The art(s) of gift giving

Cork simply brims with art and creativity all year round, and with plenty of Christmas stockings yet to be filled, why not treat a loved one to a taste of what Cork’s arts scene has to offer in 2025?

For starters, you can’t go wrong with the gift of music, especially when that gift is tickets to go see iconic Irish soul rockers, Hothouse Flowers at Cork Opera House on 14 March. Combining traditional Irish music with influences from soul, gospel, and rock, the band behind hit song ‘Don’t Go’ have been making their mark on the Irish music scene for four decades.

Tickets for the show are €30 and are for sale now at corkoperahouse.ie.

Looking ahead to the summer, tickets for Live at the Marquee 2025 are already selling fast with some great names on the line-up as usual. In high demand are Irish pop rock outfit, Picture This who, having sold out their initial date, have added a second on 26 June with tickets now on sale for that show. Also gracing the Marquee’s stage will be Joe Bonamassa and band who will play three nights from 1-3 July as a special celebration of the legendary Rory Gallagher. And you’d never know, Gallagher’s famous guitar, recently purchased at auction and donated to the National Museum, may make an appearance. Other big names confirmed for Live at the Marquee 2025 are Christy Moore on 28 June, Dara O’Briain on 29 June, and Tommy Tiernan on 5 July. For tickets and a full line-up, visit aikenpromotions.com/events/live-at-the-marquee.

If it’s movies they love, then cinema vouchers and gift cards are always appreciated as a Christmas gift.

They are flexible, easy to use, and, thanks to the Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Act 2019, they are redeemable for years! Some cinemas even do monthly subscriptions that allow the holder to see multiple films for a set price. For example, the MyOmniPass at Cork Omniplex in Mahon Point starts at €14.99 per month for standard screenings, while the MyOmniPass Premium includes MAXX screens, recline seats for €17.99 per month.

With movies like Robbie Williams’ biopic, ‘Better Man’, and ‘In the Grey’ starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill both coming out in January alone, the gift of cinema is a guaranteed crowd pleaser this Christmas.

Over at Cork Opera House, 2025 looks set to be another incredible year full of all kinds of shows. On 29 January, twins Dave and Steve Flynn will bring their new live show, ‘The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings from the First 20 Years’ to Cork audiences who can expect a fun-filled evening packed with stories from their wild journey, tips for better living, and even a few cooking demos. Tickets cost €26.

On 28 February and 1 March, veteran impressionist, Mario Rosenstock returns to Cork Opera House with ‘Gift Grub Live 25’ celebrating 25 years since the idea was born. The show will feature some of the most beloved characters and sketches from the pat 25 years, along with new material created especially for this landmark event. Tickets cost €43.50.

On 7 March, father and daughter comedy duo Pat and Faye Shortt will perform their new show ‘Knuckle Down’, creating comedy gold from the mundane though their hilarious characterisation of everyday Irish people. Tickets are €31.

These are just a taste of what Cork Opera House has to offer in the new year. Visit corkoperahouse.ie for a full programme of potential stocking fillers!

And just as a little bonus gift option, Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon’s band PiL (Public Image LTD) are set to play Cork City Hall on 15 August. This one is a while away yet, but tickets are expected to go very fast.

PiL play Cork as part of a series of Irish shows for summer 2025 that they are calling ‘This is not the last Tour’.

Tickets are on sale now and start at €45.30.

Visit ticketmaster.ie to book.