CREATIVE Places West Cork Islands and the Museum of Birds and Beasts have completed a book of short stories from the West Cork Islands.

During 2024 and 2025, artists Tess Leak and Sharon Whooley collected stories from the islanders of Bere Island, Oileán Chléire, Dursey Island, Heir Island, Long Island, Sherkin Island and Whiddy Island, along with former residents of the now uninhabited Middle Calf Island and Horse Island.

Memories from the East and West Skeam Islands are also included in the collection.

The stories are told in the islanders’ own voices and record a way of life shaped by necessity and the enduring relationship between people, animals, the land and the sea.

The book will have two official readings at: Whiddy Island Community Hall on Saturday April 18th at 2pm and at Sherkin Island Community Hall on Sunday May 3rd at 2.30pm. The readings are free and no booking is required. There will be further events celebrating the book across the islands in 2026.

County mayor Cllr Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the book launch, saying: ‘This collection of stories from the West Cork Islands is a remarkable celebration of our shared heritage. The voices of islanders, past and present, bring together the stories of nature, folklore, and community that defines this part of the county. I look forward to the book’s launch events on Whiddy Island and Sherkin Island, along with further celebrations across the islands throughout 2026.’

Creative Places West Cork Islands is led by Cork County Council and includes a consortium of local arts and development agencies such as Bere Island Projects Group, Sherkin Island Development Society, Comharchumann Chléire and Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre.

For further information contact [email protected] or visit creativeplaceswci.ie