Cork Harbour Festival Sets Sail This Week

Cork’s largest celebration of maritime heritage and culture returns this week from June 3-13.  The festival celebrates Cork’s unique maritime history and culture as one of the largest natural harbours in the world. This year’s festival offers over 50 diverse events in 15 beautiful locations across Cork City and Cork Harbour. The diverse programme spans on-the-water activities, history, music, storytelling, art, workshops, talks and walking tours, the environment, and family friendly events. There is truly something for every age and activity level. Learn about whales, try out stand-up paddleboarding, sing a sea shanty or clean-up the shoreline. The festival also offers a whole host of family friendly events. Families and children can make a model boat, join a boat tour or explore the harbour’s awe-inspiring forts.

Ocean to City Day:

Excitement is building ahead of the return of Ocean to City – An Rás Mór on Saturday June 4.  The race is one of the biggest annual events in Cork Harbour. Cork Harbour will come alive as hundreds of Irish and international participants compete over four thrilling courses. Participants are travelling from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States to participate.

On the day there will be family friendly entertainment at the vantage points along Cork Harbour. In Passage West in association with Passage West Maritime Heritage Festival Committee, families can bring a picnic and enjoy traditional Irish music and dancing while watching the spectacular fleet go by. At The Promenade in Cobh in association with Cobh Tourism, spectators can cheer on race participants while enjoying the Cobh Animation Team, live commentary, and a DJ. In Blackrock spectators can watch the Youth Race as they row their colourful currachs over a 4km course. The Youth Race is organised by Meitheal Mara as part of their Bádóireacht programme and sponsored by Glenveagh Homes. At the finish line at Lapp’s Quay, enjoy the festivities with entertainment, music, food from 4pm onwards.

More information can be found at www.oceantocity.com

Family Friendly Events:

Families can visit the newly re-opened Camden Fort Meagher to enjoy a host of family-friendly events as part of their Family Weekend. Visitors can check out music, exhibitions, weapons displays and much more.

Kids are invited to build a model boat at home using recycled materials and showcase their creations at The Lough as part of the Make a Model Boat Project with Cllr Kieran McCarthy on June 9.The winning boats will be displayed at Cork City Library until June 30. Young people can attend an aerial performance with the Circus Factory and then try their hand at circus skills afterwards on June 7.  Families can learn orienteering skills in some of Cork’s most beautiful woodlands with Bishostown Orienteering Club. Families can also visit Spike Island and learn about 1300 years of history and explore the Ring of Spike walking trail with its stunning harbour views.

Cork Harbour Festival is organised by Meitheal Mara, the community boatyard, training centre and charity located in the heart of Cork City. The festival is sponsored by Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Port of Cork and Failte Ireland and made possible with the help of over 40 Event Partners and many volunteers. Official Media Sponsors are 96FM, C103FM and The Echo.