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Thursday, 18 December 2025
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL REQUIRES General Operative - West Cork (Bantry) MD
Mayor Mary Linehan Foley Hosts Civic Reception to Honour Sporting and Music Groups and Individuals
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley has hosted a special Civic Reception at Cork County Hall to recognise the outstanding achievements of World Pipe Band Champions, Carrigaline Pipe Band, All-Ireland U18 Ladies Football Champions, Cork Minor Ladies Team, and Epsom Derby-winning Jockey, Wayne Lordan. A Civic Reception is the highest honour the Mayor of the County can give to a group or individual.
In June, Cork jockey Wayne Lordan rode Lambourn to victory at the Group One Betfred Derby at Epsom. In July, Cork defeated Dublin to win the ZuCar All-Ireland U18 ‘A’ Ladies Football Championship. In August, Carrigaline Pipe Band won the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow. They also won the World Championships in the drumming section.
Host applications now open for Corks Lifelong Learning Festival 2026
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Dear Cork Learning City Colleagues,
We have exciting news – The 2026 Cork Lifelong Learning Festival host submissions are now open.
The 21st festival is running from Wednesday, 22nd April to Wednesday, 29th April 2026.
It is open to individuals, organisations, and groups all over Cork City who want to engage with Learners of all ages, levels, interests and abilities.
If you have a passion for Learning of any kind, we want to help you spread the word, engage, and inspire new lifelong learners across Cork.
Applications are accepted online, please follow this link to access form: https://submit.link/4l2
Visit our website or social media for news & links Instagram - Facebook
The deadline for submission of events is 31st January 2026.
If you are having any trouble with the forms, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – learningfestival@corkcity.ie
We’re always excited to see new learning events and old favourites back again in the programme.
If it’s your first time considering submitting an event you may find How to Host a Festival Event - Cork Learning City useful and if you have any questions, please do get in touch!
We are really looking forward to working with you on making the 21st Lifelong Learning Festival another remarkable week of learning.
Regards,
James Leonard
Lifelong Learning Festival Coordinator
Cork Learning City
Pure Christmas in Cork City
Pure Christmas
Cork is brimming with events this Christmas from festivals, markets and ferris wheels to hilarious pantos, theatre and stand-up comedy
Corkmas is Cork City's big Christmas festival and is packed with lots of things to do, see and eat.
The Ferris Wheel is back on weekends from Friday 29 November until Monday 30 December with superb panoramic views of a fully lit up city and beyond. 
Cork City Christmas Market on Emmet Place runs Thursday to Sunday from Saturday 30th November to Saturday 22nd December bringing joy for all age groups with lots of exciting performances from Christmas themed characters, roving musicians and drummers. Complete with wooden chalets offering gifts and snacks, with the plaza transformed into a Christmas village consisting of a broad mix of vendors offering a range of festive delights and artisan crafts.
Other markets in the city worth checking out are at Nano Nagle on Douglas Street and St. Peter's Cork on North Main Street which will raise funds for Cork Cancer Support.
All Christmas markets in County Cork are listed here.
Speaking of markets, the mega-popular Marina Market hosts a unique Saving Santa Experience this year as well as a host of events like a performance from the amazing Voiceworks on 21 December.
In Clonakilty catch the BELIEVE Christmas experience at the Model Railway Village and be sure to visit North Pole Cottage and the Elf Village.
Pantomania
The Cork Opera House and Everyman host traditional pantomimes this year, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood respectively, and are close to sell outs so get your tickets fast (they’re behind you!). In Macroom, Cinderella also comes to the newly re-opened Briery Gap Theatre. 
For adults only check out The Improv Panto at Cork Opera House - an unscripted show of mayhem where the audience calls the shots or check out some stand-up comedy at Cork's dedicated Comedy Club at City Limits.
Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a short distance from Cork city centre hosts WinterLee, "an immersive winder wonderland" which includes the very exciting Alpine Skate Trail - a Cork Christmas must-do!
