Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more.
🌇 Cork Sunset Today: 9:37pm
🌇 Last Wednesday: 9:28pm
Cork Circle just hit 2,000 subscribers, so thanks again for sharing and supporting the newsletter.
This week, I’d recommend starting with the Cork Harbour Festival link, as there are far too many events across the festival to cover one by one.
The Cork City Marathon is the other big one this weekend, with runners taking over the city on Sunday morning.
We’ve another ticket giveaway for you this week too.
• Follow Cork Circle on Instagram for updates during the week.
Win 2 Tickets to Hermitage Green in Kinsale
Kinsale Folk Festival has given us 2 tickets for Hermitage Green at St. Catherine’s Church, Kinsale on Friday June 12th at 8pm.
The tickets also include entry to the afterparty at The Blue Room.
To enter, just reply to this email saying: Hermitage
For extra entries, you can also head to our Instagram giveaway post, follow @corkcircle.ie and @kinsalefolkfestival, like the post, and tag who you’d bring. If you’re entering on Instagram too, include your handle in your reply.
Entries close on Tuesday June 2nd at 1pm and we’ll contact the winner shortly after.
Congrats to Julie, who won last week’s giveaway!
Discounts & Deals
Cork Circle Exclusive: 10% off Mahers Coffee products with code CIRCLE10
Shop Mahers Coffee
✈️ Cork Airport Flight Deals Found This Week
Palma - €65 (usually €185+)* | 📅 Jun 9–17 | View fare →
Alghero - €76 (usually €290+)* | 📅 Aug 22–29 | View fare →
*“Usually” means the lowest typical fare Google Flights shows for similar trips that month.
Building Tools For Cork
Gymcork.ie - We added another 20 gyms to the directory, including some missing hotel gyms and their amenities. Used any Cork gyms? Share your experience to help make the directory more accurate and useful.
What’s On This Week
Across the Week
⚓ Cork Harbour Festival
Across Cork City & County | Sat 30 May–Mon 8 Jun | Various times |
Ten-day festival celebrating Cork’s maritime heritage with over 100 events including harbour activities, live music, workshops, talks and family events.
Wednesday May 27th
🎶 Alan Stivell – Heart & Soul – Croí agus Anam
Live at St Luke’s | Wed 27 May, 8pm | 🎟 From €33.22 |
Breton harpist and Celtic music pioneer Alan Stivell performs a multilingual concert blending folk traditions from across the Celtic world.
🎬 The People’s Picturehouse Cork | May Showcase
The Pav | 7pm–10pm | 🎟 €5–€10 |
Showcase screening featuring a selection of short films from local Cork filmmakers.
💸 Eoin McGee: How to Tackle Your Finances
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €37 |
Financial expert Eoin McGee shares practical advice on budgeting, debt, mortgages and building better money habits in this live finance talk.
Thursday May 28th
💼 Selling at Scale Training with Dr. Maria Coakley
Republic of Work | 10am–2:30pm | 🎟 Free |
Hands-on sales growth workshop for SME founders and managers focused on scaling revenue, pipeline systems and sales processes.
🎨 Gormleys Art + Soul: Exclusive Preview Evening
Castlemartyr Resort | 6pm–10:30pm | 🎟 €120 (last few tickets) |
Exclusive evening of contemporary art, artist Q&As and fine dining at Castlemartyr Resort’s Gormleys Art + Soul exhibition preview.
🎶 Gig For Gaza
Wavelength Rooftop Bar | 7pm–11pm | 🎟 €11.70 |
Fundraiser gig featuring live sets from Waveflyer, Ní Jackeen and Nightdress in support of Gaza relief efforts.
🎶 Simply The Best – Tina Turner
Cork Opera House | 8pm | 🎟 €37 |
Rebecca O’Connor brings Tina Turner’s biggest hits to life in a live tribute show backed by a full band and dancers.
😂 Jokes for Stroke
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €31 |
Fundraiser comedy night hosted by Chris Kent featuring a lineup including Ross Browne, Andrew Ryan and Cornelius O’Sullivan in aid of Cork Stroke Support.
Friday May 29th
☕ Female Founders Breakfast: Cork
Culture Coworking | 9:30am–11am | 🎟 €15–€25 |
Networking breakfast bringing together female founders and entrepreneurs for collaboration and business support.
🏛️ Cork in Focus: A Pre-Budget Conversation with An Tánaiste Simon Harris
The Everyman | 10am–11:45am | 🎟 Free–€22.42 |
Business and finance panel discussion with Simon Harris exploring Ireland’s upcoming budget, economic priorities and Cork business issues.
🎹 Dances in the Gallery
Triskel Arts Centre | 1pm | 🎟 €10–€12 |
Cork PianoFest concert featuring works by Chopin, Prokofiev and Rachmaninov performed by emerging pianists from MTU Cork School of Music.
🎧 WE RAVE THE OLD WAY – Rave in the Kitchen
Kino Events House | 5pm–10pm | Free |
Old-school rave night at The Kino Cafe featuring hard house, acid and underground club sounds inspired by classic kitchen raves.
