Bere Island Heritage Centre

Proud of our Heritage

The Bere Island Heritage & Information Centre is the focal point for the conservation and enhancement of the island’s rich heritage. It is home to The Bere Island Experience Exhibition detailing the unique history and lifestyle of Bere Island, as well as temporary themed exhibitions throughout the year. It is an important reference, meeting and information point for both islanders and visitors.

The proposal to create a Heritage Centre from the Ballinakilla Old School Building built in 1857, became a reality in 2009 after members of the Old School Committee in partnership with Bere Island Projects Group secured funding from The ISLA Project, The Department of the Islands and Cork County Council, with the building work being carried out by local builder Jack Sullivan and Bere Island Construction, it was designed by DOD Architects, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

The Heritage Centre Offers

The ‘Bere Island Experience’ Exhibition
Artefacts and photos telling the story of Bere Island
The Old School roll books recreated
Geneaology books and web sites
Maps and information on the Island’s Heritage sites and walks
The St Michael’s Graveyard database
Traditional skills workshops and courses
Highspeed Broadband Hub, printing and office services
School and group tours
Meditation and retreats
Meeting room hire
Craft shop
Refreshments
Craft and food fairs
Library

Since 2010

President of Ireland, Mary McAleese performed the official opening of the Bere Island Heritage Centre on Saturday 30^th October 2010. On this most historic day, her presence and inspiring speech made the day for the people of Bere Island, and we were honoured that the President of Ireland Mary McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese were able to share with us and acknowledge the importance of this day to our small island community.

The first ever remote cabinet meeting was held from the Heritage Centre in July 2021 during a visit by Minister Heather Humphreys to Bere Island.

The Minister was visiting Bere Island as part of a nationwide tour to promote ‘Our Rural Future’.

After meeting with the island community, the Minister availed of the Highspeed Broadband Hub at the Heritage Centre to securely attend the Cabinet meeting.

The broadband hub on Bere Island is one of hundreds of facilities across the country that provide highspeed quality broadband, allowing people to work and study remotely.

More Information

Annual Membership is available for the Heritage Centre and includes free access to all of our exhibitions, free internet access and 10% discount in the Heritage Centre cafe.