Maritime celebrations on Leeside
Cork’s largest celebration of maritime culture and heritage will anchor in Cork again this summer.
Running from 2-11 June, the 2023 Cork Harbour Festival offers more than 80 events in a dozen beautiful locations across Cork city and Cork Harbour.
This year’s festival will extend to Crosshaven, Fountainstown, Monkstown, Passage West, Cobh, Spike Island, Haulbowline, East Ferry and Rostellan in the county, with city locations including the Lee Fields, Blackrock, Bishopstown, Marina Park and Nano Nagle Place.
The 10 day festival’s main event, Ocean to City - An Rás Mór, takes place on 3 June and has been described as Ireland’s most ambitious rowing and paddling race.
The event will welcome hundreds of national and international participants as they race 28km through the harbour from Crosshaven to the finish line in Cork city. The colourful fleet of 200 boats will include currachs, skiffs, longboats, kayaks, and paddle boards. Every year, participants travel from places as far as the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom to compete. There will be spectator vantage points along the harbour with entertainment and festivities both there and at the finish line. Registration to take part in Ocean to City – An Rás Mór closes on 19 May for rowers and 26 May for paddlers. To register, visit oceantocity.com.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Deirdre Forde said: “This festival showcases the best of what the city has to offer, in particular our fabulous harbour. This festival combines heritage and tradition with promotion of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Festivals like this are a key attraction for tourists to any city and I would recommend everyone to engage whether as a participant or a spectator.”
Festival Manager, Joya Kuin, said: “We can’t wait to welcome thousands of festival visitors to the region this June and encourage everyone to dive right in and enjoy all the maritime fun that is on offer.”
Festival highlights include a 2 hour evening rib tour of Cork Harbour, a Cork sea safari, kayaking under the bridges of Cork, the Cork Ghost Tour, and stand-up paddle boarding lessons.
To explore the festival programme of events, visit corkharbourfestival.com. Cork Harbour Festival is organised by Meitheal Mara, the community boatyard, training centre and charity located in the heart of Cork city.