🤠 Ballydehob Country Music Festival
Ballydehob | Fri 29 May–Mon 1 Jun | Various times |
Village-wide country music festival featuring live bands, dance nights and gigs across bars and venues throughout Ballydehob.
🎪 Daredevil Circus Mitchelstown
Mitchelstown | 7pm–8:30pm | 🎟 €13.85 |
Travelling circus show featuring stunt motorbikes, monster trucks and family-friendly live entertainment.
😂 Fern Brady
The Everyman | 8pm | 🎟 €30 |
Scottish comedian Fern Brady brings her latest stand-up show I Gave You Milk to Drink to Cork with support from Mark Maloney.
🎶 Dublin City Ramblers
Sea Church, Ballycotton | 8pm–10pm | 🎟 €20 |
Irish folk group Dublin City Ramblers celebrate 50 years of music with a live show featuring classic ballads and traditional songs.
🥁 Mike Joyce – The Drums Book Tour
The Savoy | 8:30pm | 🎟 €31.07 |
Former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce discusses his new memoir sharing stories from his years with one of Britain’s most influential bands.
🎧 Nightmares on Wax & Boola Boom
The Bodega | 10pm–late | 🎟 From €20 |
Heineken Green Light event featuring Warp Records pioneer Nightmares on Wax alongside Cork electronic act Boola Boom.
🎧 SPRAY
Cyprus Avenue | 11pm–2:30am | 🎟 €19.26–€22 |
Berlin-based Irish producer SPRAY brings euphoric trance and Ibiza-inspired club sounds to Cyprus Avenue.
Saturday May 30th
🎉 Blackrock Village Race Day
Blackrock Pier | 9am–2pm | Free |
Race-day celebrations at Blackrock Pier with a food market, circus performers, live music and family-friendly activities along the waterfront.
⚽ Kit Con Éire
Marina Market | Sat 30 May–Sun 31 May | 9:30am | 🎟 €5–€25 |
Two-day sports kit convention featuring rare football shirts, private collections and vendors selling soccer, GAA, rugby and American sports apparel.
🛠️ Ladies DIY Skills Class
Clayton Hotel Cork City | 10am–4:30pm | 🎟 €129 |
Hands-on beginner DIY workshop covering shelving, tiling, plumbing and basic electrical skills in a full-day practical class.
🚣 Ocean to City – An Rás Mór
Cork Harbour to Cork City | From 11:30am | Free |
Ireland’s largest multi-craft rowing and paddling race returns with more than 200 boats travelling through Cork Harbour before finishing at Lapp’s Quay.
🛍️ Peach Vintage Is Two
Peach Vintage Clothing, Midleton | 12pm–6pm | Free |
Peach Vintage celebrates its second birthday with DJs, street food, giveaways and vintage shopping in Midleton.
🥂 The Only Bottomless Brunch in Douglas
The Village Douglas | 1pm–3pm | 🎟 €46.02 |
Bottomless brunch with cocktails, unlimited prosecco, food and live DJs at The Village Douglas.
🏍️ Adrenaline Arena: Motorcycle Trials Live
Marina Market | 1pm + 2pm + 3pm | 🎟 €6.34 |
Live motorcycle trials show featuring elite riders performing balance stunts and obstacle runs at Marina Market.
🤼 RCW: The SuperX
The Pav | 6pm–9pm | 🎟 From €25.11 |
Rebel County Wrestling returns with its annual SuperX event featuring wrestlers from Ireland, Europe and Mexico competing for RebelX Gold.
🎶 Aslan
Seachurch, Ballycotton | 8pm–10:30pm | 🎟 €30 |
Irish rock band Aslan return to Ballycotton with new frontman Lee Tomkins performing classics including “Crazy World” alongside newer material.
🎶 Molly O’Mahony + Louis Cormack
Briery Gap, Macroom | 8pm | 🎟 €20–€22 |
West Cork singer-songwriter Molly O’Mahony launches her new album Waiting On The World with support from folk artist Louis Cormack.
🎸 The Men From Manhole
Cork County Cricket Club | 9pm | 🎟 €15 |
Members of cult Cork band Manhole reunite for a live show launching a crowdfunder for a new animated film inspired by the band’s music.
🎧 Tarkno
The Pav | 11pm | 🎟 €14.20 |
Vinyl-only techno night with Australian DJ Tarkno alongside support sets from RiaStartha and Tiarnola.
Sunday May 31st
🏃 Cork City Marathon
Across Cork City | From 8:15am |
The Cork City Marathon returns with full marathon, half marathon and 10K races taking place across the city centre.
🍽️ Low Intervention Sundays
L’Atitude 51 | 3pm–8pm | Walk-ins only |
Seasonal pop-up from chef Pádraig Nagle and forager Epi Rogan serving Asian-influenced dishes with wild Irish ingredients and natural wine.
