What if you were handed a blank page and told to write your story? For a group of first-time writers at the Lantern Project, Nano Nagle Place, that challenge turned into something extraordinary. The result is ‘I Am A Storyteller’ – a heartfelt collection of personal stories that capture the humour, resilience, and spirit of everyday life in Cork.
At the heart of this project is storytelling tutor John Keating, whose own journey into the world of words began after personal tragedy. Following the loss of his wife at just 43 years old, John sought purpose and healing, eventually founding Bishopstown Toastmasters and later Well Said Communications. Now, through his work at the Lantern Project, he has helped a new group of storytellers find their voices.
“This book is about real people, telling real stories,” says John. “Some are funny, some are moving, but all of them are true reflections of life in Cork and beyond. For many of the writers, this was their first time putting pen to paper—but you’d never know it from the quality of the stories.”
Among the stories featured are Dan O’Leary’s history of Cork’s “Evening Echo Boys,” Mary O’Callaghan’s hilarious “Da the Legend,” and Joanne McCarthy’s nostalgic tale of childhood and learning to sing at Mass. Their words are beautifully brought to life with illustrations by artist William Crowley.
The Lantern Project at Nano Nagle Place is known for its strong community spirit, offering courses and opportunities that encourage learning, connection, and personal growth. This book, supported by Bon Secours Hospital Cork, is a perfect example of how storytelling can bring people together.
John Smith, CEO of Nano Nagle Place, said, “This project embodies the core values of Nano Nagle Place – community, creativity, and inclusion. We are incredibly proud to support these writers in sharing their stories, and it’s a reminder of the power of personal narrative to inspire and connect us all.”
The book was officially launched at St. Peter’s, North Main Street, Cork, on February 25th by Lord Mayor Dan Boyle.
You can purchase the ‘I Am A Storyteller’ book in the Nano Nagle Place Gift & Design shop for €10. All proceeds made will go directly back into the Lantern Project. You can also read the book digitally HERE
Discover the hidden gem of Cork at Nano Nagle Place, a vibrant heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture. Nestled in the heart of Cork City, the beautifully restored complex features a museum dedicated to the inspiring legacy of Nano Nagle, a social justice pioneer and top tourist destination in Cork. Visitors can explore historic buildings, tranquil walled gardens, and a charming design shop filled with local crafts. Whether you’re looking for educational tours, a peaceful retreat, or a taste of Cork’s rich heritage, Nano Nagle Place provides an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss this top Cork attraction and delve into the city’s fascinating past while enjoying a modern cultural oasis.
Full timetable of events:
- A Christmas Carol Performances | 5th– 8th | Evening Shows at 7pm Matinee Shows at 3pm on 7th & 8th
- Cork City Book Fair | 7th December | 11am-4pm
- An Evening of Winter Classical Song | 10th December | 7pm
- Christmas Craft Markets | 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd | 11am-4pm
- Lantern Crochet Ladies Christmas Market | 15th December | 11:30am-2pm
- Museum, Gift Shop, Children’s Christmas Trail & Activity Booklet| December | Tue-Sun 10am – 5pm
This holiday season, Nano Nagle Place is proud to present ‘A December to Remember’, a festive celebration jam packed with activities, events, and magical moments for all ages. Nestled in the heart of Cork, this award-winning heritage site offers a unique way to experience the season while embracing community, culture, and Christmas cheer!
Kick off the festive season at Nano Nagle Place with the Cork City Book Fair on December 7th, where Munster-based dealers showcase an incredible range of books, from Cork’s history to Irish interest titles spanning military, social, and natural history—offering something for every taste and budget. Meanwhile, from December 5th to 8th, experience the timeless magic of A Christmas Carol in the stunning Goldie Chapel, an enchanting performance with a unique twist that promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Complete your festive outing with a delicious, locally sourced meal at the Good Day Deli before the show.
In the spirit of the season, Nano Nagle Place is calling on its supporters to ‘Give the Gift of Community.’ This special appeal ensures the ongoing delivery of vital programs that uplift lives and foster meaningful connections. By contributing, you are helping to preserve Nano Nagle’s enduring legacy of compassion while making a direct impact on our community during this season of giving.
