Our definition of local studies encompasses all aspects of life in County Cork, past and present. Our collection of books, journals, newspapers and other resources reflects that broad definition. The majority of our users are primarily interested in the local history portion of our collections. However, they also include books and other resources of interest to those studying natural history, social studies, planning and other subjects.
On this web site, you will find the following useful information:
A checklist of sources for Cork local studies
An overview of local history sources
Advice on genealogy and archives
Sources for Cork Local Studies
The following lists are intended as a guide to the basic primary and secondary sources with which the serious student of local history is advised to become familiar, and to which the more casual student is advised to have recourse. These lists are not intended to be comprehensive. They do not include several important archival sources held locally in Cork and Dublin. All of the books and sources listed here can be consulted at the County Library Local Studies Department. Books with a relatively recent date of publication may also be available for consultation or loan at branch libraries.
The Checklist of Sources is divided into three sections:
Local Studies Research Bibliography
Primary Sources for Cork Local Studies
Cork Local Studies: A select bibliography
Local Studies Research Bibliography
This booklist identifies printed sources that either help the researcher to understand the range and value of extant historical sources, both primary and secondary, or that are essential reference books for anybody researching in an Irish historical context. It is divided into three sections:
1. Local Studies Guides
2. General Reference Works
3. Bibliographic Sources
Local Studies Guides: The following books are recommended as an introduction to sources, their location and their use in research.
1. Begley, D. (ed.), Irish Genealogy: A Record Finder, (1982).
2. Caruthers, A.M. (comp), The Poor Law Records of County Cork, (1995).
3. Connolly, Philomena, Medieval Record Sources, (2002).
4. Crawford, E. Margaret, Counting the People: A Survey of the Irish Censuses, 1813-1911, (2003).
5. Donovan, Brian C. and Edwards, David, British Sources for Irish History, 1485-1641: A Guide to Manuscripts in Local Regional and Specialised Repositories, (1997).
6. Dooley, Terence A.M., Sources for the History of Landed Estates in Ireland, (2000).
7. Eriksson, Andres and O'Gráda, Cormac, Estate Records of the Irish Famine: A Second Guide to Famine Archives, 1840-1855, (1995).
8. Gurrin, Brian, Pre-census Sources for Irish Demography, (2002).
9. Hanley, Brian, A Guide to Irish Military Heritage, (2004).
10. Healy, Dan, Cork National School Registers, (2000).
11. Lindsay, Deirdre and FitzPatrick, David, Records of the Irish Famine: A Guide to Local Archives, 1840-1855, (1993).
12. McCarthy, Tony, The Irish Roots Guide, (1991).
13. McCarthy, Tony and Cadogen, Tim, A Guide to Tracing your Cork Ancestors, (1998).
14. Ní Neill, Rionach, (comp), Irish Towns: A guide to Sources, (1998).
15. Nolan William, Tracing the Past: Sources for Local Study in the Republic of Ireland, (1982).
16. Prochaska, Alice, Irish History from 1700: A Guide to Sources in the Public Record Office, (British Records Assn., Archives and user s., no. 6, 1986).
17. Refausse, Raymond, Church of Ireland Records, (2000).
18. Ryan, James G., Irish Records: Sources for Family and Local History, (second ed., 1997).
19. Ryan, James G. (ed.), Irish Church Records: Their History, Availability and use in Family and Local History, (1992).
General Reference Works: These are reference books that will be helpful in establishing facts, providing a concise account of a life or event or giving an overview of some aspect of Irish national history.
1. Boylan, Henry, A Dictionary of Irish Biography, (third ed., 1998).
2. Doherty, J.E. and Hickey, D.J., A Dictionary of Irish History since 1500, (1989).
3. A Chronology of Irish History since 1500.
4. Moody, T.W., et. al, A New History of Ireland: Vol. 8: A Chronology of Irish History to 1976 - a Companion to Irish History, Part 1, (1982).
5. A New History of Ireland: Vol. 9: Maps, Genealogies, Lists - A Companion to Irish History, Part 2, (1984).
6. Newman, Peter R., Companion to Irish History, 1603-1921: From the Submission of Tyrone to Partition, (1991).
7. Vaughan, W.E. and Fitzpatrick, A.J., Irish Historical Statistics: Population, 1821-1971, (1978).
8. Walker, Brian M. (ed.), Parliamentary Election Results in Ireland, 1801-1922.
9. Walker, Brian M. (ed.), Parliamentary Election Results in Ireland, 1918-1992: Irish Elections to Parliaments and Parliamentary Assemblies at Westminster, Belfast, Dublin and Strasbourg, (1992).
