The Cork on a Fork Fest from 13 to 17 August in Cork City, will offer a five-day programme celebrating the region’s culinary heritage and vibrant food scene. Visitors can expect over 100 events across the city, including chef-led cooking demonstrations, food trails, pop-up dinners, and workshops, with a mix of ticketed and free activities suitable for all ages.
A key event is the VQ Shared Table on MacCurtain Street, a long-table dinner for 450 guests featuring collaborative dishes from 20 chefs, accompanied by live music and drinks, priced at €150 per person.
The Emmet Place Festival Stage will host free cooking demonstrations by chefs such as Aishling Moore of Goldie, Michelin-starred Rob Krawczyk of Chestnut, and Takashi Miyazaki of Ichigo Ichie, alongside a local food market showcasing over 20 producers. The Cork on a Fork Beerfest, supported by Franciscan Well, includes brewery tours, beer-infused dinners, and a beer ice-cream festival.
Food Future Feast at the Metropole Hotel will feature five young chefs (aged 16–23) mentored by Orla McAndrew and Alex Petit, presenting dishes for a 100-guest dinner. Other events include a Murder Mystery Night at The Imperial Hotel, a Tequila & Tapas Street Party at Mamacita’s on Marlboro Street, and free foraging walks in Lee Fields and Fitzgerald Park. Family-friendly activities, such as pizza-making workshops and sensory cooking classes, ensure inclusivity, while food trails highlight Cork’s artisan cheeses, seafood, and spiced beef. Visitors can explore the English Market, a historic trading hub, or nearby attractions like the Cork City Gaol, with accommodation options at The Metropole or The River Lee Hotel.
Launched in 2022 by Cork City Council in partnership with local hospitality businesses, the festival was established to showcase Cork’s culinary identity, rooted in its 10th-century history as a trading port and home to over 60% of Ireland’s artisan food producers.
The inaugural event, designed to promote the city’s dining and nightlife, grew from 30 events to over 100 by 2025, reflecting its rapid rise as a key summer event with significant economic impact. Supported by Fáilte Ireland, Pure Cork, and the Cork Business Association, the festival promotes sustainable practices and local produce, aligning with Cork’s ambition to become a UNESCO World Region of Gastronomy. Niamh Murphy, the festival manager and managing director of ETC Events Tourism and Communications Agency, has overseen its development, fostering collaborations with chefs, producers, and stakeholders to create a community-driven experience. Her leadership has ensured a focus on accessibility, with free events and a multicultural programme highlighting Cork’s diverse food culture.
The 2025 festival, now in its fourth year, will continue to highlight Cork’s farm-to-fork ethos, with events at venues like Nano Nagle Place and Union Quay. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets early for popular events like the VQ Shared Table and to check www.corkonaforkfest.ie for the full programme, expected in summer 2025. The festival’s blend of culinary innovation and local tradition, set against Cork’s historic backdrop, offers a rich experience for food enthusiasts and families alike.
