Regaining community with the help of Cork Penny Dinners
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| Chef Jack working on the menu |
When you first think of Cork Penny Dinners, you may not think of it as a place of joy as yes, those who are homeless and hungry come to the Cork charity on James Street for much needed support and respite from their difficult situations. But many people do find their way back to joy and community with the help of Penny Dinners.
Volunteering is a huge part of the Cork charity’s work and makes an amazing impact. Why take when you could be giving? Paul McHugh is one example. Having suffered a stroke, he decided to give something back and he and his family joined the volunteers in James Street.
When I walked into the premises a few weeks back, the first person I met was Lisa Murphy, busy at a food station. I didn’t know then that she was a former service user, homeless for a few years and relying on Penny Dinners. But she bounced back and is now a key member or the charity’s team. Not just Penny Dinners but also a voluntary contributor to the Mayfield Community Development Project and her dedication was noted in 2025 when she was honoured as Volunteer of the Year for City North at the Cork Volunteer Awards.
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| Volunteers all. |
Speaking of volunteering means speaking of Catriona Twomey, the long-time volunteer coordinator and trustee at Cork Penny Dinners. Indeed, the name is synonymous with Cork Penny Dinners.
In 2021, she was deservedly the Cork Person of the Year, joining a varied and distinguished list that includes the likes of John Creedon (broadcaster), The Frank and Walters (band), John A Murphy (historian) and top sports people such as Sonia O’Sullivan, Roy Keane, Rob Heffernan and Jimmy Barry Murphy. Caitriona remains a valued member of the board of trustees.
If you ask any Cork person for their favourite charity, Cork Penny Dinners will more than likely top the list. It seems it has been there forever. Not quite forever, but the charity was founded in 1888.
Inspired by a growing movement in London, where a single penny could buy a hot, nourishing meal, a group of women in Cork took action. “On March 12th, they met at the Imperial Hotel to bring the Penny Dinner idea to their city - not as charity in the traditional sense, but as a dignified, structured form of nourishment and care.”
As years turned into decades, the work continued through war, recession, urban change, and rising need. Cork answered again and again - with pennies, potatoes, and presence. And so it continues today and, no doubt, into the future though they wouldn’t mind becoming redundant if and when society no longer needs their intervention.
For the present though, the work goes on.
Covid 19 forced them into takeaway only but the recently reopened sit-down service is much appreciated as it opens an avenue to company and a chat.
The charity receives no government funding and it doesn't charge service users a penny to come and eat. The charity recently launched its Just One Meal appeal asking members of the public to donate to help cover the cost of preparing and serving one warm, nutritious meal at their James Street kitchen in Cork. You can donate to Just One Meal at corkpennydinners.org/
* Thanks to Sharon Murphy (GM Cork Penny Dinners) and her staff for help in putting this post together.
Summary
Cork Penny Dinners, a venerable and vital charitable organisation, provide nourishing hot meals, warm clothing, and essential support to those experiencing food poverty, homelessness, and hardship. Operating 365 days a year—including Christmas Day—the charity relies entirely on public donations, volunteers, and community goodwill to maintain its unconditional "no judgment" service.
Services & Support Provided
- Hot Meals: Freshly prepared three-course meals (soup, main course, dessert, and tea/coffee) served daily in a welcoming, newly restored sit-down environment.
- Takeaway Food: Sandwiches, fruit, biscuits, juice, and water to sustain individuals into the evening.
- Material Aid: Access to warm winter clothing (jumpers, hats, scarves) and essential bedding like sleeping bags and duvets.
- Food Hampers: Distribution of roughly 100 dedicated food parcels every week to families struggling with the cost of living.
Location & Operating Hours
The charity operates out of its modern, expanded facility located just off Washington Street near the courthouse.
- Address: 13 James St, Centre, Cork, T12PN7X
- Hours: 7 days a week, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Contact: +353 21 206 6544 | mail@corkpennydinners.ie
