Bandon History
where history and community unite
Timeless Talks and Trails
Walls, Streets, and Stories: Mapping 17th-Century Bandon
Saturday 16th August
11:30 a.m.
Bandon Library
Dr David Pasley of Bandon Tidy Towns Group uses maps, surveys, drawings and archive material to create a handmade scale model of how Bandon th would have looked in the 17 Century. With only fragments of Bandon’s historic walls remaining today, this presentation provides an opportunity to travel back in time to see sections of the town’s walls, buildings and streets as the town’s inhabitants would have seen them in the 1600s.
Cil Bhrogáin Wells
Saturday 16th August
2:00 p.m.
Bandon Library
Join Bandon AFC and the Cil Bhrogáin Wells Committee for a special Heritage Week event exploring the deep roots of local tradition and community. Author Amanda Clarke will delve into the story of St. Brogan, the history of the wells, and the rich traditions and topography of holy wells across Cork. A fascinating look at how these sacred places continue to inspire and connect us through time.
Echoes of the Past: Kilbrogan Church and Graveyard
Sunday 17th August
2:00 p.m
meet at gate of Kilbrogan Graveyard
Step back in time with local historian John Desmond as he guides you through the rich history of Kilbrogan Church and Graveyard—one of Bandon’s most significant and enduring sacred sites. Nestled on the edge of the town, Kilbrogan is more than just a place of worship; it is a remarkable window into the past, holding centuries of stories etched in stone and memory.
This historic site, dating back to the early 17th century, stands as a testament to the spiritual, cultural, and architectural heritage of the region. As you walk among the weathered gravestones and the ivy-clad church ruins, you’ll uncover the lives and legacies of generations of local families, notable figures, and early settlers who shaped Bandon's history.
Join us for a memorable journey that honors both the people and the place that continue to shape Bandon’s unique character.
Faith & Foundations: The Story of Methodism in Bandon
Monday 18th August
7:30 p.m.
Bandon Methodist Church
Discover the rich history and enduring influence of Methodism in Bandon in this insightful session that traces the roots, growth, and legacy of one of the town’s most vibrant faith communities.
Hosted at Bandon Methodist Church—a central and welcoming landmark in the town—this engaging talk offers a deep dive into the story of Methodism in Bandon, from its arrival in the 18th century to its lasting presence in the community today. You'll learn how the Methodist movement took hold in West Cork, the challenges it faced, and the profound ways in which it shaped the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the town.
Explore how the church has not only served as a place of worship, but also as a hub of education, outreach, and community support through generations of change. Through historical records, personal stories, and local milestones, the session highlights the contributions of key Methodist figures and families who helped build a legacy of compassion, resilience, and faith in the heart of Bandon.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a member of the Methodist tradition, or simply curious about the town’s diverse heritage, this session offers an inspiring look at how Methodism helped shape Bandon into the community it is today.
Speaking our history: The Case for Oral Heritage Recording in our changing times.
Tuesday 19th August
1:00 p.m.
Bandon Library
With Colum Cronin, West Cork Oral Heritage Project
In this engaging session, Colum Cronin explores the importance of capturing local voices and personal stories before they are lost to time. Representing the West Cork Oral Heritage Project, Colum makes a compelling case for why oral history matters—especially now, in an age of rapid change and fading traditions.
Through real examples and recorded interviews from across the region, he highlights how oral heritage offers unique insight into community life, cultural shifts, and individual experiences that rarely appear in written records. The talk also addresses how these stories are collected, preserved, and shared responsibly for future generations.
Perfect for anyone interested in local history, storytelling, or preserving community memory, this session reminds us that everyone has a story worth telling—and recording.
Timoleague Abbey - A Talk through Time
Tuesday 19th August
8:00 p.m.
Bandon Town Hall
Journey through centuries of history with local historian Vincent Duggan as he explores the fascinating story of Timoleague Abbey, from its founding in the 12th century to its dramatic destruction in the 1640s.
