Skibbereen in County Cork became infamous as one of the worst affected areas in Ireland during the Great Famine. The true enormity of this national tragedy is revealed in microcosm through Skibbereen's Famine stories. Rediscover this era through immersive audiovisual displays, exhibits, dramatizations and interactive stations. Take a virtual tour of Famine sites in the town of Skibbereen and hear the stories associated with them. Visit the Abbeystrowry Famine burial pits, one of three mass Famine graves in Skibbereen, where up to 10,000 victims are sadly buried.
Watch West Cork Vintage videos, Famine video clips and graveyard video tours. Read through historic articles and illustrated panels and displays. Trace your West Cork roots with the help of the genealogy service provided for the West Cork area. The service provided is by appointment only and uses census records, land registers and church records to trace ancestral lineage.
Visit the gift shop and enjoy a tea or coffee. Browse a great selection of books on the heritage bridges of County Cork, West Cork, heritage Centenary sites and heritage castles and churches.
Skibbereen is one of the most important and significant towns in Ireland with it's Famine heritage, as many of the sites within the town has direct links to this tragic time in Irish history.
- Learn how Skibbereen was devastated by the Great Famine with interactive displays.
- See Irish history through insightful exhibitions, audiovisual displays and video recordings.
- Browse a wide selection of books in the wonderfully stocked gift shop.
- Trace your West Cork roots with the help of the genealogy service provided.
Walk up Knockomagh Hill overlooking the Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve. Follow the Knockomagh Wood Nature Trail to the top and enjoy one of the most spectacular views of West Cork.
Take a relaxing stroll through the Skibbereen Country Market in Abbeystrewry Hall, every Friday from 11:30 to 14:00.
