👋 Greetings from Safe Harbour

This week in Cork the city has a proper mix going - live comedy at the Opera House, a Fassbinder film season at Triskel, trad sessions from Crane Lane to Sin É, and Mick Flannery doing a Sunday matinée down in West Cork that you'd be a fool to miss.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Jarlath Regan, Huey Morgan & Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends

⚫️ Triskel's Fassbinder season, Tom Crean & Ballyturk in Clonakilty

⚫️ Kinsale Restaurant Week, Mick Flannery in Leap & ceili sessions all week

Let's dive in 👇

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Jarlath Regan - Gas Man Friday, 27 February Cork Opera House

Jarlath Regan's brand-new stand-up show arrives at the Cork Opera House - the podcaster and comedian behind "An Irishman Abroad" has built a genuinely devoted following, and his first major standup tour in years has been getting strong word of mouth. Go if you get the chance. Book tickets

Mick Flannery - Sunday Matinée Sunday, 1 March Doors 1:30pm, Indoor Show Connolly's of Leap

A special daytime show from one of Cork's finest singer-songwriters at one of Ireland's most beloved live music pubs. Mick Flannery in the afternoon at Connolly's of Leap is the kind of thing you'd tell people about for years. Book tickets

Ye Vagabonds Thursday, 5 March Cork Opera House

Two-time RTÉ Folk Award winners Ye Vagabonds bring their haunting blend of traditional song and contemporary folk to the Cork Opera House. Bríd and Diarmuid Murphy are among the most distinctive voices in Irish music right now - a stage show that rewards the pilgrimage. Book tickets

LIVE MUSIC

K-Pop Forever! Tuesday, 24 February, 14:00 Cork Opera House

A K-Pop spectacular at the Opera House - the energy, the choreography, the anthems. Book tickets

Ceili by the Lee Wednesday, 25 February, 19:30 Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix Street

Traditional Irish céilí dancing at Crane Lane, with all levels genuinely welcome. The Crane Lane is one of Cork's great institutions for exactly this kind of night - warm, lively, and deeply local. More info

Joshua Burnside / Huartán / Rita Lynn / Shane Hennessy Wednesday, 25 February Cyprus Avenue

A strong night at Cyprus Avenue with Northern Irish singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside headlining alongside Huartán, Rita Lynn, and Shane Hennessy. Four acts, one room, a lot of good music. More info

Fireside Folk Wednesday, 25 February The Welcome Inn

Traditional folk music by the fireside at The Welcome Inn - a perfect mid-week tonic. Also running Wednesday 4 March. More info

The Blackest Crows Wednesday, 25 February Sin É

The Blackest Crows play Sin É on Wednesday - an alternative folk act with a loyal Cork following. More info

Aaron O'Sullivan Tuesday, 24 February Dwyers of Cork, Washington Street

Cork singer-songwriter and guitarist performing live at Dwyers - an intimate setting that suits this kind of act perfectly. More info

James McInerney Wednesday, 25 February Dwyers of Cork, Washington Street

Solo artist with over a decade in the Irish live music scene - smooth, accomplished, and a reliable Wednesday night out on Washington Street. More info

Ballads and Banjos Thursday, 26 February The Welcome Inn

Exactly what it sounds like, in the best possible way. Also running Thursday 5 March. More info

Carrie and The Midnight Mob Thursday, 26 February Crane Lane Theatre

Live performance from Carrie and The Midnight Mob at Crane Lane - a tight band in a venue that knows what to do with them. More info

The Insiders Thursday, 26 February Cantys

The Insiders play Cantys on Thursday - good live music in one of Cork's most reliable live music pubs. More info

Jimmy Lee Thursday, 26 February Dwyers of Cork

Contemporary solo act on vocals and guitar, playing Dwyers on Thursday evening. More info

Seán Long Thursday, 26 February El Fenix

Live music from Seán Long at El Fenix on Thursday - a local favourite in a venue that has quietly become one of the better spots for this kind of thing. More info

Ceol Mara Thursday, 26 February City Library

Traditional Irish music and song at the City Library on the Grand Parade - a lovely low-key way to spend a Thursday evening. Also running Thursday 5 March. More info

UCC Battle of the Bands - Heat 2 Thursday, 26 February Cyprus Avenue

The second UCC Battle of the Bands heat at Cyprus Avenue - always worth watching to catch whoever wins the room. More info

