Introducing Cork’s Art Scene in 5 Unmissable Events

By Art and Literature Editor Luca Cavallo

For many new and returning students, the first few weeks of college are met with bursts of exciting nights out in the city. (Re)freshers jump headfirst into their new year, milling through busy streets and following the sound of loud music. It is a time of social baptism by fire, a time of pounding beats and pounding headaches, a time of finding friends, losing coats, and waiting indefinitely for the 220 bus.

If you’re a little unsure if that screams ‘you’, however, don’t worry. Here is a selection of upcoming events that will involve you in the literary and cultural scene of Cork. Whether you’re bringing friends or prefer to fly solo, these delights make for a perfect evening on the town. Many of the events are free and are all located in the heart of Cork City. Even the most casual of literature fans are guaranteed enjoyment, perhaps not as visceral as a nightclub, but memorable, nonetheless.

Culture Night

Location: Multiple Venues, including buses!

Date: 22 September

A night that can’t be missed, Culture Night is the highlight of the Cork arts scene. This year, the city has over 30 events on offer, all free of charge, that are aimed at welcoming you into the vibrant atmosphere of the arts. You can take a tour of the Everyman, you can watch short films, you can learn to juggle, and you can visit the Triskel Arts Centre for visual spectacles. You can ride the Culture Bus, listening to readings and performances by talented speakers while you make your way to another venue. Culture Night truly has it all.

Irish Book Week

Location: Waterstones

Dates: 14 - 21 October

Waterstones has hosted Irish Book Week for since its inception, and this year they offer an exciting variety of writers for every evening of the week of this nationwide event. You can expect a talk from Christin Leach, author of Negative Space, as well as from Madeleine D’Arcy, author of this year’s One City One Book, Liberty Terrace. For fans of comedy, Pat Fitzpatrick will discuss his character Reggie’s 6.3 million Blackrock Road mansion, as well as his book, Reggie’s Guide To Social Climbing. There will also be a night of poetry with the wonderful Andie MacNamara and multi-talented artist, Stanley Notte. 

Lost Lear

Location: The Everyman Theatre

Dates: 24 & 25 October

The Everyman is nothing short of a goldmine for Cork’s arts scene, so why not dig for something in particular - something of interest to a literature nerd? Lost Lear is the newest production of Dan Colley and his company, and it is described as “a very (very) loose adaptation of King Lear”. The story follows Joy, a dementia patient in a nursing home. A former actor, Joy’s most potent memories are those of her time on stage, and she ‘prepares’ for her next role, the mad king. Her son, Conor, disapproves of the nursing home keeping Joy wrapped in a memory. Tickets are available from €22, but you can avail of a 50% discount with your student ID!

68th Cork International Film Festival

Location: Multiple venues

Dates: 9 - 19 November

The annual film festival is a perfect opportunity for students to get involved with film on a more personal level. There are several galas to attend from the opening to the closing of the festival, which will provide a full evening of entertainment (with reduced ticket prices for full-time students, of course). A highlight of the festival is the selection of short films available to watch, with multiple categories ranging from international to “Pure Cork”.

Ó Bhéal

Location: The Long Valley

Dates: Every 2nd Monday of each month

If you prefer something cosy and quiet, Ó Bhéal is the event for you. Ascend the stairs to a tiny room above the Long Valley pub and witness the incredible talent of Cork’s best spoken-word poets. There is also an open-mic section of the evening, where everyone is welcome to share their work. The event is livestreamed, and you can access it from the comfort of your bedroom via obheal.ie/live. Every month features guest poets, and thanks to Zoom, Ó Bhéal can include poets from across the world.

If you want to balance some wild nights with some not-as-wild ones (bear in mind, there are fire-breathers booked for Culture Night), then you are certainly going to find some balance with this carefully selected list. Maybe you want to engage with Irish filmmaking at the Film Festival? Or read out some questionable Joyce-inspired poetry at Ó Bhéal? Cork City will always welcome those interested in the arts with open arms.