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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Archive building?

The new Seamus Murphy Building is located at 33a Great William O’Brien Street, Blackpool, in the Northside of Cork City. The new building is a 15-20 minute walk from Cork city centre. Christchurch, South Main Street, is no longer in use by the Archives. See Visit Us.

How do I get access as a researcher?

Our Research Room is open by appointment to all bona fide researchers who have a readers' ticket. Researchers may apply for a readers' ticket using the Application Form for Permission to Read Records and Archives. [PDF]. Researchers will either complete the above Form on first arrival, or, if requested, they may complete and return the Form at least 1 week before commencing research. Readers tickets are valid until the end of the calendar year.

Researchers are required to supply, on first visit:
1. Official photographic identification (e.g. passport /drivers licence/college ID) AND
2. A written academic reference from their college supervisor or head of department OR
3. Proof of address (Utility Bill)
Additional identification may also be requested.

The Research Room is governed by the Rules Governing Access To Archives And Other Material [PDF].

Permission granted to access archives is valid for 1 calendar year. Permissions must be renewed after 1 year.  Visit Us.

What are our opening hours?

Research Room: Appointment is required. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. (Including lunchtime).

General Office, and Exhibition Space: Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m

Is car parking available at the Archives?

Local on-street parking is available (2 hour disk parking). Disks are available from newsagents. Blackpool shopping centre and retail park are a 10 minute walk from the building. In Cork city centre there are a number of multi-storey car parks, see http://parking.corkcity.ie/

Is it possible to get copies of documents?

A reprographics service is available. Certain documents/collections may not be copied. There is currently a charge of 1 Euro per page for research copies.

Can I use a laptop computer in the research room?

Yes. All seats in the research room have a power supply available.

Can I bring my camera into the research room?

The use of cameras and other copying devices is not permitted in the research room without the special permission of the Archivist.

Do we cater for groups?

Group visits may be arranged by appointment with the Archivist. The maximum number of people in a group for such visits is 20.

Is internet access available?

Public internet access is provided at a PC in our research room. Users must abide by the Archives' Policy on Public Internet Use.

What are the oldest records held?

The oldest original documents currently held are legal property deeds, from the 16th century, relating to property owned in Cork city and also in the town of Youghal, county Cork. The majority of our holdings date within the period 1700-1980, with some material from the 1600's and beyond.

Do we provide guidance on the care of archives and records?

We provide advice to local government offices on the management of their records and archives. We also encourage local citizens and organisations to ensure the future preservation of, and public access to, archives and manuscripts through their donation to the Archives.

Do we provide a genealogy service?

Those researching their family history and genealogy are welcome to attend our Research Room to view records and other material FREE OF CHARGE. 

For those who are unable to attend our research room, we provide a limited genealogical research service in relation to the records we hold. We will undertake a search of up to 2 hours of certain records held by the Archives, for a fee of €40 (Euro), plus VAT.

Are the Archives on the internet?

Some online documents are available in our online Digital Archive and in our online exhibitions. While our website contains detailed information about our collections, most documents need to be consulted in person in our Research Room. 

How long is CCCA in existence?

The CCCA, formerly Cork Archives Institute, was established in 1971 by Cork County Council, Cork City Council and University College Cork. It was previously located at Christchurch, South Main Street, Cork.