Tales of the Lee

The River Lee is the focus of new podcast which will explore the cultural and natural role of the river across Cork.

The podcast titled ‘Cork is the Lee’ will combine historical accounts, audio recordings of the river, and the stories of Corkonians to illustrate the ongoing importance of the Lee for communities and commerce. The project leader, Dr Richard Scriven, of UCC’s Geography Department, is interested in hearing from people who use the river, such as rowers, fishers, or naturalists, or those who have anecdotes about the Lee from growing up in Cork.

He is working with local artist Vicky Langan and community groups to develop a rich account of the Lee which can be enjoyed by all audiences.

Dr Scriven told the Cork Independent: “Podcasts have become very popular recently as we can all listen to them on our phones or devices. We will present an immersive experience using sound to bring listeners along the river and through time. Also, they are easily shared with friends and people living abroad, but who still have a love of their native city,” he said. “This isn’t an academic study, it’s about the people of Cork sharing their love of the Lee. We called it Cork is the Lee to highlight the fundamental importance of the river to the city and county. We are very eager for people to tell us their stories or share interesting facts about anything to do with the river, be it the bridges or quays, or working and playing on the banks.”

Cork is the Lee will be released in August for Heritage Week and is supported by a Cork City Council local heritage grant.

Visit facebook.com/corkisthelee/ for more information and to share your stories.