Friday, 15th August '25
Cork on a Fork Fab Food Trail
10.30am - 1pm, Friday 15th August, Cork City Centre
Walk and taste your way around Cork city with a specially designed Cork on a Fork Food Trail visiting the very best places using the very best Iocal produce. An experienced guide will sharing their love of good food and Cork city and stories of the history and culture Cork as you stroll the city streets. Vegetarian friendly. With Fab Food Trails.
Tickets: €80 per person. Book here
Battle of the Smoothies Kids Sensory Cooking Class
11am - 12pm (3-12 years), Friday 15th August, St Peter's North Main St
Join Deirdre Doyle from the award winning The Cool Food School for a fun, interactive pop-up cooking class for children at St Peter's. Deirdre is a master at getting kids to have fun in the kitchen and promotes healthy eating in a fun and interactive way. From smelling to chopping to dancing and tasting, kids are sure to get lots out of these engaging cooking classes with simple, whole food recipes.
Tickets: €13.50 per child
Book here
La Dolce Vita Cork Style - the Italiano Playlist
11.00am, Friday 15th August, Cork City Library, Rory Gallagher Music Library
Come and join us for a morning of Italian music presented by Denis McSweeney and learn about the performers and their lives beyond the stage. Prepare to enjoy some great classics such as Dean Martin, Pavarotti, Sinatra, Perry Como, Mario Lanza and enjoy some of the best tastes of Italy such as Pizza/ Bruschetta/Cannelloni and Biscotti. This will be a fun morning and guaranteed to be enjoyed by all, La Dolce Vita Cork style.
FREE. No Booking Required
The Hysterical Histories - Food, Fame and Frivolity Walking Tour
11.00am, Friday 15th August, Cork City Centre
Discover the highlights of Cork’s 1500-year history, through the eyes of Cork's quirky characters/pickiest eaters and engage with the Hysterical actor guide on this truly unique walking tour of Cork City. Booking essential as numbers are limited, duration 1.5hrs
Tickets: €25 per adult (€20 with discount), €20 per child aged 6-12 years (€15 with discount), 0-5 years free. Discount code: FORKWALK25. Book here
Marina Market Teddy Bears Picnic
11.00am, Friday 15th August, The Marina Market
Head to the Marina Market with your teddies for this gorgeous outdoor teddy bears picnic. Kids will enjoy cupcakes from Messy Buns and a Glenilen yoghurt. Beekeeper Hanna Bäckmo from Hanna’s Bees will also showcase her bees and offer honey tastings and a small gift to take away. There will be free face painting. Everyone is also welcome to have lots of fun with giant games with the Let’s Play Cork play leaders. Parental supervision necessary. Sponsored by M&P O'Sullivan.
Tickets: €10 per person. Book here.
Food and Mood Talk
11.30am, Friday 15th August, Mayfield Library
An engaging talk on how we can support our mood through nutrition, focusing on how food affects mood, the gut-brain axis, nutrition tips for supporting our mood, and important nutrients for brain health.
FREE. No booking required
Tutored Beer Tasting & Micro-Brewery Visit
12-12.45pm, Friday 15th August, Elbow Lane
Step inside the smallest brewery in Ireland, Elbow Lane Brew & Smokehouse on Oliver Plunkett Street, and discover its limited-edition range of award-winning beers. During this informal, informative and fun tasting, you will try each of their beers and hear about the brewery and beer in general. Includes a unique Elbow Lane 100% recycled Organic Cotton T-Shirt, 4 tasting beers and pinchos.
Tickets: €60 per person. Book here
Summer Tapas on the Terrace
From 12 noon, Friday 15th August, Cornstore Cork
Guests will enjoy a signature Midleton Whiskey cocktail paired with a locally-sourced tapas plate on the terrace for €35. To enhance the experience guests can also opt for a Midleton Whiskey tasting board or indulge in a whiskey-inspired dessert—crafted with care and Cork flavour.
Tickets €35. To book tel 021 4274777 or email cork@cornstore.com
Carrot Cake Power Balls - Kids Sensory Cooking Class
12.30pm-1.30pm, Friday 15th August, St Peter's North Main St
Join Deirdre Doyle from the award winning The Cool Food School for a fun, interactive pop-up cooking class for children at St Peter's. Deirdre is a master at getting kids to have fun in the kitchen and promotes healthy eating in a fun and interactive way. From smelling to chopping to dancing and tasting, kids are sure to get lots out of these engaging cooking classes with simple, whole food recipes.
