Hoolies return to healthcare settings

A programme promoting elderly wellbeing through live music has been confirmed to return to Cork this year.

Now in its sixth year, Healthcare Hoolies will once again bring professional musicians, into community hospitals and residential care settings across the county, while also expanding its reach into local libraries for the first time.

This year’s lineup includes Down Memory Lane, Cork Pops Quartet, and Fiona Kennedy.

Since its inception in 2021, Healthcare Hoolies has delivered hundreds of live performances to older people in healthcare settings throughout county Cork, creating opportunities for connection, reminiscence, and social engagement through music. The programme has become a much-loved feature of the summer calendar for residents, families, staff, and performers alike.

This year, to mark the 100-year anniversary of Cork County Library, Healthcare Hoolies 2026 will extend beyond healthcare settings and into communities, with a series of special concerts taking place in Bandon Library, Bantry Library, Cobh Library, Kinsale Library, Mallow Library, Mitchelstown Library, Skibbereen Library, and Youghal Library.

The library concerts will be hosted throughout the summer, providing additional opportunities for older people and local communities to enjoy high-quality live musical performances in welcoming and accessible spaces.

Healthcare Hoolies is delivered by Cork County Council as part of its commitment to promote positive ageing and wellbeing through arts and culture. Research and experience have consistently demonstrated the positive impact that music can have on wellbeing, particularly for older adults, fostering social connection, stimulating memory and enhancing quality of life.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Bernard Moynihan said: “Cork County Council is proud to continue supporting Healthcare Hoolies, a programme that brings joy, connection, and cultural enrichment to older people across our county.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added: “The expansion of Healthcare Hoolies into our library network marks an important new chapter for the initiative, enabling us to reach even more people and communities through the shared experience of live music.”

Healthcare Hoolies 2026 is supported through Creative Ireland’s Creative Health and Wellbeing programme and developed in partnership with healthcare and community stakeholders.