Ireland’s oldest continuously running girls’ school is preparing to celebrate a milestone that few institutions can claim. Ursuline College Blackrock, which first opened its doors in 1825, is marking its 200th anniversary with a gala celebration on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at the Maryborough House Hotel in Cork.
The event promises not only to reflect on the school’s remarkable history but also to chart a course for its future, with proceeds supporting much-needed upgrades to classrooms, sports facilities, and performance spaces. Organisers expect more than 200 guests, including current students, past pupils, teachers, parents, community leaders, and members of the Irish Ursuline Congregation.
A Legacy That Began in 1771
The Ursuline Sisters arrived in Cork in 1771, dedicated to providing education for young women at a time when opportunities for girls were limited. Their mission found a permanent home in Blackrock in 1825, when they moved to Blackrock House, laying the foundations for two centuries of learning and community service.
Generations of Ursuline girls have gone on to make their mark in diverse fields—medicine, business, education, the arts, and public service. This continuity is what makes the school unique: it has served as both a guardian of tradition and a launching pad for progress.
Notable Alumnae and Leadership in Society
Among the many distinguished alumnae is Anne O’Leary, a leader in the telecommunications and technology sectors. Having held senior roles at Vodafone and now working with Meta, she is also a past president of Dublin Chamber, former Chair of Goal, and an IBEC leader. O’Leary is expected to play a central role in the celebrations, sharing her personal journey and the ways her Ursuline education shaped her path.
Her story represents a wider pattern: Ursuline graduates are known for combining professional achievement with community engagement. The school’s emphasis on service, leadership, and personal responsibility continues to resonate with past pupils long after they leave its classrooms.
Bicentennial Gala: More Than Just a Celebration
The November gala has been carefully planned as both a joyful reunion and a forward-looking initiative. Guests will enjoy a welcome reception, a three-course lunch, and live performances by current students alongside the Cork Academy of Strings. Organisers have promised special surprise guests, which will be revealed closer to the event.
A photographic showcase will highlight the evolution of the school over two centuries—charting the transformation from its early 19th-century classrooms to its role in 21st-century education. The raffle, offering a wide range of prizes, is designed not only to engage attendees but also to raise funds for the school’s Strategic Plan.
Investing in the Future
The Strategic Plan focuses on modernising the school’s learning and performance spaces. Classroom upgrades, enhanced sports infrastructure, and new facilities for music and drama are at the centre of the campaign. These improvements reflect the school’s dual commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.
Chair of the Organising Committee, Oonagh Connolly, summed it up: “Ursuline College Blackrock’s story is Cork’s story. For 200 years, the school has nurtured generations of women to thrive. This celebration honours that legacy while looking to the future.”
The involvement of the Parents’ Association and local community groups underlines the collaborative spirit that has sustained the school through two centuries. Every ticket sold contributes directly to creating spaces where future students can develop their talents.
A Community and Cultural Milestone
The anniversary is more than a school event. It is a cultural moment for Cork City and its surrounding communities. For many families, Ursuline College is more than a place of learning—it is part of their identity, with multiple generations attending over the decades.
Local historians also note the wider significance. The Ursulines were among the pioneers of female education in Ireland, opening doors at a time when formal schooling for girls was far from guaranteed. Their arrival in Cork coincided with a broader European movement to expand educational access, and their presence in Blackrock placed the suburb at the heart of progressive reform.
Supporting a Tradition of Excellence
The bicentennial celebration builds on a tradition of engagement between the school and the broader city. Alumni networks, parish partnerships, and cultural initiatives have always played a role in strengthening ties between Ursuline College and Cork’s civic life.
The programme of events also reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in the Ursuline ethos: education is not confined to the classroom but extends into art, music, community service, and sport. The inclusion of performances, historical exhibits, and community gatherings highlights this holistic approach.
Tickets and Participation
Tickets for the gala are priced at €80 per person and are available now through Eventbrite. Early interest has been strong, with many past pupils eager to reconnect and celebrate the institution that shaped their formative years. The hashtag #UrsulineCork200 has been launched to share updates, engage alumni, and highlight stories from across generations.
Looking Ahead to the Next Century
While the gala will honour the past, the leadership of Ursuline College Blackrock is equally focused on the future. The investment in infrastructure is not just about modern facilities but about adapting to the needs of a changing educational landscape.
With rapid advances in technology, new models of teaching, and the growing importance of creativity and resilience, schools are under pressure to prepare students for uncertain futures. By upgrading its facilities and reaffirming its values, Ursuline College aims to remain at the forefront of Irish education.
A Moment of Reflection and Renewal
The bicentennial comes at a time when educational institutions across Ireland are re-examining their roles in society. As challenges such as digital inclusion, climate change, and globalisation reshape learning, the story of Ursuline College Blackrock offers both continuity and inspiration.
It stands as proof that tradition and progress can coexist. The Ursulines’ original mission—to empower girls through education—remains unchanged. What has evolved is the scale, the tools, and the reach of that mission.
The 200th anniversary is not simply a historical marker. It is a reminder that education, when rooted in values and supported by community, can sustain relevance across centuries. For Cork, for Ireland, and for the generations of young women yet to walk through its doors, Ursuline College Blackrock remains a symbol of possibility.
Tickets and further details can be accessed through the official Eventbrite listing, with regular announcements shared via social channels under #UrsulineCork200. As November approaches, anticipation is building for a gathering that will blend memory, music, and vision into a day worthy of two centuries of achievement.
