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🌇 Cork Sunset Today: 8:55pm
🌇 Last Wednesday: 8:43pm
I really appreciate the feedback I keep receiving from you all as we surpass the 1200 subscriber mark and continue to grow.
The ‘Bottomless Guinness Hour’ at the Wilton has caught my eye this week, along with the Cork Mela Festival. Might see you at both!
You can respond to this email with any thoughts, news, or ideas for the direction of the newsletter. Enjoy the bank holiday!
• Follow Cork Circle on Instagram for updates during the week.
New Business Openings
🍽️ Namak (Now Open On Emmet Place)
New Indian restaurant focused on authentic flavours, slow-cooked curries and handmade breads, using locally sourced ingredients.
Discounts & Deals
Cork Circle Exclusive: 10% off selected Mahers Coffee with our code CIRCLE10
Shop Mahers Coffee
💸 The Wilton Grand Opening Deals
The Wilton | Thu Apr 30th | 6pm–late | 🎟 Free (registration required) |
Complimentary food and drinks, a bottomless Guinness hour, free hats for the first 100 visitors, plus giveaways including a €1,000 fuel voucher and €200 Saints & Sinners voucher.
Building Tools For Cork
The Cork gym comparison site is now set to launch on Wednesday, May 13th. Looking forward to sharing it with you and hearing your feedback!
For new joiners, here’s a thread explaining what we’re going to build.
On a separate note, I mainly focus on one-off events in the newsletter, so regular weekly things like trad sessions and classes aren’t usually included. I’m thinking of building a filtered page for these — would you use it?
Would you use a page for weekly recurring events in Cork (trad sessions, yoga, classes)?
What’s On This Week
Across the Week
🎶 Cork International Choral Festival
Various venues | Wed Apr 29th – Sun May 3rd | 🎟 Various |
City-wide festival featuring gala concerts, competitions and performances from leading choirs, bringing five days of live choral music to Cork.
🎷 Ballydehob Jazz Festival
Ballydehob | Apr 30th–May 4th | 🎟 Various |
Five-day festival with concerts, a village-wide music trail, street performances, circus, dance and late-night sessions, celebrating its 20th year.
Wednesday April 29th
🎬 The People's Picturehouse Cork – April Showcase
The Pav | 7pm–10pm | 🎟 €5–€10 |
Evening of local short films showcasing emerging filmmakers and creative talent from Cork.
🎼 Opening Gala Concert - Choral Festival
Cork City Hall | 8pm | 🎟 €25–€30 |
Festival opener featuring a large-scale youth choir performance, with choristers from Dublin and Cork performing works by Britten and Stobart.
Thursday April 30th
🍷 The CourtYard Wine Club: 3 Wines & 3 Tapas Night
The SouthGate | 6pm–7:30pm | 🎟 €40 |
Guided tasting evening pairing three wines with three tapas dishes, hosted by The Wine Taster in a relaxed, small-group setting.
🧠 Humans in the Loop: Pints & Perspectives
Dwyers of Cork | 6pm–8pm | 🎟 Free |
Networking evening with short talks and discussion on AI, knowledge sharing and keeping human connection at the centre of work.
🎨 Open Walls Cork Art Market
Nudes Craft & Cocktail Bar | 6–11pm | 🎟 Free |
Evening art market featuring local artists, prints and jewellery, with DJs playing into the night after the market.
⚽️ Social Football (Over 30s)
Nemo Rangers, Douglas | 7pm | 🎟 €6 per night |
Casual 6 and 7-a-side games for players looking to play without committing to a league (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
🧠 Table Quiz hosted by Boo Boo Oopsie
The Liberty Bar X Resistance | 7:30pm–11:30pm | 🎟 From €11.70 |
Quiz night fundraiser for Cork Community Pride with trivia, team games and a lively, social atmosphere.
🎶 Black Voices
Cork City Hall | 8pm | 🎟 €25–€30 |
Globally acclaimed female a cappella group performing spirituals, jazz and traditional songs.
📚 The Bookshelf Live with Ryan Tubridy
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €35–€40.50 |
Live podcast recording where Ryan Tubridy explores the books that shaped his guest’s life, with audience interaction.
😂 Killian Sundermann: Killian Dollar Baby
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €29 |
Stand-up show from one of Ireland’s fastest-rising comedy stars, known for his online sketches.
Friday May 1st
☕ RedFM Coffee Shop Rave
Sam’s Coffee, Togher | 7am–9am | 🎟 Free |
Early morning coffee shop rave hosted by RedFM Breakfast in support of Focus Ireland, with live DJ set (Stevie G) and broadcast.
💻 Discover Digital #1
Triskel Arts Centre | 1pm–2:30pm | 🎟 €5 |
Live talk and demo from Niall Austin on AI, interactive storytelling and hybrid eGaming.
