'A testament to our cultural legacy:' Impressive sculptures installed on N22 road near Macroom 

Inspired by some of the archaeological findings near the N22, West Cork-based artist Sarah Goyvaerts’ created the sculptures 

Two large-scale artistic features have been installed along the new N22 road between Macroom and Baile Bhuirne.

Two striking sculptures modelled after female figures have been installed along the N22 between Macroom and Baile Bhuirne.

Created by West Cork based artist Sarah Goyvaerts, the artwork was commissioned by Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland with funding from the Per Cent for Art Scheme for the N22 development.

The first of the two sculptures represents a young woman whose remains were found in a burial site during the archaeological works for the N22 development, having been cremated and buried at Kilnagurteen about 3,500 years ago.

Titled ‘The Bronze Age Girl,' the piece has been installed at the raised verge facing oncoming eastbound traffic in Carrigaphooca and has been carefully placed so that it faces the Winter Solstice sunset.

The second sculpture, ‘Áine’ represents the mythical goddess of the same name who is associated with fertility, abundance, and the midsummer point of the year. Situated on the raised verge facing oncoming westbound traffic in Coolavokig, it has been positioned to face the Summer Solstice sunrise.

One of the sculptures by the N22 road. 

Based in West Cork, Sarah Goyvaerts’ work is inspired by her love of the Mythical and she is known for depicting otherworldly characters that spark imagination and playfulness, which can be seen in the two sculptures.

“The sculptures serve as an acknowledgement of the deep ancestral connection and relationship to the land that is at the very core of the Múscraí’s cultural creativity and spirit of place,” she explained.

“By drawing awareness from the wider cultural landscape of the Paps, through to the archaeological discoveries made in the course of the construction of this road, my hope is that the sculptures will act as a starting point, carrying the story of connection between the tangible and intangible, the connection between people and place that is intrinsically woven into the very fabric of the communities in Múscraí today.

“These sculptures are intended as a bridge linking the present day to the past, giving face to the ancestors as a mystical presence held in the landscape”.

The sculptures were created in ferrocement over a mesh and stainless-steel framework and include natural pigments distilled from rocks found in the Baile Bhuirne area.

The sculptural forms representing female heads were created by West Cork based artist Sarah Goyvaerts and were commissioned by Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland with funding from the Per Cent for Art Scheme for the N22 development.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Frank O’Flynn welcomed the installation of the two sculptures.

“As we unveil these captivating sculptures along the N22 development, we are celebrating the many benefits that the Macroom to Baile Bhuirne bypass has brought to the community, paving the way for future growth, while also looking to our past.” 

He commended Goyvaerts and her creative team who he said have “brought history and myth to life”.

“These pieces not only beautify the landscape but also serve as a testament to our cultural legacy, marking our relationship to place and keeping our stories alive.”

The public art project has seen creative engagement with local communities and a podcast series entitled ‘Céimeanna — Tales and Trails’.