Art project set to commemorate first Irish immigrants

The arrival of the first inhabitants of Ireland according to folklore, descendants of Noah, form part of a new art project exploring immigration and emigration in West Cork.

Local folklore recounts the story of Cessair, Noah’s niece, who is said to have landed at the mouth of the Mealagh River in Bantry at Dún na mBarc (Donemark) before 2000BC.

Cessair and her entourage were said to be the first inhabitants of the island.

The story inspired pupils to create an art project commemorating those who have both left Ireland and arrived since Cessair. The collaborative work between the National Learning Network (NLN) at Bantry and West Cork Arts Centre will see a permanent copper and glass sculpture of a boat put in a public garden at the NLN premises in Donemark.

The project involves collecting stories of emigration and immigration to and from the Bantry and wider West Cork area. Fragments of contributors’ experiences will be embedded in the sculpture display.

“The idea began with the story of Cessair and how she is connected to the local area and we wanted to link that to the idea of people leaving and arriving in Ireland and also people who are left behind when a family member emigrates,” said the arts centre’s schools and youth co-ordinator, Alison Cronin.

Students and tutors have begun working with artist Michael Ray, and the sculpture will be placed in the NLN gardens, which house a play area, an amphitheatre, and sensory garden.

* Contributors can choose to be interviewed by NLN students or submit their stories via email to [e-mail], or facebook.com/DonemarkThePlaceOfTheBoat