The Cork Chapter was formed in 2003 after an invitation to members to attend a lecture in Fort William House, part of the Silversprings Hotel complex in Cork city. There was a large attendance on the night and after an expression of interest from some of the attendees, a committee of volunteers was formed and the Cork Chapter began its work!

The Chapter consists of a Patron, Chairman and committee members. Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe fame was our Patron from the establishment of the chapter until her death in 2018. Our current Patron is Edmund Corrigan, a philanthropist and patron of the arts, and the current Chairman is Kevin Hurley.

County Cork, being the largest county in Ireland, has a fine selection of buildings of architectural interest. These are comprehensively discussed by Frank Keohane in his ‘Buildings of Ireland – Cork’ volume, published in 2020. They include Bantry House, a significant building that is pictured on the cover of the Cork volume. Another important building is Kilshannig House, a fine Palladian design by Davis Ducart with superb plasterwork by the La Francini. The La Francini also decorated the dining room in Riverstown House, which was an early project of the Society. Vernon Mount, a property for which the Society campaigned for many years, was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 2016. On a happier note, Doneraile Court was saved for posterity by the Society and is now one the premier attractions of the county under the auspices of the OPW Heritage Division. Challenges remain and the Society will continue to campaign for our heritage at risk.

The Cork Chapter promotes an interest in the rich architectural heritage and decorative arts in the Cork and Munster region. The Chapter has a lively programme of enjoyable and informative year-round activities, ranging from lectures and exhibition visits to outings to historic houses, churches and a wide range of buildings of architectural significance and interest. Most events are held in Munster, with occasional visits further afield.

For any queries about activities in Cork, please contact Kevin at cork@igs.ie