The Rathcoola residency is available to writers and artists resident in Australia or New Zealand who would like to pursue their work in Ireland. It is advertised in October or November annually.

The first residency commenced on 1st July 2005 while Cork was the European Capital of Culture, and lasted six months. The second began in January 2006. These residents are profiled here.

Each year a writer or artist who has successfully applied for the residency will, for six months (beginning July), live in the residency cottage at Rathcoola, in Donoughmore which is approximately seventeen miles north west of Cork city.

As well as self-contained accommodation, successful applicants will be offered a stipend of $A20000 and a return economy airfare to Cork. Applicants will need to consider their own transport arrangements.