Visiting Santa Claus
Dressed in the red and white of Cork, Santa’s magical omnipresence means there are lots of places to see him around the city and county this year. Check out the Magic of Santa and Wonderlights (pic below) at Fota House near Cobh and the North Pole Experience at Cuskinny.
Up The Walls
When the visit to Santa is done there’s still loads for kids to do in Cork with indoor attractions like climbing paradise Awesome Walls , trampoline mania at Bouncezone , ten pin bowling and laser tag at Planet in Blackpool or at Leisureplex on MacCurtain Street. Meanwhile, Jungle World in Midleton and Monkey Maze in Glanmire are the perfect places to let smaller kids run/climb off that pent-up Christmas energy.
Teens and adults can go karting, drifting or burn off the Christmas excess in sumo wrestling suits at Adventure Park in Watergrasshill and for days with less energy to spend on fun, the city and counties cinemas are all open with the latest movies.
https://www.purecork.ie/pure-christmas
Thursday, 11 December 2025
11 Community Projects in Cork County Allocated Over €650,000 in Funding Under 2025 CLÁR Programme
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Friday, 28th November 2025) announced €12.3 million in funding to support community projects nationwide under the 2025 CLÁR programme, with €651,176 allocated to Cork County.
Further details of all projects announced today are available at gov.ie.
Men’s Health Webinar: Minding Yourself and Others
Men’s Health Webinar: Minding Yourself and Others
We invite you to register for our upcoming Men’s Health Webinar: Minding Yourself and Others, with special guest Keith Donald – on Tuesday 16 December, 12:00pm to 1:00pm. 70 years a musician, Keith has famously played with Moving Hearts, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Mary Coughlan, Christy Moore and loads more. In this webinar, he will share some of his remarkable life story - from childhood abuse, to being a musical icon, to losing close friends in tragic circumstances, to alcoholism, to sobriety and contentment. His challenging story offers insight into his ongoing journey of building resilience, and the need to find - and be willing to accept - help and support. Other guest speakers will highlight resources and supports for men’s mental health at what can be a very challenging time of the year for many men.
Register at https://imsconnect.zoom.us/
HSE Health and Wellbeing Website | Ezine | Podcast | X/Twitter | YouTube | Mailing List | LinkedIn
Projects Supported by Cork County Council Sarah Byrne: Writers’ Workshop GET YOUR ELBOWS ON THE TABLE
Join this online workshop with writer and creative producer Sarah Byrne. After years in mental health work and creative coaching, Sarah noticed that many people struggle to write authentically and openly about their families, often fearing they might offend them. In this 90-minute workshop, you will explore conflict, connection, and care through the lens of food. From crumbs to bread knives, from abundance to deprivation, Sarah will show how the small, intimate details around meals reveal the hidden tensions and joys in family life. Tickets are first come, first serve.
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Cork County Council Library and Arts Service call for applications from writers for new programme: Writers Block
Photo credit: Cork County Council Creative Writing Groups at West Cork Literary Festival 2025.
‘Writers Block’ brings communities together through the written word. This creative writing programme delivered by Cork County Council Library and Arts Service will bring together a panel of writers to engage with communities on an ongoing basis throughout 2026. ‘Writers Block’ invites applications from experienced writers in all genres - from scriptwriting to slam poetry - who are interested in developing a programme of engagement with writers’ groups, individuals, community groups, schools, and others interested in writing over a twelve-month period in 2026. Writers will be appointed to work in specific areas of the county.
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Thursday, 4 December 2025
Musical Events in Cork City
🎄 December Events in West, North & East Cork
(Information kindly shared by our member, Brendan Meade)
Our member Brendan has sent through a very helpful roundup of some events happening across West, North, and East Cork this December. Full details exactly as provided below — thank you, Brendan!
West Cork
ABBA by Candlelight
Wednesday Dec 3rd, 8pm
Maritime Hotel Bantry
Hits played by pianist Frank McNamara & The Bridgerton String Quartet.
