The Four-Faced Liar, Kilfenora Céilí Band & Banbha Quartet

March is here and the gig listings are properly buzzing. Levis Corner House is doing what it always does - quietly presenting an incredible programme in one of the best small venues in the country. The Cork Opera House has a week-long run of everything from Dire Straits to Kilfenora. And somewhere in the middle, Crane Lane is hosting a salsa night in aid of charity. It's Cork. You wouldn't expect anything less.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Ye Vagabonds, Kilfenora Céilí Band & Michael McHale at Triskel

⚫️ The Four-Faced Liar at Cork Arts Theatre and Hamnet at Triskel Cinema

⚫️ Trad sessions, jazz jams, céilí nights, and Levis Corner House doing its thing

Let's dive in 👇

Ye Vagabonds Thursday 5 March, 20:00 Cork Opera House

Two-time RTÉ Folk Award winners Ye Vagabonds - brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn - bring their extraordinary close-harmony folk to the Opera House. If you haven't seen them live, this is the show to remedy that. Book tickets

Kilfenora Céilí Band Saturday 7 March, 20:00 Cork Opera House

The iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band - County Clare's pride and Ireland's most beloved traditional dance band - returns to Cork for a night of proper céilí music. The full band, the full experience. Get tickets

The Four-Faced Liar Tuesday 3 March to Saturday 7 March, 20:00 nightly Cork Arts Theatre, Carroll's Quay

A sharp, funny play exploring the complexities of love and friendship at Cork Arts Theatre. Running five nights - if you missed the opening, there are still performances through Saturday. Book tickets

Jack Ahern Monday 2 March Dwyers of Cork, Washington Street

Cork singer-songwriter Jack Ahern brings Rory Gallagher and Beatles influences to his own original material at Dwyers. Dwyers listings

Smithwicks Sessions: Trad and Folk Monday 2 March & Monday 9 March Coughlan's Bar, Cork

The weekly Smithwicks Sessions at Coughlan's - trad and folk, done properly. Details

Jazz Improv - All Players Welcome Monday 2 March Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix Street

An open jazz jam at the Crane Lane - all instruments, all levels. One of Cork's most welcoming musical nights. Crane Lane events

Ciaran Quigley Tuesday 3 March Dwyers of Cork

Original songs from a rising voice in Cork's music scene. Dwyers listings

Inspiration - Open Mic Night Tuesday 3 March & Tuesday 10 March The Poor Relation

Weekly open mic at The Poor Relation - all performers welcome. Cork Heritage Pubs listings

Ringo Music Bingo Tuesday 3 March City Library, Grand Parade

Music bingo at the City Library - prizes, good craic, and a format that's better than it sounds. Free. City Libraries events

Jimmy Lee Wednesday 4 March Dwyers of Cork

Contemporary solo vocals and guitar at Dwyers. Dwyers listings

Fireside Folk Wednesday 4 March & Wednesday 11 March The Welcome Inn, Cork City

Weekly folk session by the fireside at the Welcome Inn. Welcome Inn listings

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

Listening sessions and discussions celebrating the music of David Bowie at the City Library. Free. Cork City Libraries

Ceili By The Lee Wednesday 4 March Crane Lane Theatre

Traditional Irish céilí dancing with live music at the Crane Lane. All levels welcome - if you've never tried céilí dancing, this is the room to start. Crane Lane events

The Dire Straits Experience Wednesday 4 March Cork Opera House

A tribute to Dire Straits bringing their catalogue back to life at the Opera House. Book tickets

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

The first heat of the MTU Battle of the Bands - new Cork bands fighting for their place in the final. Cyprus Avenue listings

Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends Thursday 5 March, 20:00 The Everyman, MacCurtain Street

Rory Gallagher's longtime bassist Gerry McAvoy reunites his Band of Friends for a night of classic rock and blues at the Everyman. Proper musicianship, serious catalogue. Book tickets

115 Jazz Jam Sessions Thursday 5 March & Thursday 12 March Cyprus Avenue

Jazz jams at Cyprus Avenue twice this week. The 115 sessions are a reliable fixture on the Cork jazz calendar. Cyprus Avenue listings

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

The final of the UCC Battle of the Bands. New music, high energy, and the kind of student-night atmosphere that reminds you Cork has an extraordinary musical pipeline. Cyprus Avenue listings

Ballads and Banjos Thursday 5 March & Thursday 12 March The Welcome Inn

Lively ballad and banjo sessions at the Welcome Inn. Welcome Inn listings

The Insiders Thursday 5 March Cantys, Pembroke Street

Live music from The Insiders at Cantys. Crane Lane / Cantys events

Gallows Bar Trad Session Every Wednesday, 18:00-20:00 The Gallows Bar

A new Wednesday trad session starting up at the Gallows Bar with young traditional musicians Molly, Evan, and Gráinne. A great early-evening session to catch before the rest of the night. Instagram details

Michael McHale - From Vienna to Paris Friday 6 March, 20:00 Triskel Arts Centre

Pianist Michael McHale performs works from the Viennese classical tradition through to Parisian impressionism. Schumann, Fauré, Ravel - an elegant Friday evening programme at Triskel. Book tickets

Sarah Hickey - 'Way To Water' Album Launch Friday 6 March Coughlan's Bar

Sarah Hickey launches her new album 'Way To Water' with a live performance at Coughlan's. A significant night for Cork's singer-songwriter scene. Details

Ye Vagabonds performing at Levis Corner House, Ballydehob on Friday 6 March More info.

