AN exhibition marking the bicentenary of the birth of Cork ‘poet, patriot, philanthropist’ Denny Lane has opened at the Cork City and County Archives.

The exhibition at, Great William O’Brien Street, includes original papers and photographs celebrating his life and historical legacy.

Denny Lane was born in 1818, into a wealthy Cork Distilling family.

He became heavily involved in the Young Ireland movement and was imprisoned in Cork City Gaol for four months in 1848.

After his release from the Gaol he was involved in various industries around the city. He was a founding member of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society but is probably best known for his writing. His most notable ballads are ‘Kate of Araglen’ and ‘Lament of the Irish Maiden’ or, as it is more commonly known, ‘Carrigdhoun’.

‘Carrigdhoun’ first appeared in The Nation newspaper in 1845. Denny Lane died at his home on the South Mall in November 1895.

The exhibition is on display at the Archives until 30th November. It is open Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

The exhibition includes manuscripts from the personal archive of one of the eminent Corkman, scholar, businessman and politician.