Clonakilty Orchard Mapping Project

Presented by Cillian Boyd, this talk will focus on heritage apple conservation and apple identification, in particular a number of ancient orchards in Clonakilty discovered as part of the Clonakilty Orchard Mapping Project. The project aims to locate, map, document and graft ancient samples of apple trees and varieties from the oldest surviving 19th Century orchards in Clonakilty and its surrounding region. Young grafted trees will contribute to the creation of a Community Conservation orchard, which will preserve the varieties for the future. It will also celebrate local varieties, their history and stories.

In Spring 2025, a number of orchards were visited and samples of graftwood were collected, and 30 trees were grafted. Some of these varieties will be on show Sunday with the hope of identifying them. There are many more orchards still surviving that remain undiscovered.

It has been successful to date because of Community involvement and interest, and it is hoped that more people can contribute to the project with their knowledge of old orchards and apple trees. In time, it is envisioned to add more trees to the Community Conservation Orchard.

The theme of Heritage Week 2025 “Exploring our Foundations” describes what the Clonakilty mapping project sets out to achieve; Old orchards planted centuries ago laid strong foundations that have survived until present times, now we will root young apple trees in the ground which will in time lay their foundations for the next generation to discover.

Both events are on in same venue
Saturday @ 5pm
Sunday @3pm