a printed volume by a Youth Employment Scheme in 1984. Search through the newly digitised collection and learn about the unique history of this graveyard, including First World War fatalities and the victims of the Lusitania.

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Crowds line the streets as the Lusitania victims procession passes.
This image is reproduced courtesy of the National Library of Ireland [POOLED 2747/2]

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

Lecture on the History of Cork County Council Library Service 1926-2026

Cork County Council Library and Arts Service has been an essential feature of life in...

Fascinating 19th and Early 20th Century Land Documents

The Local Studies Library recently acquired copies of land documents from a descendant of the...

National Heritage Week 2025

National Heritage Week is a time each year when we are encouraged to celebrate Ireland’s cultural,...

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.

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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.