Art Culture and Heritage

A busy market town in beautiful West Cork which takes its name from the river it formed around. Bandon is rich in history & heritage. The town offers several attractions, one of which is a walk along the banks of the river Bandon.

A visit to Christchurch – the oldest church built for Protestant worship in the Republic of Ireland – which now houses the West Cork Heritage Centre. As you step through the door you take a walk through the past with outline of the history of town and replicas of pubs, school and houses of bygone Ireland.

The self-guided Heritage Trail takes you along the path that the walls that once stood around Bandon formed and highlights some key points of heritage interest in our town.

Bandon has been known to inspire from Spenser ‘fair Bandon crowned many a wood’. Margaret Rutherford who coined the phrase ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ and Lennox Robinson all having links to the town. And perhaps most famously in modern towns, the Bandon Banshee in J.K Rowling's Harry Potter is named for the town!

If you want to get involved in Bandon you could try the renowned Glasslinn Choir who always bring the town alive when they perform. Or for those who long to tread the boards Gaggin Drama Group always entertain with their regular performances.

The Grey Heron on Bridge Street is not only a sublime gift shop. It is also the local tourist information spot and is an art gallery showcasing many exhibitions from local artists and further afield throughout the year. Our state of the art Library also houses an impressive display area and hosts exhibitions of interest throughout the year.

There are regular live events and music throughout the year such as Vanbrugh classical concert in Spring, regular Poetry Cafés, Storytelling, Trad Sessions, St. Patrick Day Festivities, Walled Town Festival and Taste of Bandon Festival and Banshee walk to name but a few. There is always something to excite in Bandon.

Whatever your interest, you will find something in Bandon.