Cork set to rock in tribute to Rory Gallagher

The banks of the Lee are set to ‘rock for Rory’ again this summer as Cork City Council hosts a free open-air concert celebrating the music and legacy of legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher.

The debut event last year was hugely successful and returns with an expanded programme this weekend, with a free live open-air concert in Fitzgerald Park celebrating Gallagher’s music among the highlights.

The expanded programme for 2026 also includes three new exhibitions, in collaboration with the Rory Gallagher Estate, at Cork City Hall, Cork City Library and Cork Public Museum, showcasing previously unseen memorabilia, personal effects and rare photography.

Cork Rocks for Rory is organised by Cork City Council, in association with the Rory Gallagher Estate.

Eoin Gallagher, Rory’s nephew, said: “We are honoured to support Cork city in continuing to celebrate Rory Gallagher’s legacy. His life and work continue to inspire new audiences and appreciation worldwide.

“For the Rory Gallagher Estate, it is a pleasure to assist his home town showcasing Rory’s music influence and cultural impact to local and international visitors this summer.”

City Librarian David O’Brien commented: “Cork Rocks for Rory enters its second year with a variety of events and an outdoor concert at the Museum.

“It’s wonderful to build on the success of the inaugural event in 2025 and the City Library, Museum and City Hall will all play a part again working with the Gallagher Family to remember and celebrate the Legacy of Rory Gallagher”

Museum Curator Daniel Breen added: “Cork Public Museum is reaffirming its commitment to collecting, exhibiting, and promoting the life and legacy of Rory Gallagher, celebrating both his music and his global influence.

“This year’s exhibition focuses on Rory as a live performer, featuring newly acquired memorabilia and an immersive audiovisual installation.

“Rory’s enduring appeal is rooted in his powerful, mesmerising stage presence and his remarkable ability to connect with audiences whenever and wherever he played.

“With this new exhibition, the museum hopes to capture and share some of that unmistakable ‘live’ magic with visitors.”

Alongside the planned exhibitions and concert, the public is also encouraged to learn more about Rory’s life by exploring the established ‘Stompin’ Ground City Walking Trail’, which allows visitors to discover locations of significance to the Cork musical legend. Maps are available from the City Library.

Events 

Recalling Calling Card - Cork City Library, June 11 - July 4

Marking the 50th anniversary of Rory Gallagher’s 1976 album Calling Card, this special exhibition showcases rare and never-before-seen images by renowned music photographer Michael Putland, who worked with artists including ABBA, George Michael, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, John Lennon, and The Cure.

Putland captured the moments of Rory and his band around Calling Card’s production.

The exhibition also features handwritten lyrics and production notes from Calling Card, faithfully reproduced from Rory’s notebooks during the album’s creation in summer, 1976. Visitors will gain a unique insight into the development of beloved tracks such as Moonchild, Edged In Blue, and Secret Agent.

Additional material - including concert footage, press coverage, album reviews, and promotional content - will provide further context to this milestone in Gallagher’s career.

On the Boards of Cork City Hall: Rory Gallagher & His Band in concert 1974 - Cork City Hall Atrium, June 11 - July 3

City Hall is synonymous with the making of Rory Gallagher’s name as a live performer. This is evident in being the location in part to his most memorable recorded live performance, the album and also film, Irish Tour 74.

Including photo selections being shown for the first time, Cork-based photographer Pat Galvin had access on stage and behind the scenes, to witness the legendary Rory Gallagher concerts on January 3 & 5, 1974, at Cork City Hall.

Complimented by the display of Rory’s first guitar and a rendition of his 1961 Fender Stratocaster, memorabilia and information into the background of Rory’s performances at City Hall will enlighten newcomers to his story and the many that were there for one of his most celebrated performances on record.

Concerts of the Continental Op- Cork Public Museum, June 14 - July 4

Opening on the anniversary of Rory Gallagher’s passing in 1995, Cork Public Museum will unveil new additions to its Continental Op exhibition, part of its permanent collection.

Enhancements include new memorabilia and instruments from the Rory Gallagher Estate, alongside an audiovisual installation showcasing some of Gallagher’s renowned live performances. Visitors will also be able to explore his global influence through recorded testimonials and archival material.

Cork Rocks for Rory 2026 Open-Air Concert - Fitzgerald Park, June 14, 1-6pm, free

Building on the success of last year’s event, a line-up of Cork musicians will once again take to the stage in Fitzgerald Park to celebrate Rory Gallagher’s music.

The concert is curated by Sheena Crowley of Crowley’s Music Centre - where Rory famously purchased his Fender Stratocaster. Tres Hombres, The Crew, Hot Guitars and Dying Breed provide a strong line-up performing some of Rory’s most iconic songs.

This free public event invites audiences to come together and celebrate one of Cork’s most beloved cultural figures. Refreshments will be available on-site.

Cork Rocks for Rory 2026 promises to be an engaging and fitting tribute, as the city honours the Leeside legend through music, memory, and shared appreciation.