115 Jazz Jam Sessions Thursday, 26 February Cyprus Avenue

Open jazz jam at Cyprus Avenue - the 115 sessions are a proper fixture in Cork's music community. Also running Thursday 5 March. More info

One Night of Adele Thursday, 26 February Cork Opera House

A tribute to Adele's catalogue performed live at the Opera House - the voice, the songs, the emotional sweep. Book tickets

Huey Morgan - The Fun Lovin' Criminal Friday, 27 February Cyprus Avenue

Huey Morgan plays Cyprus Avenue the same week he's at Dolans in Limerick - a proper artist bringing conversation and music to intimate rooms. More info

Shee Friday, 27 February Cyprus Avenue

SHEE bring their internationally acclaimed Irish music to Cyprus Avenue late night - progressive, powerful, and one of the more exciting acts in Irish contemporary traditional music. More info

Stuart Wilde and The Birdmen Friday, 27 February Cantys, Pembroke Street

Live music at Cantys from Stuart Wilde and The Birdmen on Friday. More info

Jen and James Friday, 27 February Cantys, Pembroke Street

Another live act at Cantys on Friday night - Jen and James round out a busy evening on Pembroke Street. More info

Tony Roberts Friday, 27 February The Welcome Inn

Live music from Tony Roberts at The Welcome Inn on Friday. More info

Last Call Saturday, 28 February Dwyers of Cork, Washington Street

One of Ireland's most energetic live bands - Last Call bring fresh, fun, and soulful energy to Dwyers on Saturday night. More info

Tim Mullane Saturday, 28 February The Welcome Inn

Live music from Tim Mullane at The Welcome Inn on Saturday. More info

CYBER Saturday, 28 February Connolly's of Leap

A live music night at Connolly's the evening before Mick Flannery's matinée - a good excuse to make a weekend of the West Cork trip. More info

Sinead Culbert (Dirtbirds) - I'm No Wonder Woman Saturday, 28 February Cyprus Avenue

Sinead Culbert from the Dirtbirds brings her solo show "I'm No Wonder Woman" to Cyprus Avenue - a comedy music act with considerable wit and charm. More info

Club Caviar / Mass Medium Saturday, 28 February Cyprus Avenue

A late-night club night at Cyprus Avenue on Saturday with Club Caviar and Mass Medium - good electronic and alternative music in a space that suits it. More info

Gemini Saturday, 28 February Arty's Bar

Live music from Gemini at Arty's Bar on Saturday. More info

The Big Swingin' Mikeys Sunday, 1 March Dwyers of Cork

Five-piece folk, rock and covers band from Kinsale - always a lively and warm Sunday night at Dwyers. More info

Dan O'Keeffe Sunday, 1 March Dwyers of Cork, Washington Street

Indie folk/rock singer-songwriter based in Cork City plays Dwyers on Sunday. More info

Cathal Fitz Sunday, 1 March The Welcome Inn

Live music from Cathal Fitz at The Welcome Inn on Sunday. More info

The Lee Sessions Trad Trail Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays Sin É, Cork

The Lee Sessions Trad Trail is one of Cork's most beloved recurring trad events - running at Sin É on Sunday 1 March, Tuesday 3 March, Wednesday 4 March, and Thursday 5 March this week. Free entry, all welcome. More info

Blues Jam (Players Welcome) Sunday, 1 March The Poor Relation

Open blues jam at The Poor Relation on Sunday - all players welcome to bring their instruments and get stuck in. More info

Seed Talks: Folklore and Women Monday, 2 March Cyprus Avenue

A talk at Cyprus Avenue focused on folklore and women's stories - part of their Seed Talks series, always thought-provoking and well-attended. More info

Cosy Club Wednesday, 4 March Sin É

A cosy evening of music and good company at Sin É on Wednesday. More info

MTU Battle of the Bands - Heat 1 Wednesday, 4 March Cyprus Avenue

The first MTU Battle of the Bands heat at Cyprus Avenue - university battle of the bands nights are always worth a look for new talent. More info

The Dire Straits Experience Wednesday, 4 March Cork Opera House

The Lost Highway Tour - a dedicated tribute to Dire Straits with all the guitar work and big arrangements that made the originals so enduring. Book tickets

Stuart Wilde Thursday, 5 March Sin É

Stuart Wilde plays Sin É on Thursday - a Cork stalwart in one of Cork's most beloved music venues. More info

