Bantry Library is one of Ireland’s most unusual examples of Modernist architecture.  It was designed in 1962 by the Cork County Council architect Patrick McSweeney, and the project was developed and overseen by his assistant, Harry Wallace. The design is said to have been conceived when McSweeney and his daughter were recovering from the ’flu and to pass the time he made a model of a library building. His excitement with this design led him to present the model to a Convention of Librarians in Dublin, where it was enthusiastically received.  Ten years later, after much local controversy about how the funding should be spent, the iconic building of Bantry library was built and it has been a wonderful asset to the people of Bantry ever since.

Bantry library is located on Bridge Street, just a few minutes walk from the town centre.  It provides an extensive range of books, audio books, CDs and musical instruments for rental.  It frequently holds events for adults and children throughout the year, including Story Time for children, book clubs and events for the West Cork Literary Festival.

Bantry Library, Bridge St., Bantry, Co. Cork
T: +353 (0) 27 50460

Opening Hours:
Tues. – Sat.: 9.30am-5.30pm
Sun.& Mon: Closed