This year’s Cork Harbour Festival, 4-14 June, has now come to an end. A huge thanks to all our visitors, event partners and supporters for being part of hugely successful event.
This year’s programme was packed with events on water, on land and on your screen, presenting 15 events online and an incredible 28 activities that festival goers could participate in around Cork City and Harbour.
Don’t worry if you’ve missed some of our digital talks! All online talks and lectures are now available to watch back on the Festival Rewind page, here on our website.
Many of the activities organised by our event partners will continue throughout the summer, including the kayaking, sailing, powerboating, family orienteering and sea safaris – so don’t hesitate in contacting them directly to plan a trip.
On behalf of the Board of Meitheal Mara a sincere thanks to our sponsors: Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Port of Cork and Fáilte Ireland. These organisations are true champions of Cork Harbour Festival and integral to the success of the event.
To stay updated on future festivals, please join our mailing list.
Event categories:
IN-PERSON | ONLINE | ART | FAMILY FUN |
HERITAGE | NATURE | ON WATER | TALKS | ALL EVENTS
Past Events
Upcoming Events
- May 20, 2021 - June 6, 2021
11:00 - 16:00
In association with Sample- Studios. In light of the current worldwide pandemic, Brexit, migration and climate change our island status has been increasingly emphasised. Artists Deirdre Breen, Padraic Barrett, Aoife Claffey and Kate McElroy conducted residencies on Spike Island to create work examining island life which will be exhibited in the Lord Mayor’s Pavilion. Curated (more…)
- June 4, 2021 - June 14, 2021
06:00 - 23:55
In association with Cllr Kieran McCarthy. A stroll down The Marina is popular by many people. The area is particularly characterized by its location on the River Lee and the start of Cork Harbour. Here scenery, historical monuments and (more…)
Venue: The Marina
- June 4, 2021 - June 14, 2021
06:00 - 23:00
Organised by Lee2Sea & Cork Cycling Campaign. For the duration of the 2021 Cork Harbour Festival, why not experience the history and beauty of the Cork’s natural harbour via the proposed Lee to Sea Greenway. Starting from the River Lee’s lovely valley and rolling farmland at Inniscarra Dam, the Lee to Sea follows the river (more…)
- June 4, 2021 - June 14, 2021
09:00 - 12:00
In association with Bishopstown Orienteering. Orienteering events for people of all ages for CHF from Bishopstown Orienteering Club (BOC). Starting times, numbers and meeting locations given to participants after registering for the event. -Friday 4 June Blackrock Castle & Mahon Coast Greenway -Saturday 5 Passage West Greenway -Sunday 6 Rostellan Wood -Monday 7 Currabinny Wood (more…)
Venue: Various locations
- June 4, 2021 - June 28, 2021
09:00 - 17:00
In association with the micro GALLERY & MTU Gallery. MTU Gallery at 46 Grand Parade will host the 2nd Creating Connections Exhibition – Exploring the 5km and Connection, exhibiting the works of MTU Staff, Students & Alumni sharing how they connected with creativity over the lockdown. Sarah Long will show a site specific work in (more…)
- June 4, 2021 - June 14, 2021
10:00 - 17:00
In association with The Crawford Art Gallery Origami Boat Building -You can pick up a starter origami pack with step-by-step instructions at the Crawford Art Gallery, from Friday 11th of June. -We will have 100 individual packs which are free to visitors, on a first-come, first-served basis. -Or use your own materials and follow our (more…)
- June 4, 2021 - June 14, 2021
10:30 - 13:30
In association with Cork Sea Safari. Wildlife & Coastal Exploration 2.5-3 Hrs €50/€40 This tour will take you in a westerly direction from Cork Harbour to view and explore some of Cork’s most spectacular coastline. We’ll hug the coastline at Robert’s Cove, Nohoval & Newfoundland bay in search for a variety of marine bird life, (more…)
Venue: Crosshaven
- June 4, 2021 - June 14, 2021
10:45 - 12:45
In association with Cork Sea Safari. Harbour & Coastline 1.5-2 Hrs €35/€25 An in-debt look at Cork Harbour & all the highlights that make it so special. A knowledgeable skipper/guide will provide an insight into the past and present of all the major attractions including Cobh, Roches Point Lighthouse, Spike Island, Haulbowline, Crosshaven, forts Camden (more…)
Venue: Cobh and Crosshaven
- June 4, 2021 - June 6, 2021
12:00 - 21:00
The Ocean to City – Five Miles From Home is the second leg in the Series, and will take place 4-6 June 2021.
