Cork Harbour Festival to set sail

Ray Lucey

Cork Harbour Festival kicks off this Saturday celebrating two of Cork’s natural amenities, Cork Harbour and River Lee, with a packed festival programme featuring over 80 events from 1 to 10 June.

This year’s festival offers an extensive choice of attractions and activities, heritage sites, cultural experiences and stories. Cork Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world and the festival offers something for everyone.

The options include: A harbour discovery tour with Ocean Escapes (9 June) or a wildlife & coastal exploration tour with Cork Sea Safari (1, 2, 8 and 9 June). Kayak under Cork’s bridges (9 June), learn scuba diving in Myrtleville (3-7 June) or join Swell Surf School in East Cork - surfing and coasteering (1 June).

Land-based options include: a tour of Hederman's smoke house in Cobh (1-10 June bar Sundays), ORCA Ireland for Sea-Life Watch (2 June). The Molgoggers Sea Shanty concert at Nano Nagle (8 June) or a comedic dinner theatre experience with Hysterical Histories (1, 6, 7 and 8 June). Orienteering fun, map reading and navigation exploring Cruachain Woods and Crosshaven (2 June) or Currach Olympics in Marina Park (9 June).

There are many free events including: City Otter walk with Cork Nature Network (8 June), harbour cycle with Lee to Sea committee (9 June) and talks and lectures.

Ocean to City – An Rás Mór Cork Harbour Festival’s flagship event is on Saturday 8 June with almost 500 Irish and international participants in a gruelling race across Cork Harbour, hailing from Ireland, Netherlands, UK and US with 200 boats. With family entertainment along Cork Harbour, including at Cobh, Monkstown, Blackrock and Cork city.

Nicola Fitzgerald, Festival and Events Officer, Fáilte Ireland said: “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support Ocean to City, Cork which creates a unique and exciting reason for participants and their supporters to experience our world class outdoor activity offering. Developing participative festivals like this really helps boost the appeal of a destination and encourages the spread of tourism across the country. This is essential for driving footfall for local businesses and bringing social and economic benefits to the local community.”

Cork Harbour Festival is organised by Meitheal Mara, community boatyard, training centre and charity in Cork city. It is funded by Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland, with the help of 50 event partners and countless volunteers.