UCC Battle of the Bands Final Thursday, 5 March Cyprus Avenue

The UCC Battle of the Bands final at Cyprus Avenue - whoever made it through the heats gets to settle it here. More info

Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends Thursday, 5 March The Everyman

Gerry McAvoy - Rory Gallagher's legendary bassist - brings Band of Friends to The Everyman for a night celebrating the Rory Gallagher legacy. For anyone who grew up on that music, this one hits differently. Book tickets

Gerry Tully Sings the Christy Moore Songbook Friday, 6 March Connolly's of Leap

The songs of Christy Moore performed live - a fitting follow-on to what's been a big week of live music at Connolly's. More info

Endup Presents: Prosumer Saturday, 28 February The Pavilion, Cork

Endup brings Berlin-based DJ and producer Prosumer to The Pavilion for a night of deeply musical house and electronic music. A proper booking for anyone who pays attention to this end of the DJ circuit. More info

FOOD & DRINK

Kinsale Restaurant Week Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 February Kinsale

Kinsale Restaurant Week continues through to Friday - special menus and events at some of the best tables in one of Ireland's most celebrated food towns. If you've been meaning to make the trip to Kinsale, this is the week to do it. More info

Cold Cuts at The Liberty Ongoing - three nights per week, four weeks

Cold Cuts has taken over the upstairs bar at The Liberty on North Main Street for a month-long residency - new drinks every week, a mid-run food menu flip, walk-ins only, 5pm-close. Exactly the kind of thing that makes Cork's food and drink scene interesting. More info

Moon Child Matcha Bar - New Opening on Carey's Lane Now open Carey's Lane / Cork Lotus Yoga

Moon Child has opened its first bricks-and-mortar matcha bar right in the city centre at Cork Lotus Yoga - a small, focused café for anyone who takes their matcha seriously. More info

The Raven Bar - Monday Bottle Deal Every Monday The Raven Bar, Cork

Any bottle on the Raven Bar's wine list for the price of the house wine every Monday. Because Mondays deserve better. More info

Two Brothers Takeaway and Pizzeria Opening soon Lower O'Connell Street, Kinsale

A new takeaway and sit-in pizzeria is preparing to open on Lower O'Connell Street in Kinsale - worth watching for their opening date. More info

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Bubbles and Brushes Saturday, 28 February Old Oak, Winthrop Avenue

A creative afternoon of painting at Old Oak on Winthrop Avenue - the Bubbles and Brushes format is relaxed and family-friendly. More info

Junior Chess Wednesday, 25 February Tory Top Library

Kids can learn and play chess in a friendly, structured setting at Tory Top Library. More info

Junior Book Club Wednesday, 25 February Tory Top Library

A book club for young readers at Tory Top Library - discussions, stories, and new friends. More info

Bishopstown Library Events Saturday, 28 February, from 11:30 Bishopstown Library

Family-friendly events at Bishopstown Library on Saturday morning. More info

Ringo Music Bingo Tuesday, 3 March City Library, Grand Parade, Cork

Music bingo at the City Library - a fun evening for families and anyone who wants their trivia with a soundtrack. More info

OUTDOOR & WELLNESS

West Cork Vitality Festival This summer, West Cork Mountains

A wellness and outdoor festival in the West Cork Mountains - activities, events, and all the fresh air West Cork delivers by default. Watch for dates. More info

ARTS & CULTURE

Triskel Arts Centre: Rainer Werner Fassbinder Season This week and ongoing Triskel Arts Centre

Triskel's Fassbinder film season continues this week with two more screenings. Fox and His Friends screens Tuesday 24 February - a film that tackles class and sexuality directly with flawless performances and timeless themes. The Marriage of Maria Braun follows on Wednesday 25 February - described as emotionally absorbing, visually breathtaking, and intellectually demanding: a woman navigating love and survival in post-war Germany. Essential viewing for anyone interested in European cinema. Full listings

Tom Crean - Antarctic Explorer Thursday, 26 February The Everyman

The theatrical life of Tom Crean - Kerry's most quietly extraordinary man - is told on the Everyman stage this week. A story of endurance, loyalty, and Antarctic heroism that still lands hard. Worth catching if you haven't seen this production before. Book tickets

Spill the Ink Tuesday, 24 February The Everyman

An evening of storytelling and poetry at The Everyman celebrating the written word - a good one for Cork's literary community and anyone who enjoys the spoken word. More info

Art History Reframed: Spring Lecture Series Tuesday, 24 February Triskel Arts Centre

