My Weekend: Giving tours of  a cemetery - one of jewels in the crown of this wonderful city

Tell us a little bit about yourself;

I was born and grew up in Vicar Street. Went to school in St Mary’s Of The Ilse, Sullivan’s Quay and on to Deerpark. Later went to MTU and UCC. I had several different occupations during my lifetime.

I’m married to Siobhan, live in Friar’s Walk, and have a very keen interest in family and local history. Over 12 years ago when I had to retire from work on health grounds, at that time I worked for a financial institution, I started looking into our family history, and as a result, I put our history together in a book for the family which in years to come can be added to by the different branches of the family.

I once attended a walking tour of St Joseph’s Cemetery Tory Top Road; the tour was given by the late historian Ronnie Herlihy (may he rest in peace) which I found to be very interesting. After Ronnie passed away Liam Ó hÚigín approached me and asked if I would be interested in doing the walking tours of St Joseph’s Cemetery to which I said yes.

In remembering the late Ronnie Herlihy, Liam and I have been doing the walking tours of the cemetery for the last three years. I have put in hours upon hours researching some of the city’s great people who are buried there.

Opened in 1830 by Father Mathew and with over 220,000 people buried there to date, St Joseph’s Cemetery is one of the Jewels in the Crown of this wonderful City.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Friday night is the time to chill out put your feet up and enjoy a film.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Nowadays no more watching the clock. Get up when you’re ready to get up.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Only housework haha.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

For a weekend city break anywhere in Ireland, England or Scotland would do me fine.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

Garrettstown is my spot to recharge.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Anytime is a good time to catch up with people.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

One of my hobbies is walking and I can join that with my love for St Joseph’s Cemetery and do both together and help people understand all the fantastic history attached to the people buried there.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

I love steak and chips.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork — where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

I would tell people Cork and Fork.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Chilling and watching some TV.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

Like I said earlier no more watching the clock. Get up when you’re ready to get up.

MORE ABOUT THE TOUR

Finbarr Barry is giving a guided walking tour of St Joseph’s Cemetery Tory Top Road with Liam Ó hÚigín at 11am this Saturday August 17 as part of Cork Heritage Open Day. Organised by Cork City Council, Cork Heritage Open Day is a wonderful celebration of the built heritage in Cork and marks the first day of National Heritage Week. Over 40 buildings will open their doors to the public and a host of guided walking tours, exhibitions and talks on the history of Cork will take place for Cork Heritage Open Day. See www.corkheritageopenday.ie