Our Cultural Life

Cork's bohemian spirit drives the city's cultural life. Each year, hordes of music lovers flock to the city for the Cork Jazz Festival - a beacon for accomplished international artists. Another well established event is the Cork Film Festival which showcases the best in world cinema.

The Irish are a poetic people and continue to make their mark musically with artists like Van Morrison, U2, the Corrs and the Cranberries. International rock and pop bands routinely visit the city, while arena acts and festivals are staged at the Gaelic Games Stadium, (Páirc Uí Chaoimh), the City Hall or at the Opera House.

Traditional folk music is still strong and very much a part of life in schools, concert halls and music venues throughout the county. Lovers of classic music will find plenty to enjoy too. Renowned opera vocalists, symphony and concert orchestras can be heard at a number of venues including the elegant surrounds of City Hall, the Opera House or the Aula Maxima, UCC.

Drama is another great passion. There are six theatres in the city supporting a total of 12 drama groups. And, as the capital of Ireland's largest county, Cork City is always a destination for major touring productions.

Cork also has an Institute for Choreography and Dance, a School of Music and five concert venues supporting more than thirty diverse musical groups and societies.

The visual arts are well represented with eight gallery spaces including the Crawford Municipal Gallery - which recently added a striking new two-storey extension. Sixty Picasso drawings were among the first exhibits to occupy the new space.