🌿 Walk on the Wild Side
Glenbower Wood (Killeagh) | 3:30pm–5pm | 🎟 Free |
Guided nature scavenger hunt exploring local plants, wildlife and seasonal stories, suitable for all ages.
🎲 Cork LGBTI+ Community Game Night
South Parish Community Centre | 5:30–7:30pm | 🎟 Free |
Board games and social evening open to the LGBTI+ community, with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
🎶 Joshua Burnside
Cyprus Avenue | Doors 7pm | 🎟 €22.50 |
Experimental folk artist performs songs from his latest album, blending acoustic balladry with poetic storytelling.
🎶 Chamber Choir Ireland
Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne | 7:30pm | 🎟 €30 |
Ireland’s flagship vocal ensemble performs under conductor Gabriel Crouch as part of the Cork International Choral Festival.
🎷 Curtis Stigers
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €36 |
Live performance from the acclaimed singer and saxophonist, featuring pop, soul and jazz hits alongside storytelling from his career.
🎷 Anita Williams – The Sound of Jazz
Kino Events House | 8pm–11:30pm | 🎟 From €11.23 |
Intimate live jazz night featuring Anita Williams in a relaxed, atmospheric setting.
🎧 Peter Vogelaar with Conor Walsh & Róisín McGrath
Triskel Arts Centre | 8pm | 🎟 €18–€20 |
Immersive live ambient and experimental electronica performance with piano, drums and layered soundscapes as part of May Fest.
Saturday May 2nd
🏉 Heineken Kinsale 7s Rugby Festival
Kinsale RFC | Sat May 2nd – Sun May 3rd | 🎟 From €37.93 |
Ireland’s largest rugby 7s festival with 80+ teams competing across the weekend, alongside a lively social and party atmosphere (18+ only).
🧘 Bealtaine Mini Retreat
Hidden Sauna, Castlemartyr | 11am–3pm | 🎟 €59.97 |
Wellness retreat featuring yoga, meditation, sauna, cold plunge and a Bealtaine ritual, followed by a vegan brunch in a nature setting.
🎶 The Wood of O
Maureen’s | 3pm–4:30pm | 🎟 Free (suggested €15) |
Tipperary folk trio blending acoustic guitar, harmonies and storytelling, performing in an intimate afternoon session ahead of upcoming festival dates.
🎶 Fleischmann International Trophy Gala Session 1 + 2
Cork City Hall | 3pm + 8pm | 🎟 €20–€25 |
Prestigious choral competition featuring top amateur choirs from around the world performing in a live concert setting.
🕺 Club 30
Cyprus Avenue | 6pm–10pm | 🎟 €11 |
Early evening club night for over 30s playing 80s, 90s, 00s and current hits, with rooftop bar access and a more relaxed finish time.
🎸 The WU + Guests
Fred Zeppelins | 8pm–11:30pm | 🎟 €10 |
Live gig from rising band The WU, with support from Strand and Trainwreck.
😂 Shirley Valentine
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €25–€28 |
Norma Sheahan stars in this one-woman show about rediscovery, as Shirley escapes routine life for a trip to Greece.
🎸 Dezperado – Eagles Tribute (Fundraiser)
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €28
Live tribute to the Eagles featuring a full band and brass section, raising funds for MS Ireland Cork Branch.
😂 May Weekend Comedy Special
City Limits Comedy Club | 8:45pm | 🎟 €20–€22 |
Stand-up night featuring top Cork comedians including Paul Crowley and Micheal “The Bar” Roche, with special guests.
🎧 Ukrainian Party
Wavelength Rooftop Bar | 11pm–2:30am | 🎟 €14.30–€22 |
Late-night club event with DJ Barberina playing a mix of Ukrainian and international hits across house and club genres.
🎧 Klubbheads
Cyprus Avenue | 11pm–2:30am | 🎟 From €16.50 |
Dutch dance duo behind 90s/00s hits like Klubbhopping bring their signature hard house sound for a late-night club set.
Sunday May 3rd
🏃 Singles Run Day
Marina Market | 10am–12pm | 🎟 Free |
Social group run for singles with a relaxed pace, warm-up session and optional coffee afterwards to meet new people.
🎶 Cork International Choral Festival Trail – Elizabeth Fort
Elizabeth Fort | 12–3pm | 🎟 Free |
Live choral performances as part of the festival trail, bringing music and visiting choirs to the historic fort.
🌍 Cork Mela
Fitzgerald’s Park | 1pm–5pm | 🎟 Free |
Cultural festival celebrating global music, food and creativity with live performances, workshops and activities for all ages.