Venue: Various locations
- June 4, 2021
13:00
In association with Sample-Studios. Oileán curator , Sinéad Barrett and artists Deirdre Breen, Padraic Barrett, Aoife Claffey and Kate McElroy in discussion about their work for the exhibition. For bookings see: www.samplestudios.com or on social media: @samplestudios (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 4, 2021 - June 6, 2021
15:00 - 21:00
In association with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. This urban kayaking trip which takes place in the centre of Cork city, highlights the unique history and nature of Cork, “the Venice of the North”. Tour days and times: Thursdays: 15:00-17:30 & 18:30-21:00 Fridays: 15:00-17:30 Saturdays: 15:00-17:30 Sundays: 15:00-17:30 & 18:30-21:00 Special Festival Price: €54 (normally €60) For bookings contact: (more…)
- June 4, 2021 - June 14, 2021
18:00 - 21:00
In association with Cork Dive Centre. Being on the very edge of the western European continental shelf, Irish waters are perfectly suited to scuba diving. Join this one-hour introduction with a theory dry session and then a water session. Go to a depth of 5 meters and see hermit crabs, flat fish, reefs – and (more…)
- June 4, 2021 - June 6, 2021
18:00 - 21:45
In association with MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory & Cork School of Music. – This event is now fully booked out – A Conversation with Beethoven and Shakespeare will feature on the rooftop of Blackrock Castle as part of the Cork Harbour Festival celebrations. Created by Regina Crowley and Gabriela Mayer, and featuring Eanna Hardwicke, this (more…)
Venue: Blackrock Castle Observatory
Venue Phone: +353 (21) 432 6120
Venue Website: www.bco.ie
Address:
- June 4, 2021 - June 5, 2021
20:30 - 23:00
In association with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. The soft light of dusk, the sun setting on the river and the city lights coming on make this a wonderful backdrop for your kayaking experience. You will see the city from a completely different perspective. Your guides will entertain you with stories of The Rebel City and look (more…)
- June 5, 2021 - June 11, 2021
10:00 - 21:30
In association with SailCork. Hope aboard with your dedicated Instructor who will take you for a sail on a “dry” boat, no need for wetsuits. You will learn some basic skills and work as a team to sail the boat efficiently and have fun! Min age 8. Max 4 people. Dates & Times: Saturday 5 (more…)
- June 5, 2021 - June 11, 2021
10:00 - 20:30
In association with SailCork. If you like some speed, this is for you, you will have a qualified Instructor at the wheel who will teach you some driving skills and understand how to drive safely, see Cork Harbour as you whizz by! Min age 8. Max 4 people Dates & Times: Saturday 5 June, 10:00-12:00 (more…)
- June 5, 2021 - June 11, 2021
10:00 - 20:30
In association with SailCork. East Ferry is a beautiful, peaceful part of Cork Harbour and no better way to enjoy it by being on a kayak close to the water led by our friendly Instructor. Dates & Times: Saturday 5 June, 10:00-12:00 or 13:30-15:30 or 16:00-18:00 Friday 11 June, 18:30-20:30 Price: €20 per person, 6 (more…)
- June 5, 2021
14:00 - 16:30
In association with Cork Cycling Campaign. Join us for this family-friendly cycle from the city centre out to the harbour. We’ll start at Lapps Quay and then follow the Lee along the Marina and the old railway line out to Passage West. If the weather cooperates, we’ll stop in Passage for a rest – bring (more…)
- June 8, 2021 - June 14, 2021
11:00 - 17:00
In association with Tools of the Trade. Pupils from St. Mary’s on the Hill N.S, Harbour View Road, will take a Maritime journey with Tools of the Trade 2021, through contemporary Nautical Education at NMCI, National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy. A look to the past at the Maritime Museum, Passage West, and explore captivating (more…)
- June 8, 2021
13:10 - 14:00
In association with UCC School of History & Dr. John Borgonovo. Cork Harbour was a centre of forced migration, especially Irish convicts transported to British penal colonies in Australia. This lecture will examine aspects of the use of floating prisons in the harbour, and what lay in store for those transported overseas. Speaker: Dr Anna (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 8, 2021
19:30 - 20:30
In association with Cllr Kieran McCarthy. Cork City’s growth on a swamp is an amazing story. The city possesses a unique character derived from a combination of its plan, topography, built fabric and its location on the lowest crossing point of the river Lee as it meets the tidal estuary and the second largest natural (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 9, 2021
13:10 - 14:00
In association with UCC School of History & Dr. John Borgonovo. Bantry Bay acted as a key mustering point for the Royal Navy, in the late 19th and early 20th century. This talk will explain the use of Irish waters by British Dreadnoughts and other large warships at a time when Britannia still ruled the waves. (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 9, 2021
15:00
In association with Spike Island. Hear the history of Cork Harbour in this fun online live tour! Our top tour guide will be broadcasting live from on top of the walls of bastion 3 of our fortress, which has an amazing view over Cork Harbour. Hear about its early formation, the Vikings, pirates, trade, British (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 9, 2021
