Cork Rotary
Welcome to
Cork Rotary Club
As we celebrate 100 years of service, friendship, leadership and community impact, we are proud of our past and excited about our future.
Our theme this year is Create Lasting Impact. For us, that means making a real difference in the lives of people and communities.
But creating lasting impact is something we do together. Rotary is at its best when members are actively involved — sharing their skills, ideas, experience and enthusiasm. Whether you want to organise, fundraise, mentor, make connections or just help out, there is a place for you.
Interested in getting involved? We’d love to welcome you to Cork Rotary Club!
Be part of a community of people who want to make a difference.
Peter Roberts
President 2026-27
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
