Annual Lord Mayor walkabout visits Cork businesses

Cork retailers noted strong footfall and trade as well as increased Garda presence during the Cork Business Association’s annual city centre walkabout with Fianna Fáil councillor Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork.

The annual initiative is designed to champion businesses that contribute to the heart and character of Cork, from global firms to independent boutiques, cafes, and historic bars.

Mr Dennehy joined Cork Business Association (CBA) president Dave O’Brien for the walkabout, visiting a range of businesses. They stopped at a variety of premises, meeting teams and hearing feedback on trading conditions.

A CBA spokesperson said they met with an overwhelmingly positive response, many of those they met noting strong footfall and trade, a visible Garda presence, and significant improvements in street cleansing across the city.

The walk began on Lapps Quay at WTW, a global advisory and broking company with a base in Cork. From there, the group visited Clancy’s Bar on Princes St — one of the city’s oldest bars, recently revitalised through a major renovation.

Next on the route was First South Credit Union on the South Mall, a long-established financial institution that has served Cork people for decades. Mr Dennehy then continued to Oliver Plunkett St to meet the team at Sheena’s Boutique, a much-loved independent fashion retailer and long-time supporter of CBA initiatives. The group then walked to Patrick Street to visit Brown Thomas, a cornerstone of Cork’s retail landscape and a key member of CBA’s retail working group.

On Perry St, Mr Dennehy stopped at the newly opened Bakestone Café, and admired the new mural by David Shillinglaw, one of the artists in residence for the 10th Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival. The tour concluded at Fifth Quarter, formerly Paul Street Shopping Centre, which is undergoing a major transformation, with a plaza set to open in 2026.

CBA president Dave O’Brien said it was an “absolute pleasure to accompany the Lord Mayor today to visit some of our amazing businesses here in Cork city”.

“This walkabout is always a highlight of the year for teams, as it shines a light on the many businesses that work tirelessly to make Cork the very best city."