5 Festivals Not to Miss in Cork This Summer
If you’re studying or planning on studying at university in Cork then you’ll already know what an amazing place it is.
This cosmopolitan city situated in the southwest of Ireland on an island in the middle of the River Lee has a real feelgood atmosphere.
That atmosphere is only set to multiply this summer as the pandemic restrictions have lifted and we can finally properly let our hair down after exams are over!
Here’s a rundown of some of the best Cork festivals in 2022. Get them in your calendar and get ready for fun and sunshine in the Rebel County!
1. Kupala
On Saturday 25th June 2022 from 12 - 4pm the Kupala Festival hits Cork!
It’s a midsummer multicultural festival that showcases the cosmopolitan nature of the diverse Cork community.
To enjoy this free Cork festival in 2022, head over to Wolfe Tone Square in Bantry, where you can experience different traditions and cultures.
Expect amazing displays of traditional dress, food, music and dance performances from across the globe.
There’s plenty of live music and workshops with different themes, food and craft stalls, face painting, and a Chinese Dragon show. All designed to showcase the importance of community spirit.
And what better way to integrate into the community as a student than by getting involved with an event like this? Go for it!
2. Cork Week 2022
Did you know that Cork is home to the second largest natural harbour in the world? Well, now you know!
To celebrate the fact, another amazing Cork festival in 2022 will be hosted on the harbour from 11th to 15th July.
Cork Week is just one of many activities and events that regularly take place on the harbour, and it’s a real sailing spectacular!
During this special week, dozens of sailors descend upon the harbour to take part in a series of racing events, including yacht racing. Definitely worth getting your camera out for!
There are also onshore events, with plenty of activities to get stuck into.
Amongst them are the famous Pipers Fun Fair, boat trips, competitions, games and a coastal market in the Marquee at the Yacht Club.
So bring your university friends and make the most of the summer sunshine on the harbour.
3. Cork Pride Festival
One unmissable Cork festival in 2022 is the Cork Pride Festival.
Held annually, this year it falls on 26th to 28th July, and is a celebration of Cork’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
Pride is always full of activities aiming to enrich the lives of LGBTQ+ people and the community as a whole. Pride works to achieve common goals and to positively promote business, education and civic growth for the common good.
This year it returns to the streets of Cork as an in-person event thanks to the relaxation of Covid restrictions.
The city will be transformed into a fabulous wonderland of rainbow colours, music and dance as the annual parade processes through it.
There will be loads of workshops, events and talks, making Pride one of the best events you’ll see in Cork city.
4. Indiependence
In Mitchelstown, from 29th to 31st July, Indiependence will return once again.
This annual celebration of music attracts over 15,000 attendees each year, and is set to be one of the most unforgettable Cork festivals in 2022.
At the festival you can expect performances from internationally renowned music acts including Rudimental, Bastille and Fatboy Slim.
They’ll be playing alongside lesser-known international artists, some of them being local acts.
Make sure you check out some of the Irish acts - you never know who you’re going to discover!
The Indiependence Festival is a very important event in the Irish music calendar, and that’s why it attracts some dazzling performers.
At the festival there will also be vendors, performances, and lots of fun.
5. West Cork Literary Festival
One of Ireland’s best literary events, the West Cork Literary Festival is a great option for bookworms! From 8th to 15th July literature students - and literature lovers in general - can rub shoulders with new and established writers in a multitude of events.
Amongst those events are literature readings, masterclasses, and book launches.
One must-see event is an evening with Nick Laird and Zadie Smith at the Maritime Hotel on 8th July.
Prize-winning Irish writer Nick Laird will be reading a selection of his poetry while Zadie Smith will be discussing her writing.
Zadie is renowned for her works including White Teeth, The Autograph Man, On Beauty, and Swing Time. At this event she’ll be talking about her latest work ‘The Wives of Williesden’, a modern take on Geoffrey Chaucer’s classic.Wi