Cork Views: 'Bishop Lucey Park will sparkle over the coming weeks with Corkmas events'

It’s prompted debate and discussion, but people have been voting with their feet and flocking in huge numbers to enjoy the new, reimagined Bishop Lucey Park. And it’s set to shine as we count down to Christmas.

Thousands of people will visit and interact with the park in a new way over the coming weekends when it plays a central role in the city’s wonderful Corkmas celebrations.

It will host free family-friendly pop-up festive animations and will, for the first time, serve as a new public space through which people can comfortably and safely move - from the Ferris wheel on Grand Parade to new festive events which will be held on the public plaza outside the historic Counting House on South Main Street, where the public realm has benefited from a complete regeneration.

The redesign of Bishop Lucey Park was never about change for the sake of change - it was about creating a vibrant, inclusive, and modern public space that reflects Cork’s identity as a forward-thinking European city.

The park, and that new public space around it, will all come into their own over the coming weekends and we invite everyone, even the park’s critics, to visit and experience the park as it has been designed to function - because we built it for everyone.

Much of the criticism over the last week or so has focused on nostalgia rather than facts.

Some of the criticism has also been based on incorrect information – it DOES have water fountains, it DOES have bins, we DIDN’T concrete over all the grass, there are public toilets next door, alongside the city library - with some critics even admitting they hadn’t even visited the park themselves before commenting.

The old park, while beloved, had become dated and underutilised.

It must be remembered that the tall buildings on the Tuckey Street side of the old park overshadowed the former grassed areas, preventing grass from growing properly in some places, and leading to large muddy patches in other grassed areas at certain times of the year. A dark narrow laneway on the western side had been closed off to the public for some time.

Critics have overlooked the extensive, open and transparent public consultation process that informed this project. The design was made public, feedback from local businesses, residents, and community groups shaped the design, which was then voted upon by city councillors, in public, and approved.

The new design prioritises accessibility, sustainability, safety and functionality, ensuring that the park serves the needs of residents and visitors for decades to come, and will act as a stimulus for business and cultural activity, and breathe new life into this part of the city.

The design emphasises open sightlines, improved safety, and better integration with surrounding streets. It isn’t a park designed in isolation - it’s a park designed for people and as a key element to delivering the wider city centre vision.

The decision to open the new park ahead of Christmas, and before some minor works had been complete, was deliberate and strategic.

Cork’s Christmas celebrations are a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and economic calendar, drawing thousands of visitors to the city centre, who in turn support city centre businesses.

By ensuring the park was open before Christmas, the city created a new focal point for festive events, encouraging footfall and supporting local businesses during the most critical trading period of the year.

The accelerated timeline was not about cutting corners - it was about delivering value when it mattered most.

Opening before Christmas was a bold decision that required co-ordination and commitment. The result is a park that is ready to serve the city during its busiest season, proving that Cork can deliver ambitious projects under pressure.

This new public space of ours will sparkle over the coming weeks as part of Corkmas.

The Corkmas Christmas Market opened on Emmet Place last weekend, transforming the area into a bustling winter wonderland of seasonal food, crafts, gifts and festive experiences, featuring beautifully decorated wooden chalets, artisan producers, and talented local makers.

Visitors can expect everything from handmade gifts to delicious winter treats - a perfect pitstop for supporting local and soaking up the festive spirit at the heart of the city.

The market will run Thursdays to Sundays until December 22.

The beloved Corkmas Santa Experience also returns to the market from today, offering families a magical meeting with Santa Claus every Friday to Sunday until December 21 (pre-booking is essential).

The iconic Ferris wheel and vintage carousel will once again illuminate Grand Parade from this weekend, offering twinkling views over the city and adding to the festive buzz.

And from December 6, a range of pop-up family events will be staged in the new park, and in the new plaza in front of the historic Counting House on South Main Street, thanks to BAM which has agreed to allow the temporary use of the plaza for a range of exciting festive activities.

The two locations will stage an exciting programme of workshops, live music, performances, kids’ activities, and festive surprises.

Bishop Lucey Park will burst into festive life with activities for children and families, including craft workshops; a kids’ festive disco; Santa’s helpers and roaming circus entertainers; festive drumming sessions; creative sessions with Cork Community Art Link; fun Christmas games including magnet mazes, candy-cane limbo, and reindeer ring toss; and family circus workshops where you can learn juggling, hula hooping, plate spinning and more in a warm, joyful Christmas atmosphere.

The Counting House Plaza will become Cork’s ultimate festive hang-out with performances, music, dance, and community celebrations across a number of nights.

On Saturday, December 6, it will host big sounds, big rhythm, and big festive fun with music from Barrack Street Brass Band, The Kabin Crew, Boola Boom and Grooveline.

And on Sunday, December 7, the acts will include Cork Sings Christmas with Choral ConFusion, The Munster Quartet, Voices of Cork Choir, Emma Nash (operatic soloist), Cork School of Dance, The Sing Along Social – A Very Merry Craicmas and Music Generation Collaboration.

• For full programme details, visit www.corkmas.ie.