We beg to differ! We’ve had a few scorchers over the past few days and we’ve already gone into full summer mode. This mainly involves packing our schedule with some of the many exciting events and festivals coming our way this summer. Of course, things are certainly heating up in our boutique hotel too. We have opened our brand new, reimagined Greenes Restaurant. Tried it yet? Come visit! The décor alone will have you transported to another world!
Anyway, what’s going on in Cork this summer? Why should you come here? Allow us to give you a tiny flavour of what to expect!
1. Live at the Marquee: May 23rd-June 25th:
Does anything scream summer like some live music from some of the world’s top performers? In the Rebel City, we know that sometimes the weather won’t be on our side so we like to inject some fun and colour to our music gigs with a huge marque taking up residence at the Marina. Some of the gigs heading our way include the Sugababes, the Coronas, Gavin James, Van Morrison and Bryan Adams, not to mention a four-hour big disco to rock your summer nights away.
2. Virgin Media Park Concerts: June 14th-June 29th:
As if Live at the Marquee wasn’t enough- the Virgin Media Park have thrown themselves into the music ring with its own range of stellar performances coming your way including Take That, Sting, Becky Hill, Cian Ducrot and Shania Twain. That impresses us very much!
3. Hysterical Histories: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until September 14th:
For those that are looking for a more educational experience but still want to have a laugh and enjoy some Irish food, a night at this comedy theatre experience will have you laughing out loud whilst discovering the highlights of Cork’s rich 1500-year history along with some live music and colourful characters. Due to popularity, early booking is highly recommended.
4. Cork Harbour Festival: 1st June-10th June:
One of Cork’s most popular festivals and Ireland’s largest celebration of maritime culture, Cork Harbour Festival returns with a splash this summer with over eight events taking place across the city and surrounding areas including dragon boating, kayaking, walks, talks, sea shanties and of course, the flagship event- Cork’s Ocean to City Race-Ireland’s premiere long-distance rowing race attracting participants from all around the world on the 8th of June.
5. Cork Carnival of Science: 8th-9th June:
A weekend of discovery awaits both young and old with this free festival taking place in the stunning grounds of Fitzgerald’s Park, which will be transformed into a 12-acre science super park. Ireland’s biggest outdoor STEM event, expect over 45 different STEM based activities, 26 live seated science shows, street cuisine, a gigantic playground, an animal roadshow, interactive stands and much more.
6. Cork Midsummer Festival: 12th-23rd June:
Here in Cork City, we love the arts and this annual multi-disciplinary arts festival showcases some of the very best Ireland and the world has to offer with its mixture of local, national and international artists including theatre, dance, music, opera, visual arts as well as an eclectic programme of street art and free events.
7. Beach Days:
The Rebel City is blessed with access to some of the country’s best beaches with Fountainstown, Garretstown and Youghal being three of our favourites (all accessible by bus too). Pack up a picnic, hope on a bus or take a leisurely drive for a day by the sea.
8. Walks:
Summer is a great time of the year to get out and about. Whether you want to stay local and lounge around the pretty grounds of Fitzgerald’s Park, watch the sunset at the Lough, or take in the sights at the Marina with a trip to Blackrock Castle, there is a walk to suit every age and level of fitness.
9. Coastal Towns:
One of our favourite things about living in Cork is that you really do have the best of both worlds. Not only is our city a thriving and vibrant urban centre with world-class bars, restaurants and galleries but should you wish to escape it all for a day, you can easily catch a breath of fresh air in nearby Kinsale (possibly one of the most colourful fishing towns in Ireland), Cobh (with its doomed history of the Titanic), Spike Island and Ballycotton.
10. Delicious dining:
After all that exploring, you will undoubtedly need to refuel at some point. Allow us to present you with two of Cork’s best dining options: our brand new-Greenes Restaurant, newly reopened with a fresh new look and an exciting new menu to tempt you. Alternatively, choose from some tapas-inspired, small plates at Cask Bar, Ireland’s number one cocktail bar. Did we mention that we are the home of Cork City’s only waterfall? What better way to while away a summer’s evening than in our courtyard!
