- The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival has won the overall Business of the Year Award.
- Over 100,000 visitors have attended the festival each year.
- The event has contributed more than €45m to the Cork economy annually.
- The awards ceremony took place on 28 March 2026 at the Vienna Woods Hotel.
- The festival has operated since its origins at the Metropole Hotel.
The Cork Jazz Festival has won the overall Business of the Year Award at the 69th Cork Business Association Awards. More than 350 people attended the black-tie event held at the Vienna Woods Hotel on 28 March 2026 where the festival took the top honour. The judges confirmed the festival was chosen for its scale, cultural importance and economic contribution to Cork.
The festival has drawn over 100,000 visitors each October and has contributed more than €45m to the local economy. It has transformed Cork into an international stage for jazz music and has filled venues, streets and shops across the city. The event originated at the Metropole Hotel and has grown into one of Europe’s leading jazz festivals.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the festival for its consistent leadership and resilience particularly during difficult times. The awards evening was hosted by Marty Morrissey with keynote addresses from the Taoiseach and European Commissioner Michael McGrath.
Dave O’Brien shared “The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival embodies everything that makes Cork unique.”
Micheál Martin shared “This is a testament to the vibrancy and strength of Cork’s business community.”
