Cork Council approves more than €270,000 for festivals and events

Cork County Council has approved funding of up to €272,000 for 63 festivals and events under the Local Festival and Event Fund (LFEF).

The fund, delivered by the local authority with support from Fáilte Ireland, plays a key role in supporting sustainable festival development and attracting visitors to events across the county.

This year, the council received 90 high standard applications seeking over €706,000 in funding, which significantly exceeded the available budget.

Of the successful applications, 55 small to medium-scale festivals and events will share €125,000 in funding, while eight large-scale festivals and events have been allocated €147,000 to deliver projects with strong regional, national and international appeal.

Festivals supported under the scheme span the entire calendar year and include a wide range of cultural, music, food, sporting, and family-focused events across all municipal districts.

Events allocated funding under the scheme include the Spike Island Literary Festival, which was awarded €6,000, the All Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships, which was also awarded €6,000, the Malloween Festival, awarded €5,000, and the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, also awarded €5,000.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley said she is “delighted to see such a diverse range of festivals and events supported through the LFEF in 2026”.

“These events are at the heart of our communities, celebrating local culture, creativity, and heritage while attracting visitors and boosting our local economy,” she said.

“This investment demonstrates Cork County Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities and enhancing the county as a destination.”

Cork County Council CEO Moira Murrell said the LFEF “continues to be a vital support for organisers across Cork county”.