Cork Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland)

Events in Cork range from one of the world's largest jazz festivals to more intimate local celebrations, and often relate to the long struggle for independence centered in the region and the patriots who led it. Regattas, agricultural shows and horse events also feature strongly in this rural and marine region.

One of the biggest things to do each year in Cork is to watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade, an annual extravaganza held on March 14th, with an explosion of related activities all over the city. Visitors arriving for the St. Patrick's Day festival can expect Irish marching bands, carnival floats, street entertainment, parties, shops decorated with green flags and shamrocks, and even green beer in the pubs.

Cork Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st, a national holiday in Ireland and a chance to relax after the partying the night before

February

• Trad Fest - hosted by the Traditional Irish Music Society of the University College, held Monday to Friday and including everything from live music demonstrations and concerts at venues such as An Spailpin Fanac and the O'Riada Hall UCC, to lectures and composition competitions
• French Film Festival - late February, designed to unite the different cultures and generations, often attended by leading French actors and screenwriters

March

• St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 14th, celebrating Ireland's patron saint. This is the country's most important festival. The streets of Cork and its pubs, clubs and restaurants are full of the Irish having noisy and frequently alcohol-fuelled fun. Don't expect to get to bed early, if at all!
• Cork Lifelong Learning Festival - late March, including workshops, seminars, tutorials and performances aimed at learners of all ages, hosted in venues across the city

April

• Cork World Book Fair - coinciding with World Book Day (April 23rd), featuring a grand parade in addition to the large exhibition full of local and international books

May

• Labour Day (Lá an Lucht Oibre) - first Monday in May, a national holiday often referred to as 'May Day' (Lá Bealtaine)
• International Choral Festival - famous for most of its 50-odd years, attracting top choirs from across the world, with competitions, concerts, fringe events and much more

June

• Clonakilty Agricultural Show - taking place at the showground every June, with livestock and craft exhibitions, a carnival, fun fair, music, concerts and more
• Ocean to City An Mas Mor - early June, an annual boat race which brings together all kinds of traditional boats for a race from Crosshaven to Lapps Quay, in the city centre
• Midsummer Festival - last two weeks in June, with visiting performers from across the world and everything going on. A real don't-miss
• Bord Gais Energy Cork City Marathon - first week of June , with a team relay to suit those who can't go the full distance of 26.2 miles, and make it to the grand finish in St. Patrick's Street

July

• Castletownroche's July Steam Rally Vintage and Threshing Festival - the title says it all, especially for fans of old steam-driven agricultural machinery!

August

• Irish International Morris Minor Rally - early August, bringing together owners and enthusiasts of these iconic cars for a fun week of festivities

September

• Bartlemy Horse Fair and Show - held every September, celebrating Ireland's love for the horse and including a gymkhana and dog show
• Midleton's East Cork Early Music Festival - focusing on baroque and medieval music in historic locations, with local and international performers
• Munster Lit - a long running short story competition that is much loved by local yarn-spinners

October

• Clonakilty - late October, celebrating Samhain, the ancient pagan rite of the dead. This is a wild and amazing festival with Irish music, drumming, eating and drinking
• Cork International Film Festival - attracting movie buffs from all over with its eclectic showings of the best of international and home-produced movies, documentaries and short films
• Guinness Cork Jazz Festival - a premier jazz event, running from 24th to 27th October and held in pubs and venues in Cork, attracting 1,000 performers and over 40,000 spectators
• Beamish Cork Folk Festival - suiting those more in favour of traditional music. This event is nothing short of a veritable feast for the ears, featuring plenty of excellent 'diddly aye' music from local bands and others across Ireland

November

• Corona Cork Film Festival - the county's largest and longest running film event, featuring local and international films, documentaries and shorts

December

• Christmas - festive celebrations include choir concerts, seasonal markets and partying on Christmas Eve (Oiche Nollag)
• New Year's Eve (Oiche Chinn Bliana) - December 31st, parties are held all over the city, mainly at nightclubs and hotels, seeing in the New Year in Irish style. Occasionally a fireworks display is held at midnight, but not every year