Kíla & Paddy Casey, Pink Floyd & Swan Lake

The festival is just the centrepiece of a week that was already looking excellent. Triskel is running a David Lynch short film retrospective and launching a full Jane Campion season. Coughlans, Crane Lane and Cyprus Avenue. The Cork Opera House has Swan Lake, a Pink Floyd tribute, and Serena Terry - in the same week.

Here's a quick overview:

⚫️ St Patrick's Festival Cork: 32 trad sessions, parades & street markets

⚫️ David Lynch shorts, Jane Campion season & ballet at the Opera House

⚫️ Live music every night from Dolan's to Coughlans to Cyprus Avenue

Let's dive in 👇

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Kíla and Paddy Casey: Rock Against Homelessness Friday, 13 March 19:00 Cyprus Avenue

One of the best pairings you'll see this year - Kíla's exhilarating blend of trad and rock alongside Paddy Casey's warm, honest songwriting, all in aid of addressing homelessness. Good cause, great music, and Cyprus Avenue is the ideal room for it. Cyprus Avenue

Breathe: The Pink Floyd Experience Thursday, 13 March 20:00 Cork Opera House

A full live recreation of the Pink Floyd experience, complete with the iconic visuals and sound. Whether you're a lifelong Floyd devotee or just someone who wants to hear Comfortably Numb played very, very well in a proper venue, this delivers. Book tickets

Sofia City Ballet: Swan Lake Sunday, 15 March 14:00 Cork Opera House

The Sofia City Ballet bring Swan Lake to Cork - classical ballet at its most iconic, performed by a company that has been winning audiences across Europe. A genuinely special afternoon. Book tickets

Lee Sessions Trad Trail - Sin É Monday, 9 March 18:30 and 21:00 Sin É, Coburg St

Two sessions in one evening at Sin É - one of the finest traditional music venues in Ireland doing what it does best. The Lee Sessions Trad Trail is a Cork institution, and Sin É is its spiritual home. More info

Smithwicks Sessions: Trad and Folk Monday, 9 March 20:00 Coughlans Bar & Live Music Venue

Coughlans opens the week with their Smithwicks trad and folk sessions - reliably good, reliably welcoming, reliably Coughlans. Coughlans

Jazz Improv! All Players Welcome Monday, 9 March 21:00 Crane Lane Theatre

An open jazz jam at Crane Lane - bring an instrument or just your ears. Crane Lane

Live 'N' Gigging Tuesday, 10 March 19:00 Cyprus Avenue

A night of live music from various artists at Cyprus Avenue - good way to catch something new mid-week. Cyprus Avenue

Comedy Cavern: Eric Rushton - Innkeeper Tuesday, 10 March 20:00 Coughlans Bar & Live Music Venue

Stand-up comedy at Coughlans with Eric Rushton's Innkeeper show - intimate venue, sharp material. Coughlans

Ricky Kelleher Tuesday, 10 March 21:30 Dwyers of Cork, Washington St

Folk and bluegrass influences in a Cork pub setting, free entry. Dwyers has quietly built one of the most consistent live music programmes in the city. Dwyers

Ceili By The Lee Wednesday, 11 March 19:30 Crane Lane Theatre

A traditional céilí at Crane Lane - dancing, music, and the particular joy of a room full of people who aren't quite sure of the steps but are giving it everything anyway. Crane Lane

MTU Battle of the Bands - Heat 2 Wednesday, 11 March 19:00 Cyprus Avenue

The second heat of MTU's Battle of the Bands - young Cork bands at their most competitive and usually their most exciting. Cyprus Avenue

Cathal Fitz Wednesday, 11 March 21:30 Dwyers of Cork

Contemporary solo vocals and guitar at Dwyers - a consistent Wednesday night presence on the Cork live music scene. Dwyers

Ger Wolfe Thursday, 12 March 20:00 Coughlans Bar & Live Music Venue

Ger Wolfe is one of Cork's most quietly celebrated songwriters - lyrical, warm, and deeply rooted in the city. A special Thursday night. Coughlans

