St Patrick's weekend brings significant tourism boost for Cork city

Businesses in Cork have enjoyed a busy St Patrick’s weekend so far, and with a bumper crowd expected for today’s parade, the city’s tourist season is set to get off to a flying start.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, told The Echo there is a palpable air of anticipation among the City’s business community.

“There are lots of tourists around,” he said. 

“There is and has been a great buzz in the city. I’m delighted that so many people have come to visit us. The parade is set up to be a great event.

“My thanks for those who have spent so much time preparing for this highlight of the city’s year.”

Positive

Cork Business Association president Dave O’Brien said lots of businesses would benefit. “The feeling is very positive; it’s always a great buzz during a long weekend,” said Mr O’Brien.

“We’re expecting one of the biggest crowds ever for the parade, and hoping for a safe and prosperous day for everyone. This weekend marks the start of the tourism season for the hospitality sector, so it will be a good weekend for them, and with respect to retail we’re hopeful it’s been a strong Saturday and Sunday, and Monday will continue like that.”

Ernest Cantillon, owner of Sober Lane, said that the weekend has fallen particularly nicely this year.

“It’s a bit more spread out than usual, which is good, because a full pub can only be so full. Sober Lane is as much a food business as a drinks business, and while you can almost fit infinite people into a pub at Paddy’s weekend, for food you only have so many tables," said Mr Cantillon.

Busy

“Cheltenham was on during the week so there was a bit more life than usual, Friday night we had people out after work, Saturday was busy as there was rugby on. Sunday is busy because people don’t have work the next day, and we’re heavily booked for Monday for food during the day.

“So the weekend has fallen excellently, there’s a different reason to come out every day whereas sometimes you get a big rugby match on St Patrick’s Day and it’s kind of all rolled into one day," he added.

"For us, St Patrick’s Day itself isn’t the crazy day it used to be, not as hectic. The days of people being in the pub for 12 hours downing pints of Guinness, maybe it’s happening elsewhere but we don’t see it as much anymore, which makes a more sustainable business for us," said Mr Cantillon.

“It’s been a really nice few days in town, lots of American people around and customers who would normally be in at night time bringing their kids in, it’s lovely to meet their families.”