'A bit of Christmas magic': Ice skating rink and festive experience opens on Cork's North Main St

Onice has found a new home and has brought The Winter Gathering experience to North Main St Shopping Centre.

After three successful seasons in Cork, and having previously operated out of the Marina Market, the new chapter for Onice is expected to rejuvenate an area of the city that has suffered from reduced footfall since the closure of Dunnes Stores in 2016.

Shutters on vendor fronts that had remained closed for most of the past 10 years rolled open last weekend as the shopping centre experienced a new lease of life thanks to the arrival of Onice.

The move brings ice skating, food vendors, and festive fun together in the central location, with parking available in the same building and the city’s shops, restaurants, and Christmas attractions all within walking distance.

Onice founder Jason Williams said the move to North Main St marks an exciting new chapter, bringing The Winter Gathering to the heart of Cork’s Christmas celebrations.

“We’re delighted to be moving to our new home on North Main St, right in the heart of the city,” Mr Williams said.

“The Winter Gathering is about bringing families and friends together for a skate, something to eat, and a bit of Christmas magic. There’s always a great buzz in Cork at Christmas, and we’re excited to be part of it again this year.”

North Main St Onice manager Frank McCarthy said: “We’ve taken over the event space here; we have the rink, and we have food on site, but we have also brought in vendors. We’ll also be doing Christmas market pop-ups on the weekends all through December. It’s an all-in-one experience for everyone.”

Onice will also be working closely with the soup kitchen located at the North Main St Shopping Centre site, as well as with Barnardos and Cork Simon, for whom there will be a Christmas jumper day held over the coming weeks.

Cork Business Association (CBA) president Clara O’Neill said they are “delighted” to see Onice open its city centre location, which she said is “particularly welcome news for North Main St, where the CBA has been working alongside local businesses and Cork City Council to support the ongoing revitalisation of the area”.

Richard Pratt of Bmor, owner of North Main St Shopping Centre, acknowledged his excitement to see “fresh energy” being brought to the centre.

The Winter Gathering by Onice is now open and will run until Sunday, January 3. Advance booking is recommended, particularly at weekends and during the Christmas holidays.

Visit www.Onice.ie/locations/cork.