In 1996 a group of people got together privately in Inchigeelagh to share their music, poetry and drama. The theme of the gathering was "Daniel Corkery". The experiment was successful and from it germinated the idea of a free cultural summer-school to be held annually in the village. The subjects covered were to be mainly those which interested Corkery himself: painting, poetry, music and politics.

Tutors and lecturers were found, the school was advertised and ran successfully. Most events were free to all comers thanks to grants, donations and sponsership from businesses.

Over the following decade the Summer School went from strength to strength, establishing itself in Creedons Hotel and attracting first class artists and lecturers from Ireland and indeed all over Europe.