🎧 BIG BANKER Day Edition
Urban Social | 5pm–10pm | 🎟 From €11.70 |
Bank holiday Sunday club event from AFTRS with DJs and late-afternoon party sets at Urban Social.
🎶 ELO Experience – Showdown
Cyprus Avenue | 7pm–10:30pm | 🎟 €24.76 |
Seven-piece tribute show celebrating Electric Light Orchestra with live strings, harmonies and classic hits including “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Evil Woman”.
🎧 Justin Robertson + Marq Walsh
The Savoy | 8pm–late | 🎟 €22.43 |
Manchester DJ and producer Justin Robertson brings an eclectic club set spanning acid house, dub and electronic music alongside Marq Walsh.
😂 Neil Delamere – Reinventing the Neil
Ballymaloe Grainstore | 8pm–10pm | 🎟 €37.27 |
Neil Delamere returns with a new stand-up show packed with fast-paced storytelling, audience interaction and sharp observational comedy.
🎻 Kinsale Trad Fest – The Main Event
White Lady Hotel, Kinsale | 8pm–11:30pm | 🎟 €33.15 (last few tickets) |
Headline trad festival show featuring The Rising, Barry Tierney and Máire Ní Churraoin with live Irish music and dance performances.
🏳️🌈 Slay at Le Cabaret
Le Cabaret | 9pm–2:30am | 🎟 From €9.55 |
New LGBTQ+ club night featuring a live set from Ger Ahern followed by DJs and late-night dancing at Le Cabaret.
Monday June 1st
💰 Lap The Lough
The Lough | 11am–1pm | 🎟 Donation-based |
Community fundraiser aiming to circle The Lough with €1 and €2 coins in aid of Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club.
🧘 Pilates & Paws
Marina Market | 11am–12pm | 🎟 €19.20 |
Pilates session for dog lovers combining stretching, socialising and post-class refreshments with your furry companion.
🎻 Musical Miscellany
St Michael’s Church, Blackrock | 6:30pm–7:30pm | 🎟 From €11.70 |
The Haven Quartet performs an eclectic programme ranging from Bach and folk music to Beatles classics and contemporary pieces.
Tuesday June 2nd
🎨 One Drop, A Continuous Ripple: Kelly Salchow MacArthur
The Glucksman | 1pm–2pm | 🎟 €6.34 |
Artist talk with Olympic rower and graphic designer Kelly Salchow MacArthur exploring environmental art, design and her work inspired by the River Lee.
🍝 Ravioli Workshop at Don Gregorio
Don Gregorio | 6pm–8:30pm | 🎟 €54.60 |
Hands-on pasta workshop teaching guests how to make, fill and cook fresh ravioli from scratch.
🎸 Guitar in the Park (Beginners)
Fitzgerald Park | 7pm–8:30pm | 🎟 €12 |
Outdoor beginner guitar class focused on simple songs, basic techniques and group playing in Fitzgerald Park.
Events For Kids
🎨 First Steps! Art and Nature for Early Years
The Glucksman | Sat 30 May | 10am–11am | 🎟 €15 |
Art and nature class for toddlers and parents featuring gallery visits, outdoor walks and hands-on creative activities.
🛝 Let’s Play Cork – Port Side Playground
Kennedy Quay | Sat 30 May, 2pm–5pm | Free |
Family-friendly pop-up play area with maritime-themed games including giant Jenga, tug of war and pirate-inspired activities as part of the Ocean to City celebrations.
🎨 Saturday Art Club: Acrylic Painting
The Glucksman | 2pm–3:30pm | 🎟 €59.97 |
Three-week acrylic painting course for young artists aged 10–13 exploring colour, brushwork and painting techniques inspired by gallery artworks.
🎭 Make Your Own Puppet
Arts at Civic Trust House | Sat 30 May | 2pm–4pm | 🎟 €15 |
Sea-themed puppet-making workshop for all ages as part of Cork Harbour Festival, with materials and guided crafting included.
Planning Ahead
🎶 Folk Nights with Hermitage Green
St Catherine’s Cultural Centre, Kinsale | Fri 12 Jun | 8pm | 🎟 €45–€50 |
Hermitage Green celebrate 15 years together with an intimate folk show in Kinsale, followed by an afterparty at The Blue Room.
⛴️ Summer Boat Party 2026
Republic of Work | Fri 26 Jun | 4pm–8pm | 🎟 From €40.55 |
Republic of Work hosts a summer boat party with welcome drinks, DJ sets and a 2.5-hour cruise around Cork Harbour.
🍽️ The Big Table Mixer – Marina Market x Cork on a Fork
Marina Market | Fri 14 Aug, 6pm–9pm | 🎟 €47.10 |
Alcohol-free communal dining event featuring dishes from Marina Market traders, non-alcoholic cocktails and music from Stevie G.
Old Cork
This photo was taken on Oliver Plunkett Street, looking up towards Grand Parade in the 1960s.
Image attribution: Anthony Barry Photographic Archive