Tickets available at Eventbrite.ie
Ficino Quartet,
Friday Dec 5th 7.30pm
St Brendan's Church, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry
Tickets: westcorkmusic.ie or call (027) 52788
Victorian Christmas Carols
Saturday Dec 6th, 3.30pm
The Lake Hotel Dunmanway
André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert on the BIG SCREEN – Christmas Cinema Event
Sunday 7th December, 7.30pm
Briery Gap Macroom
Tickets: €20 via www.brierygap.ie
New Year’s Family Gathering,
Wednesday Dec 31st 9pm
Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry
Music starts 9pm
North Cork
Mallow Castle Illuminated Walkway
Sunday December 7th, 4–7pm
Annual Christmas Concert
St. James Church Mallow
Friday Dec 12th & Sat 13th
Tickets available at the church on Wednesdays, during the Farmers Market on Fridays & Saturdays.
Mitchelstown Christmas Concert
Friday December 12th, 8pm
St. Georges Art & Heritage Centre (free parking)
Tickets €25 available from Centre (087)4696913, through Eventbrite.ie, or local outlets.
For Family
Saturday 13th December, 3pm
St. Georges Art & Heritage Centre (free parking)
Witches of Oz (Family event & sing-along)
Tickets available through Eventbrite.ie
Fermoy Classical Music Society Christmas Concert
Friday 5th December, 7.30pm (Free Event)
Fermoy Community Youth Centre
East Cork Events
Midleton
Festive Concert by Jubilate Deo Choir
Friday 19th December, 7.30pm
St. Johns Co-Cathedral
Tickets available through showshappening.com
Youghal
Holy Family Church Choir & Carol Service
Thursday December 14th, 7.30pm, Holy Family Church
Check ringofcork.ie for details. Free Event
Friday December 19th, 7.30pm
Our Lady of Lourdes Strand Church
Christmas Carol Service
Friday 19th December, 9pm–10.15pm
Walter Raleigh Hotel
A Very Irish Candlelight Christmas
Tickets available through Eventbrite.ie
Cobh
Thursday 11th December, 7.30pm
St. Colmans Cathedral
Carols by Candlelight
Tickets €15 Adult / €10 children
Available from Parish Office (cash only)
Spike Island
Sunday 7th December
Christmas Concert @ Spike Island
Tickets €20
Book via www.spikeisland.ie
Proceeds go to Charity Street Angels Cork
Boat departs Kennedy Quay 2.15pm
Thanks again to Brendan Meade for gathering and sharing all this inform
Musical Events in Cork County
🎄 December Events in West, North & East Cork
(Information kindly shared by our member, Brendan Meade)
Our member Brendan has sent through a very helpful roundup of some events happening across West, North, and East Cork this December. Full details exactly as provided below — thank you, Brendan!
West Cork
ABBA by Candlelight
Wednesday Dec 3rd, 8pm
Maritime Hotel Bantry
Hits played by pianist Frank McNamara & The Bridgerton String Quartet.
Tickets available at Eventbrite.ie
Ficino Quartet,
Friday Dec 5th 7.30pm
St Brendan's Church, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry
Tickets: westcorkmusic.ie or call (027) 52788
Victorian Christmas Carols
Saturday Dec 6th, 3.30pm
The Lake Hotel Dunmanway
André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert on the BIG SCREEN – Christmas Cinema Event
Sunday 7th December, 7.30pm
Briery Gap Macroom
Tickets: €20 via www.brierygap.ie
New Year’s Family Gathering,
Wednesday Dec 31st 9pm
Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry
Music starts 9pm
North Cork
Mallow Castle Illuminated Walkway
Sunday December 7th, 4–7pm
Annual Christmas Concert
St. James Church Mallow
Friday Dec 12th & Sat 13th
Tickets available at the church on Wednesdays, during the Farmers Market on Fridays & Saturdays.
