Cork Rotary
Welcome To Cork Rotary Club
Welcome to
Cork Rotary Club
For nearly 100 years, Cork Rotary Club has been dedicated to making a difference - locally and globally. From Cork’s Tree of Remembrance to our Clean Water for Cambodia partnership, our projects have touched countless lives. We are driven by the Rotary motto: Service Above Self.
This year is a chance to look ahead and plan for a brighter, more connected future. We will be exploring ways to develop new projects, to engage new members and to expand our focus.
Take a moment to explore our website and learn about the lives we’ve impacted. If you’re passionate about community and making a difference, we’d love to have you join us. Let’s continue this legacy together: uniting for good.
Richard Irwin
President 2025-26
All Rotarians and prospective members are welcome to join us!
When?
Mondays at 6.30 pm
Except Bank Holidays and during the months of July & August
Where?
The Metropole Hotel
MacCurtain Street,
Cork T23 PX44
Google map for the location
Get Involved with Rotary
Turn your passion and ideas into lasting change in communities locally and around the world.
About Rotary
Rotary is one of the world’s largest and most successful humanitarian service organisations, with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, united by a shared commitment to making the world a better place. We have 67 great Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 1160, encompassing the whole island of Ireland.
Our mission
We come together as friends and leaders to serve others, uphold integrity, and foster understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Vision statement
In Rotary, we believe in the power of connection and action. Together, we’re creating lasting change — around the world, in our local communities, and within ourselves.
Our Projects
Here are some of our ongoing projects, making a difference at home and abroad. For all the latest news on these and other events follow us on:
Cork Rotary Club
Serving Cork and Beyond Since 1926
Did you know….
 … that the Cork Rotary Club held its very first council meeting aboard the SS Innisfallen on July 12, 1926? The club was officially chartered on August 26 and celebrated its charter meeting on September 18 at the Victoria Hotel. … that Cork Rotary Club was the fourth Rotary Club established in Ireland? The first Rotary Club to be established outside North America was the Dublin club in 1911, although it was not chartered until 1913. |  … that our first President, J.J. Horgan, was a solicitor, politician, and author? He left an indelible mark on Cork, serving the Harbour Commissioners for 49 years. Horgan’s Quay bears his name in tribute to his legacy. He served a second term as Rotary President during the difficult war years of 1940-42. |  … that the Berwick Fountain on Grand Parade, designed by Sir John Benson, who also designed the English Market, was restored to full functionality by Cork Rotary Club in 1976, as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations? This was our way of marking 50 incredible years of service to Cork. |  … that Mary Hopkins, Adrienne Rodgers, Noreen Foley, and Pamela Kelleher became the first women to join Cork Rotary Club in 1998-99? Mary Hopkins became the first female President in 2004. |  Things look different today! |
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 … that the Cork Tree of Remembrance has raised over €1.5m for Cork charities since its launch in 2003? Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Cork and Bishopstown, the Tree offers a simple way for people to remember loved ones during the festive season by placing a message on a yellow ribbon on the Tree. (See our Projects page for more information.) |  … that Cork Rotary Club will be celebrating 100 years of service in 2026-27? Follow us on social media to learn about our centenary events and initiatives. You could be part of our future! |  … that the first Friendship Night at Cork City Hall took place in 1999? This event replaced the Sheltered Shopping event launched in December 1989. (See our Projects page for more information.) |  … that the very first Kids Out in Ireland took place here in Cork, in 1994, under the guidance of then Rotary President Brian Coomber, and Rotarian Tim Murphy who is still involved in this event. (See our Projects page for more information.) |
These are some of the charities which have benefited from Cork Rotary Club funding
over the years:
Become a member of Cork Rotary Club
Join one of the world’s largest networks of volunteers and start making a difference today.
Learn about the benefits and different types of membership here