Trad and Irish Dancing Thursday, 12 March 19:30 Cyprus Avenue Rooftop

Trad and Irish dancing on the Cyprus Avenue rooftop - a brilliant combination. Cyprus Avenue

115 Jazz Jam Sessions Thursday, 12 March and Thursday, 19 March 20:00 Cyprus Avenue

Weekly jazz jam sessions at Cyprus Avenue - musicians and music lovers both welcome. Cyprus Avenue

Dan O'Keeffe Thursday, 12 March 21:30 Dwyers of Cork, Washington St

Indie folk and rock singer-songwriter from Cork City, free at Dwyers. Dwyers

Charlie Cunningham Saturday, 14 March 20:00, Connolly's of Leap

The incomparable Connolly's of Leap in West Cork on Saturday. Worth the trip. Connolly's of Leap

The Kates Friday, 13 March 20:00 Coughlans Bar & Live Music Venue

Live music from The Kates at Coughlans - a reliable Friday night choice. Coughlans

Danny O'Leary Band Friday, 13 March 22:00 Dwyers of Cork

Versatile pop, folk and country from the Danny O'Leary Band - the Paddy's Festival weekend kicks off at Dwyers. Dwyers

Fiesta Latina with DJ Wilros Friday, 13 March 21:00 Crane Lane Theatre

Reggaeton, salsa, merengue, bachata and samba at Crane Lane - a properly lively Friday night. Pure Cork

Randy Feltface Saturday, 14 March 19:00 Cyprus Avenue

The world's most charismatic purple puppet, Cork edition. Sharp, funny, and a genuine night out. Cyprus Avenue

The Tan Jackets Saturday, 14 March 22:00 Coughlans

Late-night live music at Coughlans after the comedy - the Tan Jackets are reliably good fun. Coughlans

Gemini Sunday, 15 March 20:00 Arty's Bar, Ballincollig

With over 25 years on the music circuit, Gemini are as seasoned as live acts get - a free Sunday night in Ballincollig. Cork Heritage Pubs

Áine Tyrrell and guest Cian Finn Sunday, 15 March 20:00 Coughlans Bar & Live Music Venue

Áine Tyrrell is one of the most heartfelt performers on the Cork circuit, and bringing Cian Finn along as a guest makes this a proper Sunday evening. Coughlans

The Service Monday, 16 March 21:00 Crane Lane Theatre

The Service are a six-piece Cork band who've been building a solid following for years - free at Crane Lane on Monday night. More info

The Daft Punk Experience Monday, 16 March 19:00 The Pavilion

A live Daft Punk tribute at The Pavilion - full audio-visual experience, the works. More info

Smithwicks Sessions: Trad and Folk Monday, 16 March 20:00 Coughlans

Coughlans' weekly trad and folk night continues through Paddy's week. Coughlans

Céilí Allstars Tuesday, 17 March (St Patrick's Day) 20:00 Coughlans

Paddy's Night at Coughlans with the Céilí Allstars - traditional music and dance for the most Irish of evenings. Coughlans

DJ Mossy Tuesday, 17 March 19:00 Crane Lane Theatre Free

DJ Mossy playing classics from the 70s through the 90s at Crane Lane - free entry on Paddy's Night. More info

Shane Keane Tuesday, 17 March 20:00 Arty's Bar, Ballincollig

Irish folk singer Shane Keane plays Ballincollig on St Patrick's Day

Cork Heritage Pubs

LF System Tuesday, 17 March 21:00 Cyprus Avenue

LF System - the duo behind Afraid to Feel - bring their electronic sound to Cyprus Avenue on Paddy's Night. Cyprus Avenue

MTU Battle of the Bands - Final Wednesday, 18 March 19:00 Cyprus Avenue

The final of MTU's Battle of the Bands - whoever made it through the heats gets their moment here. Cyprus Avenue

Film Screening: Twinless Monday, 9 March 20:00 GATE Screen at the Arc Cinema

A US dark comedy drama about a man joining a support group after his twin brother's death - dry, original, and doing well on the festival circuit. Arc Cinema

