Cork Jazz Festival a €45m smash hit for local economy

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival has delivered a major boost to local businesses, with many reporting their most successful year yet over the city’s busiest weekend.

More than 500 musicians and 100,000 revellers from home and abroad filled Cork’s streets and stages, generating an estimated €45m for the local economy.

Festival director Mark Murphy said: “What a weekend. There were so many sold-out shows. Highlights included Nubya Garcia, Lee Fields, Sienna Spiro, Daniel Herskedal, James Holden, Khakikid, Maverick Sabre, Cymande, and so many more.

“The Guinness Music Trail has also been a massive success, with venues packed to capacity.

“And the Big Fringe drew record crowds, filling the streets with incredible energy.”

Cork Airport welcomed legions of visitors, with communications manager Barry Holland saying: “The October bank holiday is one of the busiest weekends of the year at Cork Airport, with over 62,000 arriving and departing passengers this year, up 12% year-on-year.

“We’re really proud that the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival experience begins as soon as visitors touch down at Cork Airport.”

Data from Revolut found that, during the festival, in-person card spending across Cork rose by more than 18% on last year’s event. Over 17% more was spent in Cork’s bars, cafes, and restaurants over the 2025 weekend versus 2024, with the figures also 45% more than last weekend.

Michael O’Donovan, president of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland and owner of The Castle Inn in Glanmire, said: “This year exceeded all expectations, with big numbers in the city so early each day.

“It’s great to see everyone dress up and really enjoying the music and fun in the city. Guinness Cork Jazz gives such an economic boost to the pub trade at a vital time each year.”

Philip Gillivan, from The Shelbourne, agreed: “The weekend was up significantly on last year, with the city busy from early in the day. It’s great to see so many people of all ages embracing the festival. There’s a fantastic vibe throughout the city.”

Michael Magner, chairman of the Irish Hotels Federation and owner of Vienna Woods, said: “Since Thursday evening, Cork City has been buzzing with the sound of jazz, and we’ve welcomed visitors from across Ireland and the world.

“This year’s festival has been a huge success. Hotels, bars, and restaurants are all busy. The atmosphere is electric, and even the weather played its part. Congratulations to Guinness and the organisers on another remarkable festival.”

Taxi drivers also benefited from the festival, with a more than 16% uplift in revenues during this year’s event and more than a 78% rise compared to the previous weekend in Cork.

In-person card payments towards ticket sales for the events rose by almost 25% compared to last year’s Cork Jazz.

Dave O’Brien, president of the Cork Business Association, said: “The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is the biggest weekend in Cork City. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and local businesses all get a welcome jazz uplift, and have seen a surge in trade this year.”

Chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said: “Cork City Council is proud to support the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. It’s one of the city’s longest-running and largest festivals and not only showcases incredible music, including local musicians, but it also highlights the city’s hospitality, vibrant culture, and night-time economy.”

The festival is sponsored by Diageo and supported by Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council, and Cork Airport.