Cork Harbour Festival to return later this month with more than 100 events 

Cork Harbour Festival will return for its 10th anniversary from May 24 to June 2 this year, with over 100 events.

As Ireland’s largest celebration of maritime culture, the festival’s unique highlights include ‘Songs of the Sea’ with Cork Singers Club, ‘Seal Rescue Volunteer Training’ with Seal Rescue Ireland, and ‘A Taste of Yachting’ with Sail Cork.

Across the 10 days, festival-goers can enjoy kayaking, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, power boating, or take a relaxing boat tour. 

On land, they can join guided walks, heritage tours, storytelling sessions, art exhibitions, theatre performances, or take part in a beach clean-up or a smokehouse tour.

There will be festivities in locations including Cobh, Crosshaven, Myrtleville, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy, Whitegate, East Ferry, Passage West, and Cork city sites such as University College Cork, Lapp’s Quay, Blackrock, Lee Fields, Crawford Art Gallery, and Nano Nagle Place.

Ocean to City — An Rás Mór, the festival’s flagship event, celebrates its 20th anniversary on Saturday, May 31. 

It will see over 500 competitors and 200 boats from across Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, and beyond taking on a 28km course through Cork Harbour to Cork city.

Lord Mayor Dan Boyle said Cork City Council is proud to support the festival: “As we mark the 10th edition of this vibrant festival and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Ocean to City — An Rás Mór, we honour the maritime spirit that flows through our city and harbour.

“This festival brings together heritage, creativity, and physical activity in a way that is both inspiring and inclusive. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to engage with Cork’s unique maritime culture, to explore our historic waterfront neighbourhoods, and to enjoy a wide range of family-friendly and community events,” Mr Boyle said.

“Whether you’re taking part on the water or cheering from the shore, I encourage everyone to get involved and be part of this special celebration of Cork’s maritime heart.”

Registration to take part in Ocean to City — An Rás Mór closes May 16 for rowers and May 23 for paddlers at oceantocity.com.