Local Historians Gerry White and Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy. Image: Darragh Kane
The rich history of Cork City’s streets and their integral role in Ireland’s Revolutionary Period has been unveiled through the new Cork City Revolution Trail, officially launched by the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, in collaboration with historian Gerry White and members of Cork City Council’s Commemorations team. This innovative online story map showcases 30 historical sites dispersed throughout Cork City, each bearing stories of immense significance from the Irish Revolutionary Period.
The meticulously designed trail, authored by renowned historian Gerry White and brought to life by Serena O’Connor of Cork City Council, is accessible to history enthusiasts and curious minds around the globe, offering an interactive glimpse into the city’s past. It traces the footprints of revolutionaries, activists, and everyday citizens who contributed to shaping the destiny of Ireland.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, urging both locals and visitors to embark on this immersive journey. “I strongly encourage locals and visitors to Cork alike to walk the route and witness the appeal and mystery of the 30 (and counting) sites for themselves,” said Mayor McCarthy. He also highlighted the ongoing development of the trail, hinting at the potential expansion to include up to 50 sites in the near future.
At the launch event, attendees were treated to a captivating discussion between Lord Mayor McCarthy and historian Gerry White. As two respected local historians, they delved into the history of Cork’s streets, unraveling the revolutionary narratives interwoven with them. The group explored iconic locations such as the National Monument on Grand Parade, which stands as a testament to the era’s significance, and South Mall, the site of a historic assassination.
The trail led participants to the heart of Cork’s bustling streets, where the devastating events of the Burning of Cork in 1920 unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s history. The tour also unveiled lesser-known yet equally compelling sites, such as St. Augustine Street, where the Wallace sisters, Nora and Sheila, once operated a clandestine communications hub and acted as a central command center for the IRA’s Cork No. 1 Brigade.
The journey along the Cork City Revolution Trail takes explorers back in time, highlighting additional revolutionary tales from sites such as Broad Street, Dillon’s Cross, and the University College Cork (UCC) campus. This virtual voyage into history offers a unique perspective on the courage, resilience, and passion that defined an era.
History enthusiasts, students, and curious minds alike can embark on this transformative journey by visiting the official Cork City Revolution Trail website at https://www.corkcity.ie/en/a-city-remembers-cork-1920-to-1923/. The trail promises to unveil the rich tapestry of Cork City’s past, fostering a deeper understanding of the pivotal events that have shaped the course of Irish history.