'It's our busiest weekend of the year': Cork businesses geared up for bumper jazz weekend 

Pubs, hotels and restaurants are set for a bumper weekend in Cork for the Guinness Jazz Festival and say they don’t expect the forecasted rain to dampen spirits.

The annual festival, which got underway on Wednesday and continues until Monday, is expected to bring more than 100,000 visitors to Cork.

It is worth an estimated €45 million to the local economy.

Michael O’Donovan, owner of South Main Street’s Castle Inn and president-elect of the VFI, told The Echo, that bars and hospitality business would “take a fair share of that”.

“It’s our busiest weekend of the year, it’s really the start of the busy Christmas period which runs until the new year.”

Rain is forecast for a large portion of the weekend.

However, Mr O’Donovan said “every year we’re used to it raining, but the weather has never dampened a jazz weekend before!

“We have stock, staff and entertainment ready to go, so hopefully over the next few days everyone will be out to enjoy themselves and get home safe afterward.”

'A chance to get new people in'

Ernest Cantillon, owner of Sober Lane, said that because the jazz weekend “is so all-consuming here, you forget this bank holiday isn’t that big a deal for the rest of the country”.

“It’s one of the few weekends where you see a massive influx of Dublin people coming to Cork instead of the other way around!

“The jazz weekend is probably second only to Christmas in terms of business,” Cantillon said.

“People bar hop, go to bars they don’t usually go to, so the opportunity for us is to say: ‘Hey, you like the jazz weekend, why don’t you come back next weekend?’. It’s a chance to get new people in.”

Mr Cantillon said he believes people will come out, whatever the weather.

“The weather last year was pretty brutal, there were floods — streets like Oliver Plunkett St, which is the mecca of jazz, got particularly hammered — but even then, people still largely go out.”

He added: “We’re very excited in Sober Lane, we’re all set with lots of DJs and live music.

“Because we’re on the edge of town, you get people starting their days, we get a lot of afternoon and tea time sessions, by midnight we’re winding down — I’m not envious of the people who’ll be open until two o’clock!”

Economic ripple effect 

Sandra Murphy, group brand and communications manager for Trigon Hotels, said that festivals such as the jazz festival are vital for local businesses, not just in the hospitality sector but across the board.

“During the day, cafés, restaurants, and shops see increased footfall as festival-goers explore Cork’s unique offerings,” she said. “In the evening, our bars, hotels, and entertainment venues come alive with music.

“The Metropole Hotel itself transforms into a central hub of activity, where live jazz performances draw in crowds to celebrate this cherished tradition.

“The economic ripple effect of the festival extends far beyond the performances, bringing significant revenue to a wide array of businesses and providing an essential boost for the city.”

The Metropole Hotel has been at the centre of the festival since its inception in 1978, Ms Murphy said, adding: “It’s more than just an event for us; it’s a tradition that brings our community together.

“Each year, we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors who come to immerse themselves in the world of jazz, experience Cork’s warm hospitality, and make lasting memories.

“Of course, the Cork Jazz Festival weekend is known for its unpredictable weather, with the occasional shower adding to the mix.

“But, as anyone who has attended will tell you, the rain never dampens the spirits of festival-goers.”