The spring lecture series at Triskel continues - focusing on contemporary Irish art and its historical context. More info

Photo Walk with Síomha Callanan Friday, 27 February, 14:00-16:00 Starting from Triskel Arts Centre

A free group photo walk exploring the island of Cork city centre with photographer Síomha Callanan - two hours of looking at the city differently, through the act of walking and photographing. Worth booking. More info

Barndance Thursday 26 February, Saturday 28 February & Sunday 1 March BrieryGap Theatre

Barndance runs across three dates at BrieryGap this week - a theatrical production worth the trip west. More info

No Other Choice Sunday, 1 March Triskel Arts Centre

A film screening at Triskel exploring complexity and consequence - part of their ongoing programme of distinctive cinema. More info

Sentimental Value - Back by Popular Demand Sunday, 1 March Triskel Arts Centre

A repeat screening of a film that clearly resonated with Cork audiences - back by popular demand at Triskel. More info

37th Cork French Film Festival From Monday, 2 March The Arc Cinema

The Cork French Film Festival - a Cork institution for over three decades - begins its 2026 run this Monday. French cinema on the big screen, with an eclectic programme that tends to champion films that wouldn't otherwise get a wide Irish release. Full programme

IFI@BrieryGap: Nouvelle Vague Monday, 2 March BrieryGap

A screening of Nouvelle Vague at IFI@BrieryGap on Monday - an evocative piece of cinema in a beautiful West Cork setting. More info

The Goldfish Bowl: Crawford Collection Talk Tuesday, 3 March Triskel Arts Centre

An art history talk exploring Walter Osborne's "The Goldfish Bowl" in the context of the Crawford Collection - the kind of focused, single-work discussion that makes you see the painting differently. More info

Ballyturk - Kilmeen Drama Group Sunday, 1 March Rossmore Theatre, Clonakilty

Enda Walsh's Ballyturk - one of the most inventive and unsettling plays in the contemporary Irish repertoire - performed by Kilmeen Drama Group at Rossmore Theatre in Clonakilty. A road trip worth making. More info

Mike Rice: Cruel Little Man Sunday, 1 March The Everyman

Mike Rice's show delves into the complexities of human nature with a thought-provoking theatrical experience at The Everyman. Book tickets

Kim Crowley Residency & Exhibition From Thursday, 5 March Triskel Arts Centre

Kim Crowley's residency and exhibition opens at Triskel this week - visual art in one of Cork's best gallery spaces. More info

Sive - John B. Keane Ongoing run (started 23 Feb) The Everyman

John B. Keane's Sive - a woman caught between love and duty in rural Ireland - is in its opening week at The Everyman. Still going strong in the early days of what promises to be a powerful run. Book tickets

Ortús Chamber Music Festival Ongoing this week Various Cork City & County venues

The Ortús Chamber Music Festival is in full swing across Cork - a week-long celebration of chamber music featuring the Olympia Quartet and other outstanding performers across the city and county. Check the full programme for this week's remaining concerts. More info

Elinor O'Donovan: Winter Sun Ongoing Christchurch Building

A moving image projection on the Christchurch building - Elinor O'Donovan's Winter Sun is a genuinely striking piece of public art that transforms the building's exterior. More info - via Triskel

Tables of Life Ongoing (opening was 23 Feb) Blackwater Valley Makers Gallery

The Tables of Life exhibition opened this week at the Blackwater Valley Makers Gallery - an exhibition worth seeking out in one of Cork's more interesting gallery spaces. More info

Shane O'Driscoll: Evidence of Ongoings Ongoing (opening was 23 Feb) Bandon Library

Shane O'Driscoll's exhibition opened this week at Bandon Library - check with the library for viewing hours. More info

Music Appreciation Society: David Bowie Wednesday, 4 March City Library, Grand Parade

The City Library's Music Appreciation Society dedicates its March session to David Bowie - discussions and listening in good company. More info

International Women's Day Celebration Friday, 27 February, 10:00 Millennium Hall, City Hall

An early International Women's Day community event at City Hall's Millennium Hall - ahead of the official March 8 date, Cork City Council hosts this gathering. More info

Comedy Cavern: Chris Kent and Guests Tuesday, 24 February Coughlan's Bar, Cork

Chris Kent and guests bring stand-up to Coughlan's Comedy Cavern - a tight room that gets a lot out of its acts. More info

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

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