Tickets: €13.50 per child. Book here
Afternoon Tea on the Train - A Food Cloud Kitchen Experience
1:00pm (meet at 12:30pm), Friday 15th August, Kent Station
All aboard for a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience with a purpose! Join us for a unique journey celebrating food systems sustainability, delicious food, and the power of food sharing. Hosted in partnership with FoodCloud and Irish Rail, this special event showcases a stunning afternoon tea menu, crafted by talented chefs who believe in reducing food waste without compromising on flavour - by using surplus food ingredients. While travelling in style between Cork and Midleton indulge in a thoughtfully curated selection of sweet and savoury delights while learning about FoodCloud’s mission to tackle food waste and food insecurity. Adults only
Tickets: €35 per person. Bookings will open soon. Email comms@foodcloud.ie to express interest.
The Met x Maharani Afternoon Tea
1-4pm, Friday 15th August, The Met, Metropole Hotel
The Met and Rebel City Distillery come together for a delicious fusion Of Cork and Kerala for this special Afternoon Tea, blending local flavours with Indian botanicals. Guests will be welcomed with a refreshing Maharani Gin & Tonic, followed by a Summer Berry Afternoon Tea inspired by the bold flavours of Maharani Gin—crafted in Cork using botanicals from a women’s co-op in Kerala. Sweet and savoury treats will be served with tea and coffee in the elegant Tea Room at The Metropole.
Tickets €45 pp. Book here
Botanics & Bites at Bloom
1-6pm, Friday 15th August, Bloom at Hayfield Manor
Indulge in a carefully crafted botanical cocktail and a sharing board featuring a selection of produce from leading local suppliers for two in Hayfield Hotel's garden venue Bloom. This offer is available daily throughout the duration of the festival.
Tickets €50 for 2. To book call 021 4845900 or email events@hayfieldmanor.ie
Nice to Mead You! Mead-Making Class and Talk
1-2.30pm, City Library, Thomas Davis Room
Join us for a practical demonstration on how to make your own mead at home, along with a discussion of the origins, history and ecological importance of mead-making. 18+ only.
FREE. No Booking required
Bone Health
2.00pm, Friday 15th August, Glanmire Library
Learn all you need to know about nutrition for bone health including essential nutrients, foods to include in your diet to support bones, and nutrition and lifestyle tips to promote optimal bone health.
FREE. No booking required
Cork on a Fork Fab Food Trail
2-4.30pm, Friday 15th August, Cork City Centre
Walk and taste your way around Cork city with a specially designed Cork on a Fork Food Trail visiting the very best places using the very best Iocal produce. An experienced guide will sharing their love of good food and Cork city and stories of the history and culture Cork as you stroll the city streets. Vegetarian friendly. With Fab Food Trails.
Tickets: €80 per person Book here
Cork Culinary Tour
2.00-5.00pm, Friday 15th August, Cork City Centre
The Cork Culinary Tour brings people together through storytelling, Irish culture, food and drink. You will wander through Cork City's famous food and beverage market, the English Market, in operation since the 18th century, and explore and enjoy the very best the city has to offer. With prebooked tastings of local award-winning cheese, mouthwatering seafood fresh from the Atlantic, handmade Irish bread, gourmet country sausages, and more. The tour finishes in a relaxed gastro pub where guests can enjoy a sharing platter and a creamy pint or local beverage of choice.
Tickets: €110 per adult, €80 per youth (12-18), €35 per child Book here
Exclusive Meet the Producers Bus Tour
2-6pm, Friday 15th August, Cork City & County
An exclusive Producers Bus Tour celebrating some of Cork’s best food producers with behind-the-scenes tastings and insights into their craft. Featuring the English Market, Hannas Bees, Frank Hederman’s Tasting Room in Cobh, Ardsallagh Cheese and Killahora Orchard.
