The society was founded in 1891 for the collection, preservation and diffusion of all available information regarding the City and County of Cork. These objects were subsequently extended to Munster and worldwide.
Since its foundation in 1891 as a purely local Society for the preservation and diffusion of information relating to the history and archaeology of Munster, the Society has continued to expand, and today, its Journal circulation extends to Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Sweden, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The Society is a member of the Federation of Local History Societies.
| Grant Aided by | Cork Corporation (Bardas Chorcaí) | |
| University College Cork (Coláiste na hOllscoile Chorcaí) | |
compiled by Margaret Lantry