In this captivating talk, you'll uncover the rich heritage of one of West Cork’s most iconic monastic sites. Learn about the Abbey’s origins as a center of religious life and scholarship, its unique architectural features, and the pivotal role it played in the spiritual and cultural life of the region. Vincent brings to light the human stories behind the stone—of monks, patrons, and invaders—revealing how the Abbey has left an enduring legacy despite centuries of upheaval.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike, this session offers a vivid glimpse into the past, bringing to life the spirit and resilience of a place that still stands as a powerful symbol of Ireland’s medieval heritage.
Sacred Spaces:
A Guided Tour of Historic St. Patrick’s Church
Wednesday 20th August
7:30 p.m
St. Patrick's Church
Step inside one of Bandon’s most treasured landmarks and experience the rich tapestry of faith, architecture, and community that defines St. Patrick’s Church. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the history, design, and legacy of a building that has stood at the heart of local life for generations.
Admire its distinctive architectural features and learn how the church has evolved over time—shaped by the events, people, and traditions of Bandon. Discover stories of worship, resilience, and belonging as we uncover the layers of heritage that make this sacred space so remarkable.
Perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Bandon’s spiritual roots, this tour invites you to connect with a place where past and present continue to meet.
Tracing Bandon's Past
Thursday 21st August
7:30 p.m.
meet at
Bandon Town Hall
Join us for a guided walking tour through the historic streets of Bandon—a journey through time that uncovers the rich and often surprising stories behind one of West Cork’s most fascinating towns.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour explores key landmarks, hidden corners, and architectural gems that tell the story of Bandon’s origins, its role in the Plantation of Munster, and the many cultural, political, and social changes it has witnessed over the centuries. From medieval foundations to market town growth, and from religious divides to community resilience, each stop along the route offers insight into the people and events that shaped Bandon’s unique identity.
Whether you're a visitor or a lifelong resident, this walking tour promises fresh perspectives, engaging storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for the layers of history woven into the town’s streetscapes.
Bandon: An overview
Friday 22nd August
11:00 a.m.
Bandon Library
Take a closer look at three centuries of Bandon’s dynamic and often complex history in this informative session, drawing on materials from the Local Studies Library at Cork County Council Library.
Beginning in the early 1600s with the town’s foundation during the Plantation of Munster, this talk traces Bandon’s development through major historical periods, including religious conflict, economic change, urban growth, and political reform. Using original documents, maps, records, and rare publications from the Local Studies Library, the session brings to light the people, events, and turning points that defined the town’s identity up to the dawn of the 20th century.
Ideal for history enthusiasts, students, or anyone curious about local heritage, this overview offers a fascinating window into how Bandon evolved—from a strategic colonial settlement to a bustling market town with a legacy still visible today
There is Still a Wall at Bandon
Friday 22nd August
8:00 p.m
Bandon Town Hall
This talk aims to explore the legacy of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and landlordism in the context of the writing and memory of Bandon’s revolutionary history. On 11 November 1634, An Act for the Punishment of the vice of Buggerie was passed by the Parliament of Ireland: this made homosexuality illegal and punishable by death. The second person to be executed under this Act in the history of Ireland was John Childe, who was executed in Bandon in March 1641. It would not be until 1993 that homosexuality was decriminalised. The repression of sexuality is closely linked with colonialism and economic exploitation: from the time of Anglo-Norman enfeoffment and Beecher and Boyle, to the Land Acts and the Devonshire-Arnott Bandon estate sale, and through to the present day, the exploitative system of landlordism has dominated life in Ireland. Drawing on archival material, the talk will explore how systems of oppression—legal, social, and economic—have persisted before, during, and after the revolutionary period, by examining the context and composition of Kathleen Keyes McDonnell’s 1972 memoir There is a Bridge at Bandon, with a view to considering the question of what does it mean to have a revolution?
Details are correct at time of printing. Please check our website and Facebook page for any last-minute updates or changes. Kindly note that some of our venues are active places of worship, and event times may be adjusted to accommodate unexpected church requirements.