What's on this week: Folk festival and hit play in Cork

For almost half a century, the Cork Folk Festival has found a groove in the city’s musical soul - and the 2026 edition starts today, October 8, running to October 11.

Highlights include Máirtín Ó Connor, Cathal Hayden, and Seamie O’ Dowd performing at the Triskel Arts Centre, and the Lee Valley String band at Coughlan’s Bar, both on opening night. Plus, John Spillane and Altan are at the Triskel on Friday.

There are also walking tours, events at the city library, and lectures. See the packed programme at corkfolkfestival.com

Moving on, and after its return to the West End and four smash-hit seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe, Myra’s Story is coming to Cork next week.

It will be staged at The Everyman from October 13-14. Tickets are on sale now.

Myra, played by acclaimed actor Fionna Hewitt-Twamley. has fallen on hard times and is now homeless on the streets of Dublin.

Through her vivid, virtuoso performance, Hewitt-Twamley plays a variety of unforgettable larger-than-life characters, recounting the hilarious and heart-wrenching events that have led her to this point in her life.

A thought-provoking story that resonates with us all, through its humour and compassion.

Writer Brian Foster said: “Since its inception, the play has built up a phenomenal fan base across the nation and I can’t wait to bring it back to Cork.’’

Meanwhile, at the Everyman tonight, October 8, Leslie Dowdall and Flo McSweeney unite for the first time in Natural Women – a celebration of timeless music and female friendship.

Comedian Emma Doran’s show at the Everyman on October 9 is sold out, but you can see music with the 80s Icons Show there on Saturday, October 10, and Joe - The Magician Live on Sunday, October 11.

Over at the Opera House, musician Declan O’Rourke is in the house tonight, October 8, and tribute band Qween will be rocking the joint on Friday, October 9.

The music continues at the venue this weekend, with Thunder Rolls - A Garth Brooks Tribute on Saturday, October 10, and The Four Italian Tenors on Sunday, October 11 - blending heartfelt passion with virtuosic talent, their performances have earned international acclaim.

You can see comedian Alan Davies’s show Think Ahead at the Opera House on Monday, October 12, while next Wednesday, October 14, it’s Rob Lamberti – Perfectly George: a celebration of George Michael as you experience the magic, the music, and the legacy of the icon of the ’80s and ’90s.

If you fancy a scare in the lead up to Halloween, check out the Spike Island - After Dark tours.

A guided exploration of the spooky island and its prisons, followed by a show by renowned mentalist and escape artist, Dean Jacob. Over 18s. Every Friday and Saturday in October, plus shows on other days at the end of the month. See www.spikeislandcork.ie

There is also plenty to see at the Briery Gap in Macroom in the coming week, starting with comedian Áine Gallagher on Thursday, October 8. Catch author and birdwatcher Seán Ronayne there with his show Untold Sounds on Friday, October 9.

Tadhg J Devery’s unhinged new comedy show, Pints, Dentures & Rock ’n’ Roll, is at the Briery Gap on Saturday, October 10.

Hunters Moon Theatre Group’s production of John B Keanes play The Field can be seen at the Ballymaloe Grainstore on Saturday, October 10. When widow Maggie Butler decides to sell the field her neighbour, the Bull McCabe, has been renting, all hell breaks loose.

Finally, after hosting several folk festival events, the Triskel shows three of film director Claude Chabrol Chabrol’s most notable works from October 12-14: La Femme Infidele, Les Biches, and Le Boucher.