Trio of summer festivals reap €5.5m boost for Bantry area

Research into the economic impact of West Cork’s summer music festivals has shown that the events benefited the Bantry area to the tune of more than €5.5m.

The independent Economic Impact Assessment of the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, West Cork Literary Festival, and Masters of Tradition in 2024 was carried out by Professor Eleanor Doyle of Cork University Business School at UCC.

Increase

It further stated that this years’ event’s success represents a 45% increase on the economic benefits seen in 2023, as for every euro of public money invested, an additional €9.94 in economic impact was generated.

“The findings are really encouraging,” said West Cork Music CEO, Francis Humphrys.

“It’s been a challenging few years for festivals and for our area, and we continue to face issues with rising costs and static funding, but we are delighted that our festivals make a substantial contribution to the success of our town and region.”

Based on box office data and audience research surveys, the findings suggested that the impact on jobs in the local area was equivalent to 47 full-time positions, and further reflected a sharp growth in visitor numbers, as more than 5,500 people attended three festivals this year, with ticket sales increasing by 20% year on year.

Impact

It also showed that audiences spent more than €2.8m on accommodation, catering, and local services, up 30% on 2023.

“These figures also give a sense of the impact we will be able to produce when we have a venue and education hub in operation year-round,” added Mr Humphrys.

“West Cork Music is currently finalising designs for a 250-seater arts venue and education hub in the heart of Bantry.”

The 2025 West Cork Chamber Music Festival will run from June 27 to July 6; the West Cork Literary Festival will take place from July 11 to 18 and the Masters of Tradition will run from August 20 to 24.

For more details on the festivals and venue development project visit https://www.westcorkmusic.ie.