Hundreds of descendants Cork-bound from Canada

A community in county Cork is calling on the public to get involved in a special celebration welcoming the descendants of families who left for Canada almost 200 years ago.

This September, Cork will mark the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Settlers Assisted Emigration Scheme.

The scheme saw families leave Ireland in search of a better life, departing on 11 ships from the port of ‘Cove’ in 1823 and 1825, bound for the Ottawa and Ontario regions of Canada.

Many of these families left from communities across the Ballyhoura region, including Mitchelstown, Doneraile, Kildorrery, Churchtown, Liscarroll, Charleville, Croom, Kilfinane, Kilbehenny, and Colmanswell.

With unprecedented interest from across Canada and the United States, eager descendants of the Peter Robinson Settlers are already making their travel arrangements as part of the Ireland-Canada Homecoming, excited to explore their ancestral roots and connect with the communities of their forebears.

Between 150 and 500 descendants of these Irish pioneers will return to Ballyhoura to commemorate, reflect, and reconnect with the people and places their ancestors once called home.

The homecoming will begin on 15 September 2025, with a week of celebrations culminating in a commemorative event at Griston Bog, Ballyhoura, on 21 September.

Throughout the event week, Ballyhoura communities will have the unique opportunity to engage with returning descendants, share local stories, and celebrate the shared cultural heritage of the region.

The Ballyhoura Development CLG is now calling on individuals, community groups, businesses, and heritage enthusiasts across the region to help make the event a memorable celebration of culture, history, and connection.

Anyone with family connections to the Peter Robinson Scheme is strongly encouraged to get involved and share their invaluable knowledge and stories at the event.

Community councils, local businesses, and volunteers are invited to become event hosts for the week, helping to create a warm welcome for the visitors.

Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, and bars can also play a key role in hosting and catering for attendees.

Musicians, artists, performers, and craft makers are also invited to get involved and help showcase the rich cultural life of Ballyhoura throughout the celebrations.

Anyone with expertise in local history or local heritage sites is asked to volunteer to lead tours and share any historical insights with the visitors.

“Whether you can offer support with logistics, share local culture, or volunteer during the events, every contribution will help make this homecoming a success!” said the organisers.

Ballyhoura Development CLG is inviting everyone interested in getting involved in the Ireland-Canada Homecoming to attend a community information session this Wednesday 15 January at The Old Creamery, Kildorrery. To register for the community info session, visit ballyhouradevelopment.com.