Bibliographic sources: Bibliographies, which are lists of books and articles relating to a broad or specific subject, can often reveal a hitherto overlooked source of information. Of course, if you can't find what you are looking for in the available bibliographic sources or in the library catalogue, you can always ask our helpful reference desk staff.
1. De Breffny, Brian, Bibliography of Irish Family History and Genealogy, (1974).
2. Eager, Alan, A Guide to Irish Bibliographic Material: A Bibliography of Irish Bibliographies and Sources of Information, (second ed., 1980).
3. Hayes, Richard (ed.), Manuscript Sources for the History of Irish Civilization, (11 vols., 1965; three supplementary vols., 1979). Indexes under persons, subjects and places of the manuscript holdings of archival repositories in Ireland and abroad.
4. Hayes, Richard (ed.). Sources for the History of Irish Civilization: Articles in Irish Periodicals, (nine vols., 1970). Indexes articles published up to 1969 under persons, subjects and places.
5. McParland, Edward, A Bibliography of Irish Architectural History, published in Irish Historical Studies, Nov. 1988, pp. 161-212, with a subject index.
6. O'Danachair, Caoimhin, Bibliography of Irish Ethnology and Folk Tradition, (1978). Supplemented by a bibliography published in 'Bealoideas', 1980/81, pp. 206-227.
7. Recent geographical literature relating to Ireland, published annually in Irish Geography, sicne 1966.
8. A bibliography of Irish labour history, published annually in Saothar since issue no. 5, 1979. This series covers the period from 1963. A retrospective bibliography was published in Saothar, no. 14.
9. Select bibliography of publications on Irish economic and social history, published annually in Irish Economic and Social History since 1975.
Primary Sources for Cork Local Studies
Cork County Library's Local Studies collection includes a number of primary sources that are key resources for those engaged in local history and genealogical research. In most cases, these resources are available only for consultation at our Model Farm Road Reference department. In the following listings, these sources are divided into two categories:
Sources relating to land tenure and occupancy
Miscellaneous sources
Primary Sources: Land tenure and Occupancy
1. Civil Survey, 1654: Survives only for the Barony of Muskerry and for Cork. It provides a description of parishes, the quality of soils and the names of landed proprietors. It was published by the Irish Manuscripts Commission (IMC) in 1942.
2. Census of Ireland 1659: This document, edited by Seamus Pender and published by the IMC in 1939, under the headings of County, Baronies and Parishes, gives the names of townlands, tituladoes or principal residents and population figures.
3. Book of Survey and Distribution, c1670: Records details of distribution of forfeited lands under the Acts of Settlement and Explanation, and gives the names of the landed proprietors in 1641 and 1670. A facsimile copy is held by the library.
4. Tithe Applotment Books (TAB): These comprise a survey of the titheable land in each parish, and were compiled between 1823 and 1838. They list only land occupiers; labourers and other landless rural residents are not recorded. In some instances, they include occupiers of small plots on the edges of towns. Microfilm copies of the TABs for County Cork are held by the library. An index of surnames for each parish is the only finding aid.
5. Primary Valuation of Tenements (Griffith's Valuation), c1850: A popular source for local historians and genealogists, these volumes list occupiers of land and houses, circa 1850, with acreage in the case of land and valuation in the case of both land and houses. They are published by barony, and are further subdivided by parish and townland. A surname index identifying those listed and the townland and parish of occupancy is the principal finding aid. A complete set of the printed volumes is available for reference at the County Library Local Studies Department.
6. Devon Commission Report: The Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the state of the law and practice in respect of the occupation of land in Ireland, with minutes of evidence, was published in 1845. A microfiche copy is available at the library.
Primary Sources: Miscellaneous
1. 1901 Census: The 1901 census is the earliest Irish census for which the original household returns survive. It is an invaluable source for the family and social historian. It is arranged by District Electoral Divisions and by townlands or streets within these divisions. The 1901 census returns for Cork County and City are held on microfilm at the County Library. (Cork City Library holds microfilm copies of the only other complete census, that for 1911.) A fragment of the 1851 census for County Cork survives, and covers an area around Kilworth in north-east Cork. Cork County Library holds a copy of the surviving returns.