Continuing the celebrations, Nano Nagle Place invites you to an Evening of Winter Classical Song on December 10th. Presented by Cork Opera House and featuring the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists, this event transforms the stunning Goldie Chapel into a haven of operatic beauty, offering a musical tribute to the stillness and wonder of winter.
The festive cheer continues with the Lantern Crochet Ladies Christmas Market on December 15th, featuring a stunning selection of handcrafted crocheted gifts, along with our Christmas Craft Markets on December 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd. Local artisans will showcase their unique, one-of-a-kind creations in a warm, festive atmosphere, offering the perfect opportunity to find special holiday gifts. While you shop, stop by Café Nádúr, where you can warm up with spiced mulled apple and indulge in freshly baked cakes —perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and enjoy a peaceful visit to our award-winning museum. Discover the inspiring story of Nano Nagle, the founder of the Presentation Sisters, in a serene and welcoming environment. Families with young children can also explore our Christmas Trail and activity booklet, designed to bring festive fun and learning together as they journey through the museum and our beautiful grounds.
“This December, we invite everyone to share in the joy, tradition, and community spirit of Nano Nagle Place,” said John Smith, CEO of Nano Nagle Place. “Whether you’re shopping for thoughtful gifts, creating magical memories with your family, or simply enjoying the serenity of our gardens, there’s something for everyone here this festive season.”
To make your Christmas even more special, don’t forget to visit our on-site Gift and Design Shop, where you’ll find a curated selection of unique Irish-made gifts and artisanal creations. Every purchase directly supports the vital work of Nano Nagle Place, making it the perfect place to find thoughtful presents while supporting a good cause.
Whether you’re exploring our festive events, enjoying seasonal treats, or browsing for that perfect gift, Nano Nagle Place offers ‘A December to Remember’ this Christmas season!
Discover the hidden gem of Cork at Nano Nagle Place, a vibrant heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture. Nestled in the heart of Cork City, the beautifully restored complex features a museum dedicated to the inspiring legacy of Nano Nagle, a social justice pioneer and top tourist destination in Cork. Visitors can explore historic buildings, tranquil walled gardens, and a charming design shop filled with local crafts. Whether you’re looking for educational tours, a peaceful retreat, or a taste of Cork’s rich heritage, Nano Nagle Place provides an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss this top Cork attraction and delve into the city’s fascinating past while enjoying a modern cultural oasis.
Not Words but Deeds, the motto of Nano Nagle, continues to guide the growth of Nano Nagle Place as it launches its new strategy, Where All Communities Belong. Nestled in the heart of Cork City Nano Nagle Place celebrates Nano’s legacy and belief in the transformative power of education and community. The award-winning museum attracts attracts thousands of visitors a year and is recognised internationally as one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions for 2024 by Tripadvisor.
In conjunction with this launch a bespoke lantern sculpture has been commissioned by renowned artist Eoin Turner. This new lantern installation honors the legacy of the “Lady of the Lantern”, Nano Nagle, who famously used lanterns to light her way through the streets of Cork as she helped the poor.
Eoin Turner is celebrated for his intricate sculptures incorporating glass elements. His work highlights the balance between fragility and durability, a theme that resonates in this latest piece. Turner, who also designed the stunning glass sculpture surrounding Nano Nagle’s tomb when it opened to the public in 2015, shared his thoughts on this final addition “The creation of the lantern sculpture is very much the capstone to the project we began in 2016 with the creation of the sculptural elements around Nano’s burial place. The lantern is both a physical beacon to draw and direct people to Nano Nagle’s resting place, as it is a metaphorical symbol of light and hope in the heart of our city.”
John Smith, CEO of Nano Nagle Place, notes “The installation of this striking new sculpture, alongside our new strategy, lights the way forward for our organisation. This new strategy ensures we can foster belonging, inclusion and interconnectedness through community-led workshops, culture, nature, and creative activities and events alongside our museum and heritage experiences. We were honoured to have so many friends and supporters with us to celebrate“
The newly launched 2024-2028 strategic plan outlines four key priorities: empowerment through education, impact through dialogue, transformation through the power of community, and organisational, and environmental sustainability through innovation. The launch event, attended by friends and supporters of Nano Nagle Place celebrated the unveiling of this striking new sculpture and the launch of this exciting new direction.
