Celebrating the city’s heart and soul

The 11th annual Cork Coal Quay Family Festival is gearing up to showcase the heart and soul of Cork city this coming Saturday 12 August. The festival promises to honour the rich and colourful heritage, traditions, and culture of the Coal Quay through music, song, and storytelling.

Supported by the Cork City Council, along with the Cornmarket Street and North Main Street Traders, the festivities will kick off at noon with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy opening the ceremony.

At 12 noon, the sound of the historic Shandon Bells will chime with 'The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee' to celebrate the opening of festival.

From there the parade will begin, led by MuddyLee and The Coal Quay Shawlies, marching from North Gate Bridge along North Main Street and Kyle Street to Cornmarket Street, and accompanied by members of the Middle Parish and Coal Quay Historical Society, festival organisers, committee members, local residents, and traders.

A moment of remembrance will be held, with parish priests offering prayers in honour of the departed Coal Quay dealers and residents, where doves will be released in their memory.

The festivities will showcase the heritage of the Coal Quay, traditions, and among the attractions is a photographic exhibition will display historical maps and illustrations, spotlighting the vibrant Coal Quay Market of yesteryear.

In the spirit of embracing the Coal Quay of the past, attendees are encouraged to don traditional costumes from their grandparents' era. The Cork Coal Quay Family Festival takes place this Sunday.