Cork City Council has announced it will be transforming the county into 'one big food festival' for five days this August 16-20.
The Cork On A Fork Fest was established in 2022 by Cork City Council as a celebration of dining and nightlife in Cork City and the produce found in the Cork region.
It will offer food trails, pop up events, workshops, live entertainment and plenty of food experiences with local producers.
Leading Names In Cork Food
The festival will kick off with two hours of talks at a conference on Feeding Cork the sustainable and healthy way, in partnership with Cork Food Policy Council.
A series of talks will take place at the Festival Stage in the Crawford Art Gallery Theatre all day on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th August.
These will include panel discussion with leading names in Cork food, an Ethiopian bread making demo, a discussion with food writers on Cork food, a meet the makers gin talk on Bertha’s Gin, talks from the UCC School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, and more.
Michelin Chef Demos
A 100-seater Cooking Demo Festival Marquee will be erected on Emmet Place (outside Cork Opera House) on Saturday 19th August, featuring demos and talks by leading names in Cork food, including Michelin Chef Takashi Miyazaki from Ichigo Ichie, Michelin-rated chef Aishling Moore from Gold, Clare Condon from Good Day Deli, Brian Murray from The Glass Curtain, Darren Kennedy from Sage, William Murray from Currabinny, and more.
All events are free to attend, supported by Failte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Feast of Fashion Brunch
Influencer Shauna Doyle will host a 'Corkchella' festival picnic at the gardens of Gabriel House, St Lukes, whilst The Montenotte will host an exclusive Summer Champagne Afternoon Picnic in their Victorian sunken gardens.
A Feast of Fashion Brunch will take place at Sketch in The Imperial on Sunday, in partnership with Opera Lane and local boutiques.
Food Trails
There will also be daily food trails throughout the city with different themes from Cork history, to a wine trail, vegan food, and a fish trail, all with a local and sustainable focus.
Renowned Cork Chef Orla McAndrew will also be popping up for cooking demos using fresh market produce outside the English Market over the week.
Early Birds
There will be special offers and early birds at venues throughout the city including The Glass Curtain, Hayfield Manor, Electric and more, and brunches at Greenwich, Sophies at the Dean and The Met.
The council said the streets will 'come alive' with jazz and opera music, and numerous street events will take place.
'A Real Melting Pot'
“Cork on a Fork Fest is a five day celebration of authentic food experiences in Cork City and the rich produce of our region," said Fearghal Reidy, director of services, strategic planning & development at Cork City Council.
"We are mindful of the importance of sustainability and reducing food waste, which you will see within the programme content."
"Furthermore, we wanted the festival to be accessible to all so it's a real melting pot of ticketed and free events, adult only and family friendly things to do, daytime and nighttime events.”