2. Census data: Though the original returns do not survive, the statistical data derived from censuses from 1813 onwards are accessible, and are a useful source of information. The 1871 census statistics for County Cork, for example, give the comparative population figures for each townland and parish in the county for 1841, 1851, 1861 and 1871. These can be used to illustrate the effects of the Famine and emigration at townland and parish level. Cork County Library holds copies of these from 1851 onwards.
3. Schools Manuscripts Folklore Collection: This collection of material was collected for the Irish Folklore Commission from 1937 to 1939 through the national schools. The material included consists of local folklore and historical traditions collected by schoolchildren from their parents, grandparents and neighbours and written up in copybooks. The quality and value of the material varies from school to school , but it is nevertheless a fascinating and valuable record. The collection for County Cork is available on microfilm at our Reference Department.
4. Casey, A.E. (comp.), O'Kief, Coshe Mang, Slieve Lougher and Upper Blackwater in Ireland (15 vols., 1952-1971). This unique compilation of original sources, newspaper abstracts and other records contains a wealth of useful material, relating primarily to the Blackwater Valley and north Cork region, but also relating to the county at large. Care should be taken in using it, as much of the material was transcribed and is prone to errors in transcription.
5. Irish Tourist Association (ITA) files for County Cork: Around 1939, the ITA commissioned researchers to compile files of local historical material at town and parish level that would be of interest to visitors. Each file contains a synopsis of local history, local tourist attractions, local industries and so forth. Much of the material is copied from secondary sources, but some original material is included. The manuscript collection is accompanied by a collection of 269 photographs, mostly of historic buildings.
Cork Local Studies: A Select Bibliography
Cork County Library's Cork Collection contains over 1,000 volumes and pamphlets, and is supplemented by files, newspapers and other resources. Much of this material can be located through the Library's catalogue. However, this select bibliography identifies key published works that will hopefully guide the user to sources of first resort. Over a period of time, we hope to annotate entries to give users some idea of the scope and value of each listed source. This bibliography is divided into three categories:
General Studies
Regional and Urban Histories
Subject Studies
Cork Collection: General Studies
1. Bolster, Evelyn, A history of the Diocese of Cork, (four vols., 1972-1993). The history of the Catholic Diocese of Cork, up to 1886.
2. Brady, William Maziere, Clerical and Parochial Records of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, (three vols., 1863). General and ecclesiastical history of Church of Ireland parishes and clergy. This is a valuable genealogical source for clerical families. Updated by Cole (qv).
3. Butler, William F.T., Gleanings from Irish History (1925). A useful guide to 17th century County Cork.
4. Cole, J.H., Church and Parish Records of the United Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (1903). Supplements Brady (supra).
5. Coakley, D.J. (ed.), Cork: Its Trade and Commerce: Official Handbook of the Cork Chamber of Commerce and Shipping, (1919). A useful review of Cork industry and commerce of the day.
6. Donnelly, James S., The land and people of nineteenth century Cork: the rural economy and the land question (1975). Includes a comprehensive bibliography, pp.385-417.
7. Gibson, Charles B., History of the County and City of Cork, (2 vols., 1861).
8. Healy, James N., The Castles of County Cork, (1988).
9. Hodges, Richard J. and Pike, W.T., Cork and County Cork in the Twentieth Century and Contemporary Biographies (1911). A valuable source of illustrations and biographical details of Cork's elite.
10. McCarthy-Morrogh, Michael, The Munster Plantation: English Migration to Southern Ireland 1583-1641,(1986).
11. Mould, Daphne D.C.P., Discovering Cork, (1991).
12. O'Flanagan, Patrick and Buttimer, C. (eds.), Cork: History and Society: Interdisciplinary Essays on the History of an Irish County, (1993).
13. Power, Denis et. al (comp.), Archaeological Inventory of County Cork (five vols., 1992-1999). These volumes are the basic source of information on the county's archaeological and post-medieval heritage. They are complemented by Archaeological Survey maps, and each volume includes a bibliography.
14. Smith, Charles, Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Cork,(two vols.,1750, and later eds., of which the best is the expanded 1893 edition).
15. Stratten and Stratten, Dublin, Cork and the South of Ireland: A Literary, Commercial and Social Review (1892). Includes descriptions and 'potted' histories of over 100 Cork and County Cork business firms that flourished at the time of publication.
16. Townsend, Horatio, Statistical Survey of the County of Cork,(two vols., 1810; second ed.., 1815)
17. Tuckey, Francis, Cork Remembrancer, (1837; reprinted 1980).
Cork Collection: Regional and Urban Histories
1. Bowman, Michael J., Place Names and Antiquities of the Barony of Duhallow, (2000). Originally compiled as an MA thesis, 1934.
