12 great festivals to attend in 2024 - in Cork and beyond
Yachts racing off Roches Point lighthouse at the mouth of Cork Harbour at Volvo Cork Week in 2022
1. 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 launched in December.
Illuminating the 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.
Download the trail map on www.corkcity.ie/islandcity or see @IslandCityCorkSculpture on Instagram.
2. MARCH 22-24: Wander Wild Festival, Killarney, Kerry
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or like to slide into the weekend with some mindfulness, this has something to suit all wanderers. Attendees have the chance to explore new adventures and recharge amidst stunning scenic landscapes.
Dive into the refreshing waters, embark on hikes up mountains or climbs along ridges, discover the national park by horseback, swim or kayak on the picturesque lakes, enjoy a therapeutic wellness activity, or savour sustainable local cuisine on a food trail.
See www.wanderwildfestival.com/
3. APRIL 19-21: West Waterford Festival of Food, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
A showcase of the food of the region, as well as hosting some of the country’s top chefs, fresh flavours, interesting influences and good ideas. There is something for everyone - a full children’s programme, foraging trails, bus tours, cooking demos, dining experiences from high end to very casual.
Taste the best of the county at various markets, culminating in the famed Festival Market on Sunday when over 100 stalls fill the town centre with local and Irish artisan food.
www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/
4. MAY 1-5: Cork International Choral Festival, Cork
As one of Europe’s premier international choral festivals, this is noted for its high standards, eclectic and wide-ranging programme, and the friendliness of its welcome. The event has been held annually in venues across the city, centring on 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.
5. MAY 27 - JUNE 3: Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Waterford and Cork
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.
This year’s highlight will be four performances of G.F. Handel’s Giulio Cesare in the grounds of Lismore Castle, Co. Waterford. Free BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals will bring the magic to communities in Youghal, and Castlemartyr in Cork for the first time.
More than 21 events take place over eight days. See www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie
6. JUNE: Cork Carnival of Science, Cork city (dates tbc)
Ireland’s largest outdoor science engagement event takes place at Fitzgerald Park, with 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 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. See www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-carnival-of-science/
7. JUNE: Tunefest Dungarvan (dates TBC), Co. Waterford
An emerging trad music festival that attracts world-class musicians to the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan. The event will bring together some of the most talented traditional Irish musicians and singers from Waterford, around the country, and overseas for one incredible weekend of top-class traditional music and fun. See www.tunefest.ie
8. JULY 15-19: Volvo Cork Week, Cork
The bi-annual event provides 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, For more, see www.corkweek.ie/
9 AUGUST 14-18: Cork on a Fork Fest, Cork city
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 with unique events, talks, demos and festival fun.
See www.corkcity.ie/cork-on-a-fork-fest.
10. OCTOBER 4-10: Space Week Ireland, national
Funded by Science Foundation Ireland and coordinated by MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, this helps ignite a passion for space science and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Over the week, people can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, throughout the country. See www.spaceweek.ie
11. OCTOBER 24-28: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork
Ireland’s biggest and longest established jazz event has taken place annually since 1978. Each year the festival attracts hundreds of musicians and thousands of music fans to the city for a feast of jazz of all kinds.
12. MONTH OF OCT: The Nightmare Realm, Dublin
Ireland’s only indoor scream park! The Nightmare Realm entertaina thousands of Irish and international visitors and is hailed as one of the best in the haunt industry.
App?
