Night Time Economy Cork

The Night Time Economy refers to the diverse social, cultural and economic activity occurring during specified evening and night time hours. It balances the needs of the inter related communities that co-exist to bring it to life and create a special sense of shared place. 

Following the publication of the NTE Taskforce Report, Cork city was successful in being designated by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as one of nine pilot towns and cities in the country that will prepare and implement an action plan setting out a range of interventions to support the coordinated development of our night time economy. A Night Time Economy Advisor was appointed in October 2023 and a dedicated stakeholder forum representing cross business sector and community interests has been formed to oversee and implement the plan. 

What is Cork's night time economy?

The Night-time Economy is a hugely important sector, contributing to our economy and our cultural and creative sectors and it is important that we protect, support and sustain it and we start to think about how and where we socialise and how we plan our city and town centres. 

Night time covers from 6.00pm to 6.00am in the city and can divided into the following sections:

• 6.00pm - 9.00pm – after work activities, family activities, eating out 
• 9.00pm - 3.00am – social and cultural activities – city as a playground a night 
• 3.00am – 6.00am – Cleaning and set up for the next day’s business e.g. deliveries and maintenance  

The benefits of a well-managed night time economy include: 

• Significant contributions to the overall city economy 
• A job creator and continuous employment 
• As a means for improving city amenities and public health 
• As a means for building and offering additional artistic and cultural industries in the city    
• To develop the tourism and cultural offering in the city 
• A resource to promote sustainability 

Purpose of the Strategy 

This strategy is to provide a template for the future of the night time economy in Cork city. The focus is to:

• Put together a single plan 
• Streamline thoughts on the night time economy 
• Connect all the relevant groups and neighbourhoods 
• Drive an action plan 
• To create a consistent offering for a 24-hour experience 
• To understand what is most important for Cork’s night time economy  

If you have any further queries or comments in relation to the Night Time Economy, please contact the Night Time Economy Advisor Fiona Collins at fiona_collins@corkcity.ie