Cork City Library, Grand Parade

The City Library on the Grand Parade is home to Cork City Libraries’ largest collections of books, periodicals, CDs, DVDs and other materials for adults and children.

The City Library delivers a library service through four public-service departments: Adult Lending; Children's and Teens' Library; Local Studies and Learning; and the Rory Gallagher Music Library.

On the 10th of October 1978 the music library was opened providing an invaluable service for the public, giving access to all types of music local and from around the world to listen to.

In 2004 the music library was dedicated to Rory Gallagher and renamed The Rory Gallagher Music Library.  This was an initiative of the Head Librarian of the time and big Rory fan Liam Ronayne.

The Rory Gallagher Music Library was opened by the Lord Mayor, Sean Martin, in the presence of Mona and Donal Gallagher with an accompanying exhibition on Rory's life and career.

Over the years since, the Rory Gallagher Music Library has been an essential visit for any Rory Gallagher fan visiting his hometown. The music library staff have been and are true ambassadors for Rory Gallagher’s name and service the public with weekly talks, recitals and concerts.

In 2025 for the 30th anniversary of Rory Gallagher’s passing, a display of some of Rory Gallagher’s vinyl collection, books and lyrics in the ‘Lyrics, Vinyl & Visuals’ exhibition as well as the work of two professional comic book artists that incorporated Rory in their work was assembled for show.

For more on the Rory Gallagher Music Library