HARBOUR VIEW: The cultural significance of Cork's role as port and harbour are emphasised next weekend. Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh presents the exhibition "A Hymn for Travellers and the Absent" on Saturday (until October 2nd).

This is the result of last year's residency of English installation artist Julie Bacon, co-director of Catalyst Arts in Belfast, who used her time in this sea-side town to meet and gather the memories and experiences of local people involved in its maritime life and history.

The marine theme is carried through in Cork itself with public demonstrations of boat-building and sea-faring skills at Meitheal Mara (off Crosses Green) as part of Saturday's Heritage Day events, and concerts by the visiting brass band of the German navy have been organised by the Port of Cork Authority in the city and in Cobh on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday is also the day of the great annual sail festival when the yachts of the lower harbour race up the Lee estuary to the old quay at Blackrock.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Few of Cork's domestic groups have such an enduring and numerous following as the South Parish Historical Society. Lord Mayor Deirdre Clune opens the society's annual exhibition in Sawmill Street tonight, and lectures during the week begin tomorrow at 8pm with Máire Ní Loinsigh and Deborah Sutton on their findings from the archaeological excavations at the South Gate Bridge.