Cork exhibition helps us understand the past beneath our feet

An art and archaeology exhibition interpreting Cork’s medieval past, Beneath Our Feet will launch at St Peter’s on North Main St as part of Culture Night tomorrow.

Beneath Our Feet is an investigation of an archaeological excavation undertaken behind hoardings, during the construction of student accommodation at North Main St.

In 2024, Cork City Council archaeologist Ciara Brett and artist and archaeologist John Sunderland received Creative Ireland funding to undertake a project which would interpret the archaeology at the site through visual arts. The project expanded to include an oral history with further funding this year.

The aim of the exhibition is to bring the information gained from the excavation to the wider Cork public.

Among the artworks will include an expansive installation of painted boards by Sarah Baume, and sculptural pieces by Matt Durran.

There will be photographs and maps from the site, pressed flora, insect drawings, a sensitively assembled installation of bracken and bone, along with recordings of oral histories. A programme of talks will also take place.

The exhibition will continue until October 8.