Dunmanway Historical Association Logo with a transparent background
Gemini said Promotional graphic for the Dunmanway Homecoming 2026 event, featuring a circular image of a Dunmanway street under a rainbow. To the left are three smaller polaroid-style photos showing a cottage, a stone tower, and a tree-lined road. A light blue circle at the top right contains the text 'PRICE €135.00 PER PERSON'. A QR code is located in the bottom right corner, all set against a dark green background.

Teacht Abhaile Dhomhnach Mhuire 2026

Céad míle fáilte romhat i gcroílár glas Iarthar Chorcaí. An raibh tú ag brionglóid faoi do fhréamhacha Éireannacha a iniúchadh? Seo “bealach isteach” i gcroílár Iarthar Chorcaí, Éirinn, tír dhúchais do shinsear. Tugann Cumann Staire Dhún Mánmhaí agus Sliocht Dhún Mánmhaí agus Iarthar Chorcaí cuireadh duit páirt a ghlacadh le sliocht ó gach cearn den domhan ar feadh trí lá dochreidte oidhreachta, staire agus filleadh abhaile. Agus craic!

Event Programme

Day 1: Thursday 30 July

MID-AFTERNOON PROGRAMME

  • 3:00pm — Meet & Mingle Registration
  • 3:45pm — Whiskey Tasting sponsored by Costcutter


EVENING PROGRAMME

  • 5:00pm — Official Opening & Keynote Address by Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, T.D.
  • 5:40pm — Launch of the Homecoming Journal – Dunmanway Doings Vol. VII
  • 6:00pm — Welcome Address by Local Government Representative
  • 6:10pm — Welcome by Helen Sisk, Chairperson, Dunmanway Historical Association
  • 6:20pm — Address by Ted Chambers, Admin, Facebook Group: The Descendants of Dunmanway and West Cork
  • 6:40pm — Traditional Butter Making Demonstration & Presentation on the “History of Irish Butter” by Dr. Danielle O’Donovan, Cork Butter Museum
  • 8:00pm — “Ballabuidhe: The Ascot of West Cork”, by Dr. Mervyn O’Driscoll, UCC
Day 2: Friday 31 July

MORNING PROGRAMME

  • 9:00am — Registration
  • 9:30am — “Searching for Ancestors & Answers: How Dunmanway’s Graveyards Tell the Story of the Town’s Development”, by Michelle O’Mahony


AFTERNOON PROGRAMME

  • 1:45pm — “Archaeology & Architecture – The Secrets of Ballinacarriga Castle”, by Margaret Hurley
  • 2:30pm — “The O’Hurleys of Ballinacarriga Castle: Descendants of the Barons of Kingsale and the Emperor Charlemagne”, by Prof. David Sheehan
  • 3:15pm — Genealogy Workshop
  • 4:00pm — “Sam Maguire”, by Kieran Connolly


EVENING PROGRAMME

  • 6:30pm – 7:00pm — Gather for Gala Banquet. Entertainment by: Donal Ring & Jim Williamson
Day 3: Saturday 01 August

A full-day heritage coach tour departing the Parkway Hotel at 10am, return for lunch (not included) 1-2pm, depart 2pm and return approx. 5pm. Join us as we journey through the ancient landscapes and storied sites of Dunmanway.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Fanlobbus Ecclesiastical Site: A 6th Century ecclesiastical site of deep spiritual and historical significance, also home to a Famine Burial Ground — a poignant reminder of the Great Hunger that shaped the Irish diaspora.
  • Kilbarry Medieval Graveyard: Explore the ancient Kilbarry Medieval Graveyard.
  • The Great Hunger: Explore the Workhouse Ruins and Great Hunger interpretative signage connecting our diaspora to the stories of those who came before.
  • Ballinacarriga Castle: A striking 16th century tower house with remarkable carved stonework, Ballinacarriga Castle stands as one of West Cork’s finest medieval monuments and a highlight of the tour.
  • Further Stops: Earl Grey Monument, Togher Castle, and additional sites of local historical significance.
Pricing
  • Full Package: €135pp
  • Thursday Day Rate: €30pp
  • Friday Day Rate: €40pp (€20 morning & €20 afternoon session)
  • Gala Homecoming Banquet & Music: €50pp

Event Sponsors