Exhibition exploring Cork's food growing heritage to open at city library 

An exhibition exploring Cork’s food growing heritage, biodiversity, and the forgotten community of market gardeners who once helped feed the city opens at Cork City Library today.

Growing Our Own brings together stories from across the city, while also highlighting the experiences of local communities that helped to shape Cork’s relationship with food production.

The exhibition examines how market gardens, allotments, and community growing spaces have supported Cork people through periods of growth, change, and challenge.

Drawing on historical research and community knowledge, the exhibition examines how generations of growers helped feed the city, while contributing to local traditions, biodiversity, and a strong sense of place.

It will focus in particular on the story of Ballyphehane, an area once closely associated with market gardening. 

Like many parts of Cork, its landscape changed significantly as the city expanded to meet housing needs.

The exhibition also examines the vital role of allotments during times of crisis.

During the food shortages of the First World War, allotments provided families with an important source of fresh food and a degree of self sufficiency. These stories highlight how local food production has long been a source of resilience for Cork communities.

The launch will feature guest speakers exploring Cork’s growing heritage, the history of allotments, and market gardening, the importance of biodiversity in urban environments, and the role of contemporary community gardens in creating healthier and more resilient communities.

The exhibition launches at Cork City Library on Grand Parade at 12pm today and is open to the public for the month.