💬 Speed Dating for Catholics (25–45)
The Kingsley Hotel | 5pm–7:30pm | 🎟 €30 |
Speed-dating event for Catholic singles, with proceeds supporting a school tuition fund in Kenya.
✏️ Chaos Life Drawing
Triskel Arts Centre | 7pm | 🎟 €13 |
Life drawing session with Fringe performers posing in character, mixing art with live performance (BYOB).
🎶 Niamh Bury Live
Greywood Arts, Killeagh | 7:30pm | 🎟 €15 |
Live folk performance from rising Irish artist Niamh Bury, blending traditional ballads with original songs from her debut album Yellow Roses.
🎸 Showaddywaddy
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €35 |
50th anniversary show from the legendary rock & roll band, performing classic hits.
🎶 Sunday Times with Sinéad & Ar Ais Arís
The Savoy | 8pm | 🎟 €17.50–€20 |
Bank holiday club night featuring Berlin-based DJ Sinéad and Ar Ais Arís with a mix of electronic sounds.
🎧 Alan Fitzpatrick
Cyprus Avenue | Doors 10pm | 🎟 €25 |
Leading UK techno artist known for high-energy sets and global festival appearances, bringing a mix of techno, house and club sounds.
Monday May 4th
🎬 The Early Films of George A. Romero
Triskel Arts Centre | Mon May 4th – Wed May 6th | 6pm | 🎟 €11 |
Screenings of Night of the Living Dead, Season of the Witch and The Crazies, showcasing Romero’s early horror films.
🎤 Fair Play Open Mic
The Roundy | Doors 7:30pm | 🎟 Free |
Open mic night with instruments provided, welcoming performers and audience for a relaxed evening of live music and creativity.
🎸 Guy Davis
Coughlan’s | 7:30pm | 🎟 €17.50 |
Grammy-nominated blues and folk artist blends storytelling with roots, blues and acoustic performance.
Tuesday May 5th
🎼 Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra
MTU Cork School of Music | 7:30pm | 🎟 Free (going fast) |
Orchestral programme featuring Mendelssohn, Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Kseniia Yershova, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.
🎬 Cine Club: Double Bill
Firkin Crane (Musgrave Theatre) | 7:30pm | 🎟 Free (€5 donation welcome) |
Screenings of Dance Stories by Laura Murphy and Risa by Kate Weare, exploring the lives and experiences of dancers.
💸 Sober Lane Quiz Night
Sober Lane | 8pm | 🎟 Free |
Table quiz with free entry, perfect for groups looking for a casual night out with prizes and a bit of competition.
🎭 Agnes of God
Cork Arts Theatre | Tue May 5 – Thu May 7 | 8pm | 🎟 €18 |
Stage production of John Pielmeier’s acclaimed drama exploring the story of a young novice accused of a shocking crime.
Events For Kids
🌿 Messy Play in the Wood
Glenbower Wood (Killeagh) | Sun May 3rd | 10am–12pm | 🎟 Free (last few tickets) |
Sensory outdoor play session for ages 1–5 exploring textures, sounds and nature through creative, hands-on activities.
🎪 Boggle Circus Skills Workshop
Ballydehob Community Hall (Outdoor) | Sun May 3rd | 1pm | 🎟 Free |
Outdoor circus workshop for children with juggling, plate-spinning and hula-hooping as part of the Ballydehob Jazz Festival.
🎨 Paint Your Canvas & Mask
Potteria | Mon May 4 | 10:30am–11:30am | 🎟 €18.90 |
Creative art session where kids design and paint their own canvas and mask (adult supervision required).
Planning Ahead
🎙️ Doireann Garrihy – The Laughs Of Your Life Live!
The Everyman | Thu May 7th | 8pm | 🎟 €45 (selling fast) |
Live podcast show from the popular broadcaster, featuring stories, conversations and audience interaction.
🌮 Bakestone x Tiger Balm Club – 5 Course Cinco De Mayo Pop-Up
Bakestone Café | Sat May 9th | 7:30pm | 🎟 €65 |
Five-course pop-up dinner inspired by Mexico, featuring dishes like aguachile, ceviche and handmade chorizo, alongside the launch of Chido Beer.
🍴 Ballymaloe Festival of Food
Ballymaloe, Shanagarry | Fri May 15th – Sun May 17th | 🎟 From €16.20 |
Three-day food festival with pop-up dining, talks, workshops, live music and a focus on local produce and sustainability.
Old Cork
This photo shows the junction of Patrick Street and Winthrop Street in the 1960s, now a pedestrianised area. The single-screen Lee Cinema sits in the centre, showing The Redeemer, while Cash’s department store (now Brown Thomas) is visible alongside R. Cudmore’s on the right, a long-established fruit and veg shop.
Image attribution: Anthony Barry Photographic Archive