When Ireland Rocked Friday 6 March, 20:00 The Everyman

A nostalgic journey through the music that defined an era of Irish rock. Book tickets

Pat and Faye Shortt - Shortt Stuff Friday 6 March Cork Opera House

Father-daughter duo Pat and Faye Shortt bring their sketch comedy show to the Opera House. Warm, funny, and an increasingly rare kind of entertainment. Get tickets

Gerry Tully Sings the Christy Moore Songbook Friday 6 March IFI@BrieryGap, Macroom

An evening of heartfelt renditions from the Christy Moore songbook in the lovely surroundings of the BrieryGap in Macroom. Worth the drive west. Details

The Lee Sessions Trad Trail Friday 6 March & Sunday 8 March Sin É

The Lee Sessions Trad Trail keeps the trad alive at Sin É across the week. Cork Heritage Pubs

Shumei - Live at The Pavilion Friday 6 March The Pavilion

Ukrainian artist Shumei performs for the first time in Ireland, bringing powerful songs to the Pavilion stage. A genuinely rare night in Cork. The Pavilion listings

Caz Friday 6 March Cyprus Avenue

Cyprus Avenue listings

Dr Dec and The Side Effects Friday 6 March Cantys, Pembroke Street

Live music from Dr Dec and The Side Effects. Crane Lane / Cantys events

Kevin Quigley Friday 6 March The Welcome Inn

Welcome Inn listings

SEANCHOÍCHE - Storytelling Night Friday 6 March Connolly's of Leap

An enchanting evening of storytelling at Connolly's of Leap - myths, tales, and the kind of night that makes a West Cork pub feel like the centre of the universe. Connolly's of Leap

Ballydehob Trad Festival Launch Friday 6 March Rosie's Bar, Ballydehob

The Ballydehob Trad Festival launches with a session at Rosie's Bar - the start of what's always one of the best weekends in West Cork's musical calendar. Instagram for details

Banbha Quartet - Spring String Quartet Series Saturday 7 March, 20:00 Triskel Arts Centre

The Banbha Quartet bring their spring programme to Triskel as part of the Spring String Quartet Series. Chamber music in one of Cork's most intimate concert spaces. Book tickets

Legends of the 60s Show Saturday 7 March, 20:00 The Everyman

Over 40 hits from the golden decade of pop and rock, live on the Everyman stage. Book tickets

Madhouse Presents: Motorheads and Crow Black Chicken Saturday 7 March The Pavilion €11.70

Two bands, one stage - the kind of Saturday night at the Pavilion that ends with ringing ears and a big smile. Pavilion listings

THE KATES Saturday 7 March Connolly's of Leap

Cork band The Kates play Connolly's of Leap. Fresh off the announcement of their debut album, they're a band worth catching at this moment. Connolly's of Leap

Michael McGovern - 2nd Show Added Saturday 7 March Levis Corner House, Ballydehob

A second show added for Michael McGovern at Levis Corner House, following strong demand. Levis Corner House

Comedy Cavern: Sophia Wren - 'Princess Melancholy' Saturday 7 March Coughlan's Bar

Sophia Wren brings her show 'Princess Melancholy' to the Comedy Cavern at Coughlan's. Sharp, funny, and worth your Saturday night. Details

Club 30 - An Over 30s Evening Saturday 7 March Cyprus Avenue

An evening designed specifically for the over-30s crowd at Cyprus Avenue. You know who you are. Cyprus Avenue listings

Tony Roberts Saturday 7 March The Welcome Inn

Welcome Inn listings

The Flowers of May Saturday 7 March IFI@BrieryGap, Macroom

A theatrical performance at the BrieryGap in Macroom exploring love and loss. Details

The Magic of Motown Sunday 8 March, 20:00 The Everyman

A vibrant celebration of Motown's greatest hits - perfect for an International Women's Day Sunday night out. Book tickets

Áine Tyrell Sunday 8 March Levis Corner House, Ballydehob

Áine Tyrell brings her enchanting, layered folk to Levis Corner House in Ballydehob. One of the most compelling voices in Irish folk right now. Levis Corner House

The Big Swingin' Mikeys Sunday 8 March Dwyers of Cork

Folk, rock, and contemporary tunes from The Big Swingin' Mikeys at Dwyers. A great Sunday session. Dwyers listings

Bermuda County Council Sunday 8 March Dwyers of Cork

High-energy contemporary Irish and folk from Bermuda County Council at Dwyers. Dwyers listings

Tony Milner Sunday 8 March & Thursday 12 March The Welcome Inn / Sin É

Tony Milner at the Welcome Inn on Sunday, and again at Sin É on Thursday. Welcome Inn / Cork Heritage Pubs