Moth Exhibition Opening Thursday, 12 March 18:00 Studio 12, Backwater Artists Group

The opening of MOTH, a group exhibition curated by the Emerging Curator Award 2026 winner. Studio 12 at Backwater is one of Cork's finest exhibition spaces, and an opening night there is always worth attending. Visual Artists

Shake/Walk Workshop with Kathy Westwater Thursday, 12 March 11:00 Dance Cork Firkin Crane

American choreographer Kathy Westwater leads a participatory workshop exploring sensation, function and form - deeply experiential and genuinely unusual. Firkin Crane

The Short Films of David Lynch Friday, 13 March 18:00 and 20:00 Triskel Arts Centre

A collection spanning five decades of Lynch's short film work - from Six Men Getting Sick (1967) through The Alphabet and beyond. This is the rare opportunity to see Lynch as he was before Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet made him famous. Unmissable for anyone with even a passing interest in cinema. Triskel

Hard Boiled Friday, 13 March 20:15 Triskel Arts Centre

John Woo's Hard Boiled - still one of the most thrillingly choreographed action films ever made, and a pleasure on the big screen. Triskel

Sharing with Kathy Westwater Friday, 13 March 18:00 Dance Cork Firkin Crane

Kathy Westwater shares work-in-progress material inspired by the writings of cultural theorist Byung-Chul Han - free, thoughtful, and a natural complement to her workshop at Firkin Crane. Firkin Crane

The Offload with Donncha O'Callaghan and Tommy Bowe Friday, 13 March 19:00 Cork City Hall

The popular rugby podcast comes to Cork City Hall with Donncha O'Callaghan and Tommy Bowe live on stage - great fun for rugby fans and decent entertainment even if you're not. Ticketmaster

St Patrick's Festival Cork: Street Markets Friday-Tuesday, 13-17 March City Centre

Street markets running through the festival, with local food, craft, and entertainment across the city centre for the full five days. More info

St Patrick's Festival Cork: Lee Sessions Trad Trail (Expanded) Friday-Tuesday, 13-17 March Multiple pubs across Cork Free

For the festival, the Lee Sessions Trad Trail expands to 32 simultaneous traditional music sessions across Cork pubs - one of the most impressive logistical achievements in Irish music. Pick a pub and walk in. More info

I Wish You Were Here Sunday, 15 March 14:00 Triskel Arts Centre

A film exploring themes of loss and longing - Triskel's Sunday afternoon slot for something quieter and more reflective before the Jane Campion season begins. Triskel

Jane Campion Season: The Portrait of a Lady Sunday, 15 March 16:00 Triskel Arts Centre

Triskel launches its Jane Campion season with her bold, brilliant adaptation of the Henry James novel - Nicole Kidman, John Malkovich, and one of the most visually inventive period films ever made. Triskel

Jane Campion Season: The Piano Monday, 16 March 20:00 Triskel Arts Centre

The Piano on the big screen - Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Anna Paquin, and Michael Nyman's unforgettable score. Three Oscars and still devastating. Triskel

Kyla Cobbler: Not My Lemons Tuesday, 17 March 20:00 Cork Opera House

Kyla returns with the bigger, better version of her sell-out show - sharp, funny, and exactly the kind of evening you want on St Patrick's Night if the parade isn't your thing. Cork Opera House

The Glam Prix: Drag Lip Sync Battle Tuesday, 17 March 19:30 The Pavilion

Drag lip sync competition at The Pavilion on Paddy's Night - free entry, big energy, and an excellent use of a Tuesday evening. Eventbrite

Open Walls at St Peter's Wednesday, 18 March St Peter's Cork

An international collaborative exhibition opening - 16 artists across painting, print, photography, sculpture, ceramics and film. St Peter's is one of Cork's most beautiful exhibition spaces and always makes the work look extraordinary. Pure Cork

Jane Campion Season: Holy Smoke! Wednesday, 18 March 20:00 Triskel Arts Centre

Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel in Jane Campion's provocative, often hilarious film about a cult deprogrammer and his subject. Far stranger and funnier than its synopsis suggests. Triskel

