Nine days of fun at the Cork Harbour Festival
The opening weekend of Cork Harbour Festival is on its way this June Bank Holiday weekend, and it will last for nine days, making it, as organisers put it, a massive spectacle of all things maritime.
But there’ll also be plenty to do for those who may not have a head for the high seas.
The main event, one that draws huge crowds every year, is ‘Ocean to City – An Rás Mór’, and it’s little wonder that it’s a big draw for competitors from all over the globe, as this is the biggest race of its kind in Ireland.
Competitors will come from the UK, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the USA, Germany and The Netherlands, and the event features a 200-strong fleet in total.
Spectators will get a chance to see a wide selection of vessels, such as wooden boats, currachs, gigs, Chinese dragon boats, kayaks and even stand-up paddle boards.
The race gets underway in Crosshaven at 10.30 am on June 1, and there will be free entertainment, music, and delicious food available throughout the route, featuring some of the best viewing points one could ask for. These will in Cobh, Passage West, Blackrock Pier or the city centre.
For those feeling a bit energetic on the day, you also have the option to cycle alongside the fleet for part of the course from Fr O’Flynn Park, Passage West.
Alternatively, you could help drum up an atmosphere at the Port of Cork, where a 14ft drum will be in place for all to play.
You can take your place at the finish line at Lapp’s Quay and enjoy live race commentary from Cork’s 96FM, food stalls, street performances, balloon artists, DJ, drummers and much more
All the details, including times and the best picnic locations, are available on corkharbourfestival.com
The nine-day festival features over 70 events, some of which cater for those who prefer to stay on dry land.
Camden Fort, Elizabeth Fort and Spike Island will be open for tours every day of the Bank Holiday weekend.
On Spike Island on Saturday evening, a Johnny Cash Tribute takes place on Spike Island, while The Pirates of Penzance perform on Sunday at Cork Opera House.
Most of the festival events are family friendly, with everything from children’s story telling in Passage West Library to Cobh Harbour tours.
At the Circus Factory on Saturday, some ‘pirate circus training’ takes place, or the whole family can get involved with orienteering on Sunday and Monday alongside Bishopstown orienteering club.
On June 2, you have the ‘3 for the Sea’ Beach Day in Myrtleville; while budding artists can express themselves at the Crawford Art Gallery, which will be running a family-friendly art workshop and tour on Monday, June 3.
Some fantastic activities will be on offer with SailCork in East Ferry.
They have an open day on Bank Holiday Monday, at which you can try sailing at the world-famous Royal Cork Yacht Club, with free tasters on Sunday.
Through a weekend packed full of water-based activities you can brave a high-speed harbour tour, paddle, kayak, sail, or surf your way through the weekend.
Over the course of the festival, there will be exhibitions, storytelling, sea-shanty singing, poetry and so much more besides.
All in all, it’s a chance to experience a side of Cork that’s awash with history, adventure and mystery.