18:00 - 21:00
Organised by Ned Denison. Five English Channel solo marathon swimmers will attempt to complete the 7km swim around Cork City: Jim Shalloo, Liam Maher, Ned Denison, Bernard Lynch & Rosie Foley. They will start at the top of the South Channel by the Kingsley Hotel – near high water to clear the 5 weirs on (more…)
- June 9, 2021
20:00 - 21:00
In association with Meitheal Mara. Join us for a conversation with two special and inspirational women with an appetite for pushing physical extremes and a love of the sea: swimmer Nuala Moore and kayaker, cyclist and oarswoman Karen Weekes. Reporter Lorna Siggins will join them to discuss their motivations, ambitions and fears. All three women (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 10, 2021
13:10 - 14:00
In association with Nano Nagle Place. Kristina Decker, a Ph.D. Candidate in History at University College Cork, will talk on ‘’a ship is a most unpleasant thing’: Mary Delany and the Irish Sea’ and will be joined afterward to discuss sea travel in the 18th and early 19th century by Professor Claire Connolly (University College (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 10, 2021
14:00 - 15:30
In association with UCC Civic & Community Engagement. Across our UNIC European Alliance of City-University partners, we believe ports and port cities have a particularly unique role to play in helping us to rethink and redesign the future of our urban centers – in a citizen centered, diverse and ecological manner. Join us for an (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 10, 2021 - June 13, 2021
15:00 - 21:00
In association with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. This urban kayaking trip which takes place in the centre of Cork city, highlights the unique history and nature of Cork, “the Venice of the North”. Tour days and times: Thursdays: 15:00-17:30 & 18:30-21:00 Fridays: 15:00-17:30 Saturdays: 15:00-17:30 Sundays: 15:00-17:30 & 18:30-21:00 Special Festival Price: €54 (normally €60) For bookings contact: (more…)
- June 10, 2021
19:00 - 20:00
In association with BirdWatch Ireland: Cork Branch Harper’s Island Wetlands is a nature reserve on the north side of Cork Harbour. It is of international importance for its waterbirds which is owned by Cork County Council and is managed in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland and the Glounthaune community for nature, education and recreational use. It (more…)
- June 10, 2021
19:00 - 20:00
In association with Cork Nature Network. Cork Nature Network are delighted to invite you to a talk Marine Protected Areas with Russell Cheshire from the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST). COAST is a community-led organisation that has made (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 11, 2021 - June 20, 2021
00:00 - 23:55
A City and A Garden, is a state-of-the-art sonic experience commissioned by Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival, in association with Body & Soul. It brings together some of Ireland’s most exciting writers, musicians, and voice artists to release a new state-of-the-art sonic experience that combines story and song with the world around us. From (more…)
Venue: Various locations
- June 11, 2021
17:00 - 18:00
In association with Cllr Kieran McCarthy. Make a model boat at home from recycled materials – this year’s theme is: ”At Home by the Lee”. The online Award Ceremony will take place on our YouTube channel on Friday 11 (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 11, 2021 - June 12, 2021
20:30 - 23:00
In association with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. The soft light of dusk, the sun setting on the river and the city lights coming on make this a wonderful backdrop for your kayaking experience. You will see the city from a completely different perspective. Your guides will entertain you with stories of The Rebel City and look (more…)
- June 12, 2021
11:00 - 13:00
In association with Clean Coasts & subowti. River Clean Up, open to kayakers, canoeists and stand up paddleboarders. Participants will set out on the river to do a co-ordinated clean up to remove the ever-growing amounts of marine litter that floats in the river. Please bring suitable clothing (including PFD) and your own kayak/canoe/SUP. Bags, (more…)
- June 12, 2021
13:00 - 13:15
In association with Cllr Kieran McCarthy. They say the best way to get to know a city is to walk it – in Cork you can get lost in narrow streets, marvel at old cobbled lane ways, photograph old street corners, look up beyond the modern shopfronts, gaze at clues from the past, be enthused (more…)
- June 13, 2021
20:30 - 23:30
In association with Cork Singers’ Club. Finish Festival Week on a high note and join Cork Singers’ Club for an evening of song exploring the high seas. There will be lots of opportunity for audience participation on the night so all are welcome, especially singers. The aim of Cork Singers’ Club is to promote unaccompanied (more…)
Venue: Online
- June 14, 2021
20:30 - 23:00
In association with Ó Bhéal. Ó Bhéal’s 16th Virtual Poetry event will feature three parts: – 8.30pm: Five Word Challenge (max 30 – after 15 minutes writing time); – 9.30pm: Featured Guest Poets (Theo Dorgan and Lang Leav – 40 mins combined – 10:20pm: Open-Mic Session for original poetry (max 30). We will live-stream the session (more…)
Venue: Online
Event categories:
IN-PERSON | ONLINE | ART | FAMILY FUN |
HERITAGE | NATURE | ON WATER | TALKS | ALL EVENTS