Rare and historic map of lower harbour donated to Cobh Library 

A rare, historically significant ordnance survey of Ireland map has been donated to Cobh Library. It depicts the lower harbour of Cork more than a century ago.

The map, which was repaired and conserved with the help of Cork County Council’s commemorations committee, was donated by Diarmuid Kilcullen, who is the grandson of Cobh barrister, Francis J Healy.

A replica is now on permanent display in Cobh Library, while the original is housed in the local-studies department of county library headquarters.

The map is based on the ordnance survey of 1897, and showcases Cobh town, the surrounding areas, and Haulbowline Island.

Marked ‘For War Department Purposes Only’, the map was likely housed on Haulbowline Island, prior to the hand-over of the base to the Irish government in 1923.

“This extraordinary map, which was published in 1898, offers a fascinating snapshot of a vital era in Cork’s history,” Mayor of the County of Cork Joe Carroll said.

“We are very grateful that this important part of our heritage is preserved for the people of Cobh and the wider community,” Mr Carroll, a Fianna Fáil councillor, said.