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

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

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.

• Full Package: €135pp
• Thursday Day Rate: €30pp
• Friday Day Rate: €40pp (€20 morning & €20 afternoon session)
• Gala Homecoming Banquet & Music: €50pp