Mitchelstown Christmas Concert
Friday December 12th, 8pm
St. Georges Art & Heritage Centre (free parking)
Tickets €25 available from Centre (087)4696913, through Eventbrite.ie, or local outlets.
For Family
Saturday 13th December, 3pm
St. Georges Art & Heritage Centre (free parking)
Witches of Oz (Family event & sing-along)
Tickets available through Eventbrite.ie
Fermoy Classical Music Society Christmas Concert
Friday 5th December, 7.30pm (Free Event)
Fermoy Community Youth Centre
East Cork Events
Midleton
Festive Concert by Jubilate Deo Choir
Friday 19th December, 7.30pm
St. Johns Co-Cathedral
Tickets available through showshappening.com
Youghal
Holy Family Church Choir & Carol Service
Thursday December 14th, 7.30pm, Holy Family Church
Check ringofcork.ie for details. Free Event
Friday December 19th, 7.30pm
Our Lady of Lourdes Strand Church
Christmas Carol Service
Friday 19th December, 9pm–10.15pm
Walter Raleigh Hotel
A Very Irish Candlelight Christmas
Tickets available through Eventbrite.ie
Cobh
Thursday 11th December, 7.30pm
St. Colmans Cathedral
Carols by Candlelight
Tickets €15 Adult / €10 children
Available from Parish Office (cash only)
Spike Island
Sunday 7th December
Christmas Concert @ Spike Island
Tickets €20
Book via www.spikeisland.ie
Proceeds go to Charity Street Angels Cork
Boat departs Kennedy Quay 2.15pm
Thanks again to Brendan Meade for gathering and sharing all this inform
Lights of Love Remembrance Tree Event 2025
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Lights of Love Remembrance Tree 2025
Fermoy Community Health Project, Fermoy Community Resource Centre and the Fermoy Committee of Cork Mental Health invite you to their annual Lights of Love Remembrance Tree event which takes place on Sunday, 7th December, 5 to 6pm, at the Fermoy Community Resource Centre, 42 McCurtain Street.
What to expect at the Lights of Love Remembrance Event
Sponsor a Light (5pm – 5.45pm)
When you arrive, you will be welcomed into the Fermoy Community Resource Centre and guided towards the Cahill Room. Here, if you wish, you may sponsor a light on the Remembrance Tree for a €5 donation, each light symbolising the memory of someone special.
- Each sponsorship includes a Lights of Love remembrance card, printed this year on plantable seeded paper.
- You are also welcome to write a named dedication in the memory frame, which will be displayed beside the tree throughout the Christmas and New Year season.
Taking Time to Reflect (throughout the hour)
Guests are invited to enjoy seasonal refreshments in the kitchen, kindly provided by Meals on Wheels. Music will be performed by the Fermoy Men’s Group choir. You can spend time in the peaceful garden, or connect with others in this shared spirit of remembrance and comfort.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (5.45pm – 6pm)
We will gather together in the courtyard in front of the Remembrance Tree for reflections, the lighting ceremony, and a final piece of music. The ceremony will be live-streamed on the Facebook page Lights of Love Remembrance Tree Event – Fermoy.
The lights on the tree will continue to shine throughout the Christmas season, offering a symbol of hope and remembrance as we move into the New Year. For more information, contact Jacinta McCormack, Community Health Worker, on 085 874 2320.
Jacinta McCormack
Oibrí Sláinte Pobail Fhear Maí
Fermoy Community Health Worker
Tionscadal Sláinte Pobail Fhear Maí | Ionad Acmhainní Pobail Fhear Maí | 42 Sráid McCurtain | Fhear Maí | Co. Chorcaí | P61 T267
Fermoy Community Health Project | Fermoy Community Resource Centre | 42 McCurtain Street | Fermoy | Co Cork | P61 T267
085 8742320 | jacinta.mccormack@hse.ie | healthactionzone.ie
I work full days on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday; and half day on Friday
“My working day may not match yours, please do not feel you have to respond outside of your normal working hours”
Working in partnership with the Community & Voluntary Sector in Cork and Kerry since 1975
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