What's on in Cork for the week ahead: Plenty of theatre, plus light show and ice as Yuletide nears

The first signs of Christmas have reached Cork. The Holly Bough is out, the shops are decking out - and some festive attractions have now opened in Cork.

Wonderlights at Fota House is a marvellous walking route through an array of bright and sparkling illuminations, an ideal night out for all the family.

Bring your camera to capture the moments, and don’t miss the talking tree or the giant screen story playing out on the walls of Fota House.

This dazzling display opened last week, and will run to December 29.

Entrance is €19.75 to €23.75 for adults, €17.50 to €21.50 for children aged 2-12, and students aged 13-17 get in for €17.50 to €21.50.

Some dates are already sold out. See https://tickets.wonderlights.ie/ for bookings.

There are also two ice skating experiences open in Cork city in the weeks ahead.

Cork On Ice has moved venues this year to the Marina Market, meaning you can have a whizz around on the ice for a 45-minute session, then head for a bite to eat, a coffee and a hot chocolate at one of the food stalls.

Tickets cost €21, with group tickets, birthday parties, and ASD friendly sessions available. See https://iceskating.ie/cork/

There is also ice skating fun to be had at On Ice in North Main Street in Cork city. Prices are €20 adults, €18 children, and €16 for students. See https://www.onice.ie/locations/cork

We’re still a few weeks away from panto season, but there is plenty to see on Cork’s stages in the week ahead.

That classic returning play Disco Pigs continues its run at the Everyman until November 14. It’s about two Cork teenagers whose joint inner world is about to be torn asunder by impending adulthood.

There is a post-show discussion of the play tonight, Thursday, November 12, hosted by Regina Crowley, and an Irish Sign Language performance of it can be seen on Saturday, November 14 at 2.30pm.

Over at Cork Arts Theatre, Girl In The Machine opens tonight, Thursday, November 12, and runs to November 21.

Polly and Owen, a couple in their thirties, have life sorted. But when Owen presents overworked corporate lawyer Polly with a newly released headset, ‘Black Box’, to help her relax, she slides into a potently seductive, potentially deadly, virtual world.

Girl In The Machine, directed by Éadaoin Fox, is the third and final play as part of Cork Arts Theatre’s Re:Directing programme 2026, a series of contemporary plays platforming Cork theatre directors.

There is a feast of live music coming up at the Briery Gap in Macroom, starting with acclaimed singer/songwriter Oisín Leech tonight, Thursday, November 12.

Then it’s Maria Doyle Kennedy in the house on Friday, November 13 - her latest record, Fire On The Roof Of Eden, earned a place in The Irish Times’ Albums of the Year.

One of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting bands, Kíla, then perform at the Briery Gap on Saturday, November 14.

The John B. Keane play, The Long Hungry Farmer, is at the Glen Theatre in Banteer for one night only, on Friday, November 13, with Gerry Guthrie and his Band in the venue on Sunday, November 15.

The Cork International Film Festival takes place from November 13-22, with a host of screenings and other events at various venues - see corkfilmfest.org

Meanwhile, the band Safe From Harm bring their immersive live celebration of ’90s and ’00s trip-hop and electronic music to Sea Church in Ballycotton this Saturday, November 14.

And Cork singer/songwriter John Spillane brings his talents to The Richmond Revival venue in Fermoy on Saturday, November 14.