Ballyhoura to Canada: A celebration homecoming of heritage and heart this September 15 to 21

Ballyhoura to Canada celebrates A homecoming of heritage and heart this September 15 to 21

The Ballyhoura to Canada homecoming celebration is a commemoration of the Peter Robinson Settlers of the Ballyhoura Region

This September, the Ballyhoura region will proudly host a week-long series of commemorative events marking the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme.

From September 15th to 21st, communities across North Cork and Limerick will come together to honour the brave families who left these lands in 1823 and 1825 to begin new lives in Ontario, Canada.

Organised by Ballyhoura Development and local community partners, the Ireland-Canada Homecoming 2025 invites residents, descendants, and visitors to reconnect with this powerful chapter of shared history through a rich programme of cultural, educational, and commemorative events.

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Highlights of the Week Include “The Robinson Experiment”, bringing a newly commissioned play by Callback Theatre, showing nightly and premiering during the Homecoming week in the Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville. This evocative performance brings to life the hopes, hardships, and humanity of the emigrant families who departed from Cobh two centuries ago.

A Commemoration Concert on Culture Night hosted at Saint George’s Arts and Heritage Centre, this special evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance will honour the legacy of the Peter Robinson settlers and over two centuries of emigration history. The concert features performances by Ceoltóirí Mhúscraí, representing Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Ballincollig – Craobh Niall Ó Cathasaigh.

The Peter Robinson Settlers Emigration Conference at Saint George’s Arts & Heritage Centre, Mitchelstown will bring a one-day event featuring expert speakers from Ireland, Canada and the United States, exploring the Peter Robinson settlers history and historical context and the enduring ties between Ballyhoura and Canada.

Closing Commemoration at Griston Bog, Ballylanders promises a deeply moving ceremony to honour the memory of the emigrants and their descendants, culminating in the creation of a permanent memorial at Griston Bog – a symbolic return to the roots of those who left, and a celebration of those who remain.

Throughout the week, visitors can also enjoy heritage walks, community tours, storytelling, traditional music, and community meet-and-greets in the very towns and villages from which the settlers hailed.

Organisers are inviting everyone to come along to the celebrations, saying, “Whether you’re a descendant of the original settlers, a local resident, or simply curious about this remarkable story, we invite you to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of resilience, remembrance, and reconnection.”

A full programme details and information on how to reserve your place is available on the Ballyhoura Development website. Tickets for events are available on Eventbrite.

The Ireland–Canada Homecoming 2025 is generously supported by the Boss Murphy Foundation (through Community Foundation Ireland), Cork County Council (Tourism Support and Cork County Council Commemoration Fund), Limerick City and County Council, Meet in Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, and LEADER 2023–2027 (supporting The Robinson Experiment by Callback Theatre and associated media).

The organisers say, “Their combined contributions have made this commemorative programme possible, enabling cultural programming, community engagement, venue enhancement, and international outreach.”