The one-week final countdown is on as Cork City prepares for 5 days of feasting and fun this August 16th-20th. Cork on a Fork Fest will see Cork city transformed into one big food festival during the jam packed 5-day programme which features more than 100 tasty events and experiences to savour.
Whether you want to taste your way through the city on a food trail, take part in unique culinary experiences at a pop-up event, learn a new skill at a talk or workshop, enjoy live entertainment at a street event, or feast on the finest local food, there will be plenty to see, do and devour. With some events close to capacity or already sold out, and with just one week left, it’s time to make a booking to avoid disappointment.
The full programme of free and ticketed events is available on www.corkonaforkfest.ie and you can also now view an ‘Events at a Glance’ overview which will help you plan your week.
New events:
A Celebration of Shellfish at Goldie in aid of the RNLI, Thurs 5.30pm or 8.30pm: Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Goldie is serving up a very special Celebration of Shellfish Dinner in their upstairs dining room. You will enjoy the best shellfish Cork has to offer with all profits going to Ballycotton RNLI.
Children’s Food Trail, Fri 18th 11.30am: Food festivals are not just for adults! Cork City and County have a long food history and this food tour for children introduces them to some of Cork's favourite foods. Children can sample child-friendly bites like cheese and spiced beef from The English Market, Cork sausage in a roll, fish bites, ice cream, and baby chinos or hot chocolates made with Cork milk. Everyone can then have fun at the Maylor St Play Street around the corner with giant outdoor games and (limited) facepainting. All fun day out for all.
Workshops at The Butter Museum, Shandon, Fri 18th 2pm-4pm: The Butter Museum is the place to be for families and adults alike on Friday afternoon and they have announced a number of new demos and talks: traditional soda bread and butter, a talk on spiced beef, a talk on traditional sweets from Shandon Sweets, Samosas from Syrian Restaurant, cake tasting with Myo’s cafe, a butchering workshop and more.
Of Irish and Oysters - a Salty History of Shuckin’Around and Irish Culture, Fri 4pm: Patrick McMurray - Oyster Sommelier & Champion Shucker Patrick McMurray will host a fun and free talk at the Festival Stage in Crawford Art Gallery Theatre. Topics include. Why eat oysters, Nutrition - and the Famine, Sustainability and today, Irish Cultural heritage, Quality Oysters and growing regions - Appellation Ireland, What is Shucking - the first international Shucking Championship, Pairing Oysters with Local Beverages. Patrick will also host the Cork Oyster Shucking Championship on Saturday evening at The Metropole, along with masterclasses for amateurs earlier that day,
Stories from Cork Butter Road, Sat 19th 10.30am-11.30am: Pop along to the Children’s Library on the Grand Parade to celebrate food through stories with wonderful storyteller Maria Gillen. This is a free family friendly event, suitable for children aged 3+.
Other events not to be missed include:
The Opening Night Street Feast on Princes Street, Wed 16th 6pm: Get a flavour of Princes Street at the Cork on a Fork Opening Night Street Feast, celebrating the tapestry of flavours and experiences found on this vibrant street. An exclusive ticket-only street event with an arrival drink, live music, great food, drink pairings, and a festival atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to kick off the week.
Cork’s Top Chefs face a Rebel City Mystery Box Challenge, Sat 19th 3pm:
Head to the 100-seat Festival Marquee on Emmet Place to witness drama, humour and some serious cooking credentials with three of Cork’s top chefs who will race against the clock to cook and serve up a quickfire dish using ingredients revealed to them for the very first time on stage, sourced from the sea and soil of Cork. Chefs Brian Murray (Glass Curtain), Darren Kennedy (Sage Midleton) and Ali Honour (The Imperial Hotel) will be put through their paces to produce a top-quality dish within a set time, ‘MasterChef’ style and judged by award winning Irish Examiner food writer Joe MacNamee and members of the audience. This event is free and there is no need to book.
Cork on a Fork Vegan Trail: This unique vegan trail is being organised by Fab Food Trails for Cork on a Fork Fest. Their very own vegan guide will bring visitors and locals alike to some great places to eat in Cork City using the very best of Irish produce found in Cork.
Cork on a Fork Fest is putting a key focus on sustainability, and promoting local food and talent, and it features a range of talks and events focused on sustainability.
Established by Cork City Council in 2022 as a celebration of dining and nightlife in the city and the world-class produce found in the wider Cork region, this year’s festival has more than doubled in scale.
Cork city is packed with talented chefs, great places to eat, Michelin rated restaurants, fun pubs, a vibrant outdoor dining scene, and of course the famous English Market. It has a treasure trove of unique dining spaces from historic buildings to rooftop gardens, waterfront venues, converted churches, old forts and jails. It’s also a compact city that’s easy to get around and the Cork region boasts a significant number of Ireland’s artisan producers, so you see why it’s hailed as Ireland’s food capital.
Cork on a Fork Festival is a Cork City Council Festival, supported by local hospitality businesses, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association, Cork Airport, Atlantic Clinical Trials, and media partners the Irish Examiner and RedFM.
The full programme can be found on www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow @corkonafork
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