Sr Sheila Kelleher, Board Member of Nano Nagle Place adds “ We hope Nano Nagle Place will become renowned as a destination for visitors to Cork, seeking a place of inspiration, contemplation, and reflection at the heart of our busy city. Our commitment to social justice, and the enduring history and impactful legacies of Nano Nagle, will inform, inspire and challenge all who visit. As we look toward the future, we remain committed to embracing innovation and staying true to Nano Nagle’s enduring call to action, Not Words but Deeds.
Discover the hidden gem of Cork at Nano Nagle Place, a vibrant heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture. Nestled in the heart of Cork City, the beautifully restored complex features a museum dedicated to the inspiring legacy of Nano Nagle, a social justice pioneer and top tourist destination in Cork. Visitors can explore historic buildings, tranquil walled gardens, and a charming design shop filled with local crafts. Whether you’re looking for educational tours, a peaceful retreat, or a taste of Cork’s rich heritage, Nano Nagle Place provides an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss this top Cork attraction and delve into the city’s fascinating past while enjoying a modern cultural oasis.
On the 28th of September, Nano Nagle Place proudly hosted an intimate dining experience on its historic grounds, with Good Day Deli welcoming 50 lucky diners for the second-ever Examiner Eats Club event.
Typically a daytime-only venue, this special evening allowed guests to enjoy Good Day Deli’s exquisite cuisine while surrounded by the peaceful gardens and remarkable architecture that spans over 250 years. The Nano Nagle Place campus features a blend of styles, from the elegant Ursuline buildings and an 18th-century graveyard to the Victorian High Gothic Revival chapel designed by English architect George Goldie in 1865, and the Mies van der Rohe-inspired 2016 garden café.
In its coverage of the event, the Irish Examiner highlighted the café’s evolution: “Good Day Deli opened in 2017, and almost immediately became one of the city’s must-visit venues, set in a stylish glass room amidst the serene Nano Nagle Centre’s gardens, making it one of Leeside’s top dining spots.”
Owned by Cork’s Clare Condon and her New Zealander partner Kristin Makirere, Good Day Deli is known for its strong commitment to promoting sustainable food systems, using local, natural, seasonal, and organic produce. The event, called Orana Examiner Eats Dinner, took inspiration from Makirere’s Cook Island heritage, with ‘Kia Orana’ meaning ‘may you live long.’
The Nano Nagle Place team were delighted to support this event onsite. Together, Good Day Deli, Nádúr Deli and Nano Nagle Place create a space where sustainability and heritage meet, offering our guests a meaningful and mindful experience.
Interested in Hosting Your Event at Nano Nagle Place?
If you would like to organise an exclusive evening event at Nano Nagle Place with a unique dining experience, please do get in contact with bookings@nanonagleplace.ie
To find out more about our conference and events spaces and packages, please view our brochure.
Client Testimonial
“We have had the pleasure of working with Susannah and the team at Nano Nagle Place in hosting a number of business and networking events over the last year or so and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience.
The team at Nano Nagle Place are incredibly diligent and ensured that every detail of our event was meticulously taken care of. Their professionalism and attention to detail made the planning process smooth and stress-free.
A special mention must go to Susannah, whose friendly and helpful demeanour made a significant impact. She was always on hand to assist with any queries and went above and beyond to ensure that our event ran seamlessly.
The ambience of the venue added a special touch to our seminar, providing a serene and inspiring environment that was conducive to both learning and networking. Our attendees were equally impressed, and we received numerous compliments on the choice of venue.
I wholeheartedly recommend Nano Nagle Place for any event. Their exceptional team, stunning location, and commitment to excellence make it a standout choice for any occasion.”
–Andrew Crowley
Associate Director, KPMG Ireland
Discover the hidden gem of Cork at Nano Nagle Place, a vibrant heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture. Nestled in the heart of Cork City, the beautifully restored complex features a museum dedicated to the inspiring legacy of Nano Nagle, a social justice pioneer and top tourist destination in Cork. Visitors can explore historic buildings, tranquil walled gardens, and a charming design shop filled with local crafts. Whether you’re looking for educational tours, a peaceful retreat, or a taste of Cork’s rich heritage, Nano Nagle Place provides an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss this top Cork attraction and delve into the city’s fascinating past while enjoying a modern cultural oasis.