Lots of free events during Cork City Council's Urban October

Fancy Nordic Walking up St Patricks Hill? Chalk drawing workshop on Emmet Place? Or how about stand-up paddle boarding on the Marina? These are just some of the many activities and events taking place in Cork City Centre as part of Urban October. Whatever your age or interest, you can enjoy ‘life in the city’ with plenty of events, all free.Urban October in Cork is supported and organised by Cork City Council and ECcoWeLL.
Paul Mc Guirk of Cork City Council said: ‘It showcases how well designed and managed public spaces have a positive impact on people who live in, visit or work in the city. During October people are invited to look at Cork City Centre through fresh eyes – to re-discover and re-engage with our city and to celebrate its advantages and attractions".
"Cork prides itself as the rebel city, and is always different – so our Urban October programme actually starts in late September. One of the early highlights is the Douglas Street Autumnfest on September 30. Part of Douglas Street will be closed to traffic and a variety of family friendly activities will take place, organised by Douglas Street Business Association. It ends on World Cities Day, October31t, with the spectacular Dragon of Shandon Parade, organised by Cork Community Artlink. In between there are dozens of events, activities and workshops all organised by a variety of groups in Cork city". The river is also an important public space and there will be a number of events there. Young musicians from Music Generation will be performing on currachs on the River Lee on Sunday, October 7 and you can also try out stand up paddle boarding on the Marina.

Throughout the month, members of the public are invited to celebrate the refurbishment of the 160 year old Berwick Fountain on Grand Parade by taking a selfie next to it, and posting it on social media to be in with a chance of winning a restaurant voucher.

Cork Sports Partnership are organising a number of events during the month, including Nordic walking workshops in Fitzgerald’s park and up the iconic Patricks Hill.  Mad About Cork will be running a guided tour to explore their wonderful guerrilla gardening and colourful street art projects around the city centre. There will also be other guided walks around the South Parish and Shandon. The fantastic Ripple Effect Night market will also return on October 25th in the garden of Triskel Arts Centre on South Main Street.

Denise Cahill of ECcowell said: "All activities are free and are inspired by the Urban October initiative of the United Nations, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.    From street art to family fun days, exhibitions to guided walks, music to markets, there’s a special experience waiting for you in cork city centre".

Copies of the Urban October booklet can be picked up in the Central library, City Hall, St Peters on North Main Street and various other venues and cafes around the city. They can also be downloaded at www.corkcitycentre.ie/urban-october

Press Contact: Paul Mc Guirk 086 8398645