Cork Views: Cocktail Week set to add buzz to city bars
After proving a success in Dublin, Cork Cocktail Week is coming to the Rebel city this month, says ALI GRAVES, who explains how dozens of bars will take part in the jamboree
Let the good times roll, as Cork Cocktail Week is set to make its debut in the city, bringing you the dreamiest cocktails, inclusive mocktails, and even delicious food deals.
Get ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through the the event, which runs from Friday, February 20 to Sunday, March 1.
Cork will transform a dark and gloomy time of year into a vibrant playground for cocktail enthusiasts, offering a blend of experiences, unlimited discounts, and exclusive deals.
It’s a big food and drink celebration, and there are lots of reasons why you should get involved.
The 10-day extravaganza will feature some of the city’s most renowned restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs, each bringing their unique flair to the celebration.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a casual sipper, there’s something for your entire party to enjoy. And if last year’s summer event in Dublin is anything to go by, Cocktail Week will be big news for Cork’s hospitality economy.
The Dublin event saw 5,216 wristbands sold across 38 participating venues, who in turn reported up to 50% sales increases across their whole cocktail menus. Furthermore, 82% of Cocktail Week customers stated the event improved their perception of Dublin’s hospitality businesses overall.
How to unlock the magic
Anyone with a Cork Cocktail Week wristband will be able to take advantage of the several delicious discounts that will be available.
All venues will offer cocktails from €7 and some will have discounts on food bills, two-for-one drinks and more.
The most exciting part though? Discovering each venue’s signature cocktail exclusively for the event’s wristband wearers.
Grab a Great Gatsby from the Monk Cocktail Bar, The Passion-Zoo from The Black Dog, or how about the Midnight Margarita from Coqbull – a must-try for margs connoisseurs.
With fun flavours and mixes for everyone across all venues, you’ll be spoiled for choice as you head into the local bars.
For designated drivers and those who just fancy something a little softer, there’s great news. New to the nationwide event for 2026, visitors can enjoy a delicious signature mocktail option in each venue, too.
Pinky Promise at Moxy, a Wise Choices at Costigans Pub, or manifest summer vibes with a Watermelon Entice from Aye.
Either way, sober partygoers won’t have to stick to lemonade.
If you’re quick, you can take advantage of the early bird wristbands priced from €9.95 plus a booking fee, advance tickets are €12.95 plus booking fee, and the final release is priced at €14.95 with booking fee.
There is also a discount for groups of four or more, with tickets just €6.95 each, plus booking fee. All wristbands can be purchased online at corkcocktailweek.com
Cork’s city centre is thriving and the venues signed up for this debut event are fan favourites - and it’s not just cocktails where visitors will save. The River Club is offering 15% off all food and drinks, Clancy’s Cork are offering a Burger & Cocktail deal for €17, and you can unlock 10% off food at the Moxy, too. Just flash that wristband!
Cork Business Association are the event partners of the experience, and president, Dave O’Brien, is thrilled.
“Cork Cocktail Week perfectly reflects the vibrant and ever-evolving cocktail scene in our city,” he said.
“The level of talent, creativity and passion among the teams behind the bar is exceptional, and this event is a brilliant opportunity to showcase that.
“With 31 outstanding bars participating across the city centre, there is a fantastic mix of venues for people to explore and enjoy.
“Cork Business Association is delighted to be associated with an initiative that supports our hospitality sector, and I would encourage everyone to pick up a wristband, get out into the city and show their support for this incredible industry.”
Marketing firm, M.ad Agency, are responsible for several Cocktail Week events across the country, and director Alice Christison, is looking forward to bringing the celebration to the city of Cork for the first time.
She said: “After the successes of Dublin Cocktail Week that we ran last summer, I’m thrilled to bring all the fun to Cork for its debut event.
“It’s a truly fantastic opportunity to celebrate the city’s incredible bars and restaurants while offering locals and visitors an unforgettable experience.
“I just know it will be hugely popular and so much fun for everyone.”
For more information on Cork Cocktail Week and to purchase tickets, visit corkcocktailweek.com
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