Salsa By The Lee in Aid of Charity Sunday 8 March Crane Lane Theatre

Salsa dancing at the Crane Lane in aid of charity on International Women's Day. A joyful way to celebrate. Crane Lane events

Danny Dineen Monday 9 March Dwyers of Cork

Contemporary solo act on vocals and guitar. Dwyers listings

Comedy Cavern: Eric Rushton - Innkeeper Tuesday 10 March Coughlan's Bar

Eric Rushton brings his show 'Innkeeper' to the Comedy Cavern at Coughlan's. Details

Ricky Kelleher Tuesday 10 March Dwyers of Cork

Folk and bluegrass influences at Dwyers. Dwyers listings

Live 'N' Gigging Tuesday 10 March Cyprus Avenue

A mixed lineup of live acts at Cyprus Avenue. Details

Dylan Connor Community Concert Tuesday 10 March City Library, Grand Parade

A community concert at the City Library with local favourite Dylan Connor. Free. Cork City Libraries

Psychic Sally Tuesday 10 March Cork Opera House

Sally Morgan on tour at the Opera House. An evening of mediumship and entertainment - believers and sceptics equally welcome. Cork Opera House

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon - Famous Paintings Lecture Tuesday 10 March Triskel Arts Centre

Part of the ongoing 'Famous Paintings and Their Hidden Histories' lecture series at Triskel - this week diving into Picasso's most controversial and extraordinary work. Triskel listings

Zog Wednesday 11 March, 19:00 The Everyman, MacCurtain Street

A delightful musical for children based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved story about a young dragon in training. Great for small ones who already know and love the book. Book tickets

Joe the Magician Sunday 8 March IFI@BrieryGap, Macroom

A magical show for kids with illusions and family entertainment at the BrieryGap in Macroom. Details

Ruud Van Nistelrooy - An Evening With Sunday 8 March Cork Opera House

Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy shares stories from his career at the Opera House. For the football fans among us. Cork Opera House

The Girly Reset - IWD Wellness Morning Sunday 8 March Marina Market, Cork

An International Women's Day wellness morning at Marina Market with grounding tarot, a confidence-boosting Pilates flow, and a pink-themed social brunch. The Marina Market setting makes this one feel properly Cork. More info

Killavullen Farmer's Market Weekly Killavullen (Birthplace of Nano Nagle)

A weekly farmer's market at Killavullen - a beautiful spot on the Blackwater, well worth a visit if you're north of the city. More info

Seed Talks: Folklore and Women Monday 2 March Cyprus Avenue

An engaging talk on folklore and the role of women in storytelling at Cyprus Avenue. A good Monday night conversation starter. Cyprus Avenue listings

Famous Paintings and Their Hidden Histories - Spring Lecture Series Every Tuesday from 3 March, various times Triskel Arts Centre

Áine Andrews' lecture series at Triskel takes a deep-dive approach to famous paintings and the stories hiding just beneath the surface. The series runs every Tuesday - the third session on 3 March covers Walter Osborne's The Goldfish Bowl. Smart, accessible, and genuinely illuminating. Triskel listings

Kim Crowley at Triskel Sample Project Space Thursday 5 March, 18:00 Triskel Sample Project Space

Artist Kim Crowley opens a curatorial research office at Triskel's Sample Project Space. An event for those interested in what happens behind the scenes in the art world. Triskel listings

Hamnet Sunday 8 March, 14:00 and 20:00 Triskel Cinema

Chloé Zhao's Academy Award-nominated film adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel - a spiritual and powerful contemplation of love, death and grief in Shakespeare's England. Two screenings on Sunday. Book at Triskel

If I Had Legs I'd Kick You Sunday 8 March, 16:30 Triskel Cinema

A film at Triskel described as something that will knock the breath out of you. Book here

CETB Concert Saturday 7 March City Library, Grand Parade

A live concert from CETB performers at the City Library. Free. Cork City Libraries

Mary's Hopes and Dreams Tuesday 10 March Cork Arts Theatre, Carroll's Quay

A new performance at Cork Arts Theatre exploring aspiration and resilience. Details

Sinners Monday 9 March & Wednesday 11 March IFI@BrieryGap, Macroom

Two screenings of Sinners at the BrieryGap in Macroom - a gripping cinematic experience. Details

Nouvelle Vague Monday 2 March IFI@BrieryGap, Macroom

A screening at the BrieryGap described as bringing classic tracks with a fresh twist - check the BrieryGap's listings for full details. Details

Elinor O'Donovan: Winter Sun Ongoing Christchurch building, Cork

A moving-image projection on the Christchurch building by artist Elinor O'Donovan - outdoor public art in a beautiful Cork setting. Triskel listings

Persistence of Trace - Group Exhibition Ongoing Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen

Eight artists across photography, video, sculpture, and underwater footage filmed in the River Lee and Cork Harbour. One of the more ambitious group shows in the region this spring. More info.

Thanks for reading Safe Harbour!

If you enjoy the newsletter or you find it useful here are some ways you can help us:

See you next week 👋

P.S. Not feeling it anymore? No hard feelings. You can unsubscribe from the email footer below