Cork Penny Dinners
Serving with Kindness since 1888
A Movement Rooted in Collective Care
Cork Penny Dinners has been providing homeless supports in Cork for over 137 years.
Cork Penny Dinners exists to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Our purpose is simple but vital – to provide nutritious meals in a warm welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Our objectives remain the same today as they did in 1888, to offer food, support and compassion to those in need while keeping the spirit of kindness and community alive in Cork.
Just forty years after the Great Famine left its mark on Ireland, hunger still lingered in the shadows of prosperity. 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.
Our Ethos
Cork Penny Dinners exists to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Our purpose is simple but vital – to provide nutritious meals in a warm welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our objectives remain the same today as they did in 1888, to offer food, support and compassion to those in need while keeping the spirit of kindness and community alive in Cork.
Access Our Services
Cork Penny Dinners provides a hot, nourishing meal every day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at our premises on 13 James St, Cork. We also offer additional items such as sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, and water.
Additional Support
We can also provide items of warm clothing, such as jumpers, hats, and scarves when requested. If you require any of these please let us know.
Cost
All of our services are completely free of charge.
How to Get a Meal
Simply visit us at our premises at 13 James Street. We’re open 7 days a week from 9am – 1pm.
Location
We are located at 13 James St, Cork City, T12PN7X, off Washington Street to the side of the Court House. Just look for the CROÍ NA LAOÍ Cork Penny Dinners sign over the door and call in.
We provide breakfast for about 450 guests and dinner for around 800 people everyday,and we hand out more than 1700 food parcels every week.
Food and
Meal Services
Governance
Cork Penny Dinners is a registered Charity with a voluntary Board of Trustees who provide oversight, strategic direction and financial accountability
Facilities
Our facilities at James ST offer more than just a meal. Alongside our kitchen facility we provide a computer room where people can develop skills and stay connected. We also have a meeting space available for community support, workshops and gatherings.
Get Involved
At Cork Penny Dinners, we rely on the kindness and generosity of our community to keep our doors open every day. There are many ways you can get involved and make a real difference.
Become a Volunteer
Join our team of dedicated volunteers who help prepare and serve meals, support our facilities and extend.
Corporate Volunteer
We work with companies and organisation who wish to give back, offering meaningful opportunities for staff to contribute time…
Fundraising
Whether through organising an event, taking on a personal challenge or rallying your community, fundraising helps us continue…