2. Broderick, Mary, History of Cobh (Queenstown) Ireland, (second ed., 1994).
3. Cadogan, Tim, Cobh in Old Picture Postcards,(1995). Images of Cobh (formerly Queenstown) from 1868 onwards, with commentary.
4. Cadogan, Tim, Cork in Old Photographs,(2003). Photographs of Cork City from the 1860s to the 1960s, with commentary.
5. Caulfield, Richard (ed.), Council Book of the Corporation of Cork 1609-1800,(1876).
6. Caulfield, Richard (ed.), Council Book of the Corporation of Kinsale 1652-1800,(1879). Includes useful appendices, such as Grants of fairs.
7. Caulfield, Richard (ed.), Council Book of the Corporation of Youghal 1610-1800,(1878).
8. Culloty, A.T., Ballydesmond - Baile Deasmhumhan: A Rural Parish in its Historical Setting,(1986).
9. Falvey, Jeremiah, The Chronicles of Midleton 1700-1990,(1998).
10. Garner, William, Cobh: Architectural Heritage, (1979).
11. Garner, William, Kinsale: Architectural Heritage.
12. Grove-White, James, Historical and topographical notes, etc... on North Cork,(four vols.,1905-1918). Covers part or all of the four northern baronies of County Cork.
13. Hajba, Anna Maria, Houses of Cork: Vol.1 - North Cork,(2002).
14. Henchion, Richard, Bishopstown, Wilton and Glasheen: A Picture of Life in the Three Western Suburbs of Cork from Early Days to Modern Times,(2001).
15. Holland, (Rev) Wm., History of West Cork and the Diocese of Ross,(1949).
16. Lankford, Eamon, Cape Clear Island: Its People and Landscape,(1999).
17. Lincoln, Colm, Steps and Steeples: Cork at the Turn of the Century, (1980). Lawrence Collection photographs, with commentary.
18. MacNamara, Tony, Portrait of Cork, (1981).
19. O'Donoghue, Bruno, Parish Histories and Placenames of West Cork, (1986). Covers 117 civil parishes.
20. O'Flanagan, Patrick, Irish Historic Towns Atlas, No. 3: Bandon,(1998).
21. O'Mahony, Colman, In the Shadows: Life in Cork, 1750-1930, (1997). A social history of Cork City.
22. O'Mahony, Colman, The Maritime Gateway to Cork: A History of the Outports of Passage West and Monkstown from 1754-1942, (1986).
23. O'Mahony, Jeremiah, West Cork and its Story, (1961).
24. O'Mahony, Sean, The History and Folklore of Carrigaline,(1993).
25. O'Sullivan, Florence, The history of Kinsale, (1916).
26. Pettit, Sean, This City of Cork, 1700-1900,(1977).
27. Power, Bill, From the Danes to Dairygold: A History of Mitchelstown,(1996).
28. Ring, Denis Paul, Macroom through the Mists of Time: A Historical Geography of Macroom c500-1995,(1995).
Cork Collection: Subject Studies
1. Bielenberg, Andy, Cork's Industrial Revolution, 1780-1880: Development or Decline?, (1991).
2. Cowman, Des and O'Reilly, T.A., The Abandoned Mines of West Carbery: Promoters, Adventurers and Speculators, (1998).
3. D'Alton, Ian, Protestant Society and Politics in Cork, 1812-1844, (1980).
4. Daly, Sean, Cork: A City in Crisis: A History of Labour Conflict and Social Misery 1870-72, (1978).
5. Fitzgerald, Seamus, Mackerel and the Making of Baltimore, County Cork, (1999).
6. Hickey, Patrick, Famine in West Cork: The Mizen Peninsula, Land and People 1800-1852: A Local Study of Pre-Famine and Famine Ireland, (2002).
7. Levis, Cormac, Towelsail Yawls: The Lobsterboats of Heir Island and Roaringwater Bay, (2002)
8. MacCotter, Paul, Colman of Cloyne: A Study, (2004)
9. O Conchuir, Breandan, Scríobhaithe Chorcaí, 1700-1850, (1982).
10. O Murchadha, Diarmaid, Family Names of County Cork,(1985).
11. O'Sullivan, William, The Economic History of Cork City from the Earliest Times to the Act of Union, (1937).
12. Rynne, Colin, The Industrial Archaeology of Cork City and its Environs, (1999).
13. Williams, R.A., The Berehaven Copper Mines, (1991).
