Definitely a few to add to the list!
2024 is well and truly underway, and with it comes a whole host of exciting festivals and events across the city and county.
From food and music festivals to sculpture trails, sailing events, outdoor adventures, science extravaganzas and scare attractions, make this a year to remember by adding some of these top festivals and events to your 2024 calendar.
- ALL YEAR: Island City – Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail, Cork City
Take a stroll through Cork city and check out the stunning new Island City, Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail, which only just launched in December (2023).
Illuminating Cork City’s unique heritage in an arresting, intriguing and playful way, the unique cultural trail of five public artworks reinvigorates public spaces for locals and visitors alike. It includes prehistoric artefacts brought to life in 3D, a large crafted table where people can eat, play and socialise, a lane-length overhead sculptural piece that responds to the shifting shape of the city, an art nouveau crafted lamp-post that encourages people to look up and explore the architecture as they navigate through the city, and a light installation that highlights stories of Cork’s past, present, and sustainable future.
The five artworks include: Sentinels [flew through the ages in the shape of birds] on Carey’s Lane By Niamh McCann; Boom Nouveau on Cook Street By Forerunner; The Face Cup at The Exchange Building, Princes Street/Oliver Plunkett St. By Fiona Mulholland; Urban Mirror on Cornmarket Street (Coal Quay) By plattenbaustudio; Tempus Futurum at Triskel Christchurch By Brian Kenny.
You can download your trail map on www.corkcity.ie/islandcity
- MAY 1-5: Cork International Choral Festival, Cork
As one of Europe’s premier international choral festivals, Cork International Choral Festival is noted for its high standards, eclectic and wide-ranging programme, and the friendliness of its welcome. The event, which is the city’s largest international festival, has been held annually in venues across the city, centering around the City Hall, since 1954.
Cork will again welcome visitors and choirs from across Ireland and the world for a programme of Gala concerts, Schools Concerts, National and International Competitions, and world-class performances. The city’s streets, restaurants and bars are also always full of choral joy, so it’s a great weekend to experience Cork.
For more see www.corkchoral.ie
- MAY 27 – JUNE 3: Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Waterford and Cork
Experience an exhilarating week of opera, classical music recitals and concerts, schools and free events, pop up events, dining and more at incredible homes and stunning historic venues throughout the Blackwater Valley at Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival. The festival has something for everyone whether you’re a classical fan or are just looking for a glamourous evening out.
This year’s highlight will be four performances of G.F. Handel’s Giulio Cesare in the grounds of Lismore Castle, Co. Waterford. Also don’t miss the Dromore Yard concerts series or the 2024 festival finale, a Antonio Vivaldi Concert with the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Nicholas McGegan.
Free BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals will bring the magic to local communities in Lismore and Dungarvan, Waterford; Youghal, and Castlemartyr in Cork for the very first time. More than 21 events will take place over eight days – and in excess of 5,000 visitors are expected.
For more see www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie
- JUNE: Cork Carnival of Science, Cork City (dates tbc)
Ireland’s largest outdoor science engagement event, Cork Carnival of Science, takes place at Cork City’s Fitzgerald Park, supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland. Cork Carnival of Science features more than 50 exhibitors and live science shows, offering non-stop, family-friendly experiments, interactive activities, games, street cuisine and a packed line-up of live entertainment all with a science or S.T.E.M theme!
Enjoy making your own batteries, LEGO building with Learn it Ireland, meet exotic creatures, check out the inner workings of robots, extract DNA from a banana and create a bang with Chemists from UCC. While dates are yet to be confirmed you can lightly pencil this one in for a weekend in early June.
For more see www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-carnival-of-science/
- JULY 15-19: Volvo Cork Week, Cork
Preparations for the 2024 edition of Volvo Cork Week in partnership with Johnson and Perrott are already well underway! The bi-annual Volvo Cork Week makes for an unrivalled spectacle in Cork Harbour with a carnival atmosphere descending on Crosshaven and nearby coastal villages.
This legendary week of yacht racing has always attracted a large number of national and international entries since its inception and the famed warm welcome and unparalleled entertainment has prompted entries to return from afar. If you are a sailing enthusiast or just want to catch a glimpse of exciting maritime action this ones for you!
For more see www.corkweek.ie/
- AUGUST 14-18: Cork on a Fork Fest, Cork City
Cork on a Fork Fest is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Cork’s food culture as the city showcases its culinary excellence, unique dining experiences, and quality local produce over 5 days of incredible food, unique events, talks, demos and festival fun.
Visitors will hear about the city’s fascinating food history and food future, and sample incredible food from the region’s vast growers and producers, all while enjoying a host of exclusive dining and entertainment experiences in this authentic and multicultural food destination. It is organised and supported by Cork City Council in partnership with local hospitality businesses, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association, Cork Airport.
For more see www.corkcity.ie/cork-on-a-fork-fest.
- OCTOBER 4-10: Space Week Ireland, national
Funded by Science Foundation Ireland and coordinated by MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, Space Week Ireland, helps ignite a passion for space science and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, coincides with World Space Week and is the nation’s premier celebration of space exploration and science.
Over the week, the public can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, throughout the country.
For more see www.spaceweek.ie
OCTOBER 24-28: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork
Ireland’s biggest and longest established jazz event and has taken place annually since 1978. Each year the festival attracts hundreds of musicians and many thousands of music fans to the city for a feast of jazz of all kinds.
You can expect a stellar line-up of Irish and international musicians and emerging talent who are pushing the boundaries of the genre. Add to that pop-up events, late night parties, boat trips, collaborations and brass bands marching through the city streets, and you can see why it’s one of Ireland’s most popular festivals. The dates for 2024 are 25-28 October and you’ll have to wait until closer to the time to see what kind of headliners will be performing!
For more see www.guinnesscorkjazz.com