Neil Delamere: Reinventing the Neil Saturday, 14 March The Everyman

Neil Delamere brings his unique comedy style to The Everyman - one of Ireland's most consistently funny live performers. The Everyman

Zog Wednesday, 11 March The Everyman

The much-loved dragon-in-training comes to The Everyman - a perfect midweek theatre trip for families with young children. The Everyman

Go Dtí Seo Tuesday, 17 March 19:30 Ionad Culturtha

Original Irish-language songs from Emer O'Flaherty's debut album - a fitting St Patrick's Day cultural offering. Entertainment.ie

Famous Paintings and their Hidden Histories Tuesday, 10 March 11:00 Triskel Arts Centre

A deep-dive lecture into some of the world's most famous paintings and the stories lurking behind them. The spring lecture series at Triskel is always worth attending. Triskel

The Warehouse Farmers and Craft Market Saturday, 14 March 10:00 The Warehouse

Local artisans, food producers, vintage stalls and live entertainment at The Warehouse market - one of Cork's most enjoyable Saturday morning rituals. Facebook

Marina Market Saturday, 14 March Marina Market

The Marina Market's Paddy's weekend edition features John Lonergan Irish Dancers, a choir, charity pilates, and music - the full Leeside experience in one location. Instagram

Zog at The Everyman Wednesday, 11 March The Everyman

The beloved dragon story comes to life on The Everyman stage - perfect for small children who love theatre and/or dragons (most of them). The Everyman

National Tree Week: Free Tree Giveaway Monday, 9 March and Wednesday, 11 March Tramore Valley Park / Glen River Park Free

5,000 free native trees across two Cork City parks - bringing kids along to collect and plant a tree is a properly lovely National Tree Week activity. Facebook

The Warehouse Farmers and Craft Market Saturday, 14 March 10:00 The Warehouse

Saturday morning markets with live entertainment and plenty to explore - good for families with kids of all ages. Facebook

St Patrick's Day Parade Tuesday, 17 March Cork City Centre

A greyhound Grand Marshal, eight local parades across the county, and the full five-day festival atmosphere. Hard to beat as a Paddy's Day experience for kids. More info

Gentle Singing and Movement in Irish for Adults Saturday, 14 March 11:30 Douglas Library (Cork City Libraries)

Cork City Libraries' relaxed Irish-language singing and movement event - gentle, inclusive, and a lovely way to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge. Instagram

Future Sounds at Briery Gap Briery Gap Cultural Centre, Macroom

Briery Gap is looking for youth bands from Cork County - all members under 18 - to perform live. If you know a young musician or band, this is worth flagging. Instagram

Sofia City Ballet: Swan Lake Sunday, 15 March 14:00 Cork Opera House

Ballet for the whole family - Swan Lake is the one that even people who don't think they like ballet tend to discover they actually love. Cork Opera House

Megaslam Wrestling Wednesday, 11 March 19:00 Cork Opera House

Europe's number one family wrestling show makes its Cork debut - loud, theatrical, and genuinely brilliant fun for kids who think wrestling is the greatest thing ever invented. Cork Opera House

National Tree Week: Free Tree Giveaway Monday, 9 March and Wednesday, 11 March 11:00 Tramore Valley Park (Mon) / Glen River Park (Wed)

Cork City Council is giving away 5,000 free native trees across two locations this week as part of National Tree Week. First come, first served - bring a bag. Facebook

Cork St Patrick's Day Parade Tuesday, 17 March Cork City Centre

This year's Grand Marshal is a greyhound - which is either the most Cork thing ever or the most Cork thing ever. The parade itself runs through the city as part of the five-day St Patrick's Festival. More info

Women's Retreat: Return to Self Sunday, 15 March 14:00 Collective Cork

A rescheduled retreat at Collective Cork - meditation, reflection, and a few hours that are genuinely just for you. More info

The Sauna Snugg: Sauna & Breathwork Session Ongoing Cork

The Sauna Snugg is welcoming bookings for restorative sauna and breathwork sessions - a deeply useful post-Paddy's-week recovery option, it must be said. Instagram

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