Skibbereen was the town most synonymous with Ireland's Great Famine, and this small, deeply moving museum in the old gasworks building tells that story through personal accounts. It also covers Lough Hyne, Ireland's first marine nature reserve, and runs a respected West Cork genealogy service.
The centre's core exhibition covers the Famine through dramatisations, interactive stations and personal accounts from Skibbereen, one of the worst-affected areas in Ireland. Audio-visuals are subtitled in French, German and Irish, and there is a 'virtual tour' of Famine sites in the town.
Learn about Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve, a unique salt-water lake 5km away, through exhibits, folklore and a 15-minute audio-visual presentation in English, French and German — a good primer before you visit the lough itself.
Follow the trail leaflet up Knockomagh Hill (197m) overlooking Lough Hyne for one of the best views in West Cork; the walk takes about an hour depending on fitness.
Book a consultation with in-house genealogist Margaret (€75 per hour, essential to pre-book) to trace West Cork ancestors using census, church, land and other records — the centre holds a searchable database of over 600,000 local records.
Pick up the 'Skibbereen: Famine Stories' map (50c for visitors) or download the app to walk the town's Famine heritage sites, from Abbeystrowry burial pits to the workhouse, with stories and video clips.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
