Cork County Council Celebrates Sustainable Development Goals Week with Workshops on Sustainable Heritage

Cork County Council presents a series of workshops focusing on the theme of Sustainable Heritage called ‘The Green Time Machine: What can the past teach us about a sustainable future?’  These engaging sessions, led by Creative Ireland Heritage Specialist in Residence Shannon Forde, will be held at Cobh, Skibbereen and Kinsale libraries during Sustainable Development Goals Week.

The workshops will explore the inherently sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyles of our ancestors, highlighting their deep connection to the natural world. Topics will include traditional clothing and retail practices, food consumption habits, agricultural methods, local crafts, and transport systems. These discussions aim to acknowledge the resourcefulness of past generations, revealing lessons that can guide us towards a more sustainable future. 

Participants are encouraged to contribute by bringing photographs, stories, and memorabilia that reflect the theme. Whether you have a story about family farming traditions, a cherished heirloom, or recollections and photographs of old transport methods, your contributions will enrich our collective understanding of sustainable heritage.

These are free events and all are welcome to attend. Further workshops will be scheduled in libraries across the county throughout Autumn. For more information contact your local library. 

Shannon Forde is a local historian from Kinsale, County Cork. She completed her MA in Irish History in Maynooth University in 2019 and released her first publication titled ‘Don’t forget me now - Stories from the War of Independence in Kinsale’ in 2021. She is currently the Manager of the Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower. As part of her Creative Ireland residency with Cork County Council, Shannon is working on a number of projects to promote interest and engagement in local heritage among new audiences.