Tickets: €95 per person. Book here
Bread, Beef, and Butter at The Butter Museum
2.30-4.30pm, Friday 15th August, The Butter Museum at Shandon
The Butter Museum at Shandon is the place to be on Friday afternoon with a number of demonstrations on the making of traditional soda bread and butter, and a talk from local butcher James Nolan on corned beef. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets: Free
Book here
English Market Food History Tour and Tasting at Farmgate
2.30-4.30pm, Friday 15th August, The English Market
Enjoy a special Cork on a Fork tour and tasting of the English Market guided by Regina Sexton, UCC's food and culinary historian. Regina will give you a fascinating insight into the market, its food and its history, while the traders will share their own stories and that of their produce. You will then be treated to a tasting platter of the best local produce from The English Market's Farmgate Cafe.
Tickets: €55 per person
Book here
Apple Donut Kids Sensory Cooking Class
2.30-3.30pm (3-12 Years), Friday 15th August, St Peter's
Join Deirdre Doyle from the award winning The Cool Food School for a fun, interactive pop-up cooking class for children at St Peter's. Deirdre is a master at getting kids to have fun in the kitchen and promotes healthy eating in a fun and interactive way. From smelling to chopping to dancing and tasting, kids are sure to get lots out of these engaging cooking classes with simple, whole food recipes.
Tickets: €13.50 per child
Book here
Grown Local @ Gabriel House
3.00pm-6.00pm, Friday 15th August, Gabriel House T23 X963
A celebration of local produce from Gabriel House's very own organic garden in St Lukes, overlooking Cork City. Enjoy pies made from scratch by their chef, filled with produce from local suppliers and vegetables from the garden. This will be paired with wines from a local supplier Irish Organic Wines Tour the organic gardens, where you can meet the chickens, ducks, and white doves and hear about the venue's Irish Bee Conservation Project.
Tickets: €35 per person
Book here
Plates & Pairings at Jacques Restaurant – A Cork Food & Drink Celebration
5.00pm, Friday 15th August, Jacques Restaurant
A unique celebration of Cork’s finest flavours that will showcase the creativity and quality of Cork’s food and drink scene – from land to sea, and still to sparkling. Expect thoughtfully crafted plates featuring the likes of fresh oysters, succulent pork, or sweet local strawberries – each matched with bold and surprising drinks from local producers such as absinthe, pomelo vodka, craft cider, and more.
Tickets: €100 per table of 4 (only bookings of 4 or 8) Book here
Rebel City Distillery Cork Cocktail Masterclass
5.45pm, Friday 15th August, Rebel City Distillery
Enjoy a guided distillery tour, a welcome G&T, and a hands-on mixology session. Learn the history of cocktails, shaking & stirring techniques, and craft two bespoke cocktails using Rebel City spirits in their boutique oak bar.
Tickets: €50 per person. Book here
Coffee House Lates at Nádúr Deli
6-9pm, Friday 15th August, Nádúr Deli, Nano Nagle
Nádúr Deli, nestled in a charming 18th-century building on the plaza of Nano Nagle Place, is staying open late, serving the very best of Irish + organic ingredients with live music + a tasting on the plaza. The menu embraces nature’s table with tasty plates, speciality cakes, Bean + Goose hot chocolates + West Cork Coffee organic coffee. Part of Coffee House Lates during Cork on a Fork.
Tickets: No booking required, walk-ups only.
Coffee House Lates at Cafe Moly
6.00pm-9.00pm, Friday 15th August, Cáfe Moly
Cafe Moly opens its doors late for a relaxed evening of drinks, music, and a special taste of Korea. Co-owner Sunmi will be serving a selection of traditional Korean small bites to customers on the evening. Get two complimentary pieces of kimbap with every beverage purchased or enjoy bibimbap for €10.50. A cosy night out with good food and great coffee.
Tickets: No booking required, walk-ups only.
Savour the Spirit with Hayfield Manor & Rebel City Distillery
6.30pm, Friday 15th August, Hayfield Manor
Hayfield Manor are partnering with the local Rebel City Distillery for an evening of exceptional food and drink in a unique taste of Cork dinner. The event begins with a refreshing welcome drink and canapes reception with an introduction from Rebel City Distillery Founders Robert & Bhagya Barrett. This is followed by a delicious menu specially created by Executive Chef, Mark Staples, to complement the Rebel City Distillery Spirits.
