Library seeks public's participation in exhibition on Cork’s food-growing heritage

Cork City Libraries are appealing to the public for historic photographs, and memories to help create an exhibition on Cork’s food-growing heritage and its connection to biodiversity.

As recently as the 1950s, areas such as Ballyphehane were made up of small farming plots.

During the First World War, food shortages caused by sea blockades prompted the government to acquire land for allotments, providing free seeds and training to city dwellers.

These plots once again played a vital role during the unemployment crisis of the 1940s, creating a whole generation of urban farmers.

Anne O’Mahony from the Local Studies and Learning Department in the City Library said: “Growing our own food has long been an integral part of the city’s story, and it may also hold the key to a more sustainable future.

“While many of the market gardens have disappeared, allotments and community gardens continue to thrive across the city.

“Cork City Libraries is seeking photographs and memories of Cork’s urban farmers, their market gardens and allotments, to help preserve this important chapter of the city’s history.”

This project is supported by the Cork City Council 2026 Local Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant Scheme and will be officially launched at the City Library during Heritage Week.

An exhibition featuring photographs of both past and present urban farmers will form part of the project, entitled Growing Our Own, which will be launched in the library on Grand Parade on August 15 and run until the end of September.

Photos can be submitted to localstudiesandlearning@corkcity.ie, or at any city library branch, before June 30.