Tickets: €95 per person
Pre-book by calling +353 21 4845900 or email events@hayfieldmanor.ie
Breaking Bread: A Cultural Connection
6.00pm - 9.00pm, Friday 15th August, St Peter's
Breaking Bread is an immersive food and community experience set in the stunning surroundings of St. Peter’s, curated by Chef Orla McAndrew. During this evening of flavour and connection, you’ll taste dishes created by Cork’s vibrant migrant community, who are bringing unique influences to Cork’s food scene. Each bite will be a delicious blend of heritage and local influence. Enjoy performances by the Cork Shakespearean Company and other community groups. Breaking Bread is a celebration of unity, identity, and the evolving spirit of Cork’s rich food culture.
Tickets: €25 per person (All profits go to the communities involved) Book here
Balance, Beats & Bites with The Yoga Tree and Spice Genie
6.30pm-late, Friday 15th August, Old Cork Savings Bank, 1 Lapp's Quay
Join Hazel from The Yoga Tree for an evening of movement, music, and flavour. Kick off with a vibrant yoga session led by Hazel set to uplifting live beats by DJ Bill in the stunning surrounds of the former banking hall. Next, unwind with a drinks reception featuring cocktails and mocktails by Moxy Cork's mixologist. Then indulge in award-winning Indian street food from Spice Genie, followed by wholesome raw treats lovingly made by Hazel. To round out the night, enjoy live music from Cork Rebel Brass. A feel-good evening of wellness, great food and drinks, and uplifting beats.
Tickets €99 pp. Book here
Murder Mystery Night at The Grand Dame
7.00pm - 11.00pm, Friday 15th August, The Imperial Hotel
An unforgettable night of mystery and intrigue. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal crafted with locally sourced ingredients while professional actors bring a thrilling murder mystery to life around you. With vintage vibes, twists at every turn, and an evening full of suspense, it’s the perfect night out for amateur sleuths and fun-seekers alike.
Tickets: €80 per person
Book here
Hysterical Histories Cork - Dinner Theatre Experience
7pm, Friday 15th August, Amicus Restaurant, Paul Street
A laugh-out-loud dinner theatre experience unlike anything else in Ireland. This packed performance is suitable for all ages. Discover the highlights of Cork's 1500 year history and become acquainted with the citys quirky characters. Enjoy Cork cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients served up with live music and plenty of personality as you engage with the actors. Leave with a belly full of food, a warm heart and a pain in your face from laughing. Booking essential as numbers are limited, duration 2.5 hrs
Tickets: €55 per adult (€50 with discount), €32 per child aged 3-12 years (€27 with discount), 0-2 years free.
Discount code: FORKFEST25 Book here
Evening Rooftop Food Culture Bus Tour with Pizza & a Pint
7.00pm - 9.30pm, Friday 15th August, Cork City
Experience Cork’s rich food heritage from a stunning rooftop vantage point with an exclusive evening Cork City Sightseeing Tour. Delve into the fascinating history of Cork’s culinary traditions with renowned UCC food and culinary historian Regina Sexton. The evening concludes with a short walking tour of the Coal Quay (Cornmarket Street), which has long been famous for its street traders, and a pizza and pint of craft beer at the Rising Sons Micro Brewery.
Tickets: €45 per person. Book here
Cork on a Fork Cocktail Class
7.00pm - 8.00pm, Friday 15th August, Bar Moxy, Moxy Cork
This locally inspired cocktail class offers an engaging introduction to the essential tools and techniques behind two classic cocktails that any beginner can master—and taste. Designed to be fun and interactive, the experience aims to equip participants with the confidence to craft simple yet impressive drinks at home. Featuring some of Cork’s most unique and renowned ingredients. Age 21+
Tickets: €30 per person. Book here
Smoked & Spirited: A Global BBQ Tasting Experience
8pm, Friday 15th August, Holy Smoke Rooftop @ Mardyke Entertainment Complex
Enjoy a celebration of fire, smoke, and flavour at Holy Smoke, as they bring the rich traditions of global BBQ culture to Cork with a smoked food tasting experience. The menu features smoked antipasti, rib bon bons, chargrilled jerk chicken, and spiced pork belly tacos, each perfectly paired with a favourite Cork drink to complement the bold, smoky flavours.
Tickets: €30 per person. Book here