Best Music Festivals in Cork In 2024
Cork isn’t just a city; it’s a year-round stage for music lovers and the Montenotte Hotel is your front-row seat to the action. So, what’s on the playlist for the rest of 2024? Get ready to experience a whirlwind of family-friendly festivals and events that’ll have you tapping your toes, singing along, and maybe even discovering your new favourite genre.
Here’s your insider guide to the not-to-be-missed music festivals in Cork, all within easy reach of our hotel.
Festival of Music on Heir (June 3rd – 8th)
The Festival of Music on Heir Island (FOMOH) is back this year and better than ever! From June 3rd to 8th, Heir Island will come alive with the sound of music as 25 talented amateur musicians from across Europe and Ireland take the stage. This year’s festival expands to Sherkin Island and Baltimore, with the grand finale taking place at the Boathouse on June 8th.
All funds raised on June 7th will support the restoration of St Matthews Church and the festival will also raise money for Lisheens House, a charity that supports people fighting cancer and their families.
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/fomoh-orchestra-festival-of-music-on-heir-tickets-851685493237
Cork Midsummer Festival (June 12th – 23rd)
From June 12th to 23rd, the city of Cork will host over 45 events in 30 venues as part of the renowned Cork Midsummer Festival. Visitors can enjoy a family-friendly mixture of dance, theatre, storytelling, visual art, and lots more. Keep an eye out for the free outdoor bicycle-powered performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest (18 & 19 June) by the all-female troupe “The HandleBards”, The Market (15 June), a free market-themed wooden play universe at Emmet Place for children from ages 2-8, and Cruinniú na nÓg (15 June) at Douglas Community Park.
Tickets available here: https://www.corkmidsummer.com
Macroom Music Fest (June 22nd)
Get ready for a weekend of exciting live music at the Macroom Music Festival, a revival of Ireland’s first open-air festival. Held in the heart of Macroom town, the festival will be headlined by acts such as The Stunning, Hermitage Green, The White Horse Guitar Club, and Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest singer Bambie Thug. The festival kicks off on Friday night with a lively band trail in various bars, followed by two days of incredible performances in the town square. Sunday is dedicated to family fun with activities, games, and face painting. With a mix of rock, folk, pop, and more, there will be a sound for every music lover!
Tickets available here: www.macroommusicfest.ie
West Cork Chamber Music Festival (June 28th – July 7th)
Set against the stunning backdrop of Bantry House and Gardens in Co. Cork, the West Cork Chamber Music Festival is back for its 27th year and is not to be missed if you’re visiting Cork and staying with us at the Montenotte Hotel. This internationally acclaimed festival will showcase 50 concerts featuring 80 world-class musicians over 10 days and nights.
From June 28th to July 7th, Bantry, County Cork, will transform into a vibrant hub of musical artistry, hosting performances by renowned quartets like Signum, Dudok, Nightingale, Sonoro, and Chiaroscuro.
Other exciting performances on the program include cellist Anastasia Kobekina, winner of the 2024 Leonard Bernstein Award, and violinists Fanny Clamagirand and Esther Hoppe.
Tickets available here: www.westcorkmusic.ie/chamber-music-festival
Fair Days Fleadh (August 4th)
For a low-key, family-friendly day out, don’t miss out on the 1-day Fair Days Fleadh festival at Camus Farm in Clonakilty. Set in 30 acres of West Cork hills with panoramic views over Clonakilty Bay, this laid-back event features an exciting lineup of contemporary Irish bands such as The Fynches, The Cliffords, Anna Mullarkey Dug, O Deer, Surfside 61, Woodsmen, Christine Deady, and lots more up-and-coming artists.
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/fair-days-fleadh-tickets-711794706127
Sceitimíní Festival (August 30th)
Get ready for an eclectic mix of art, music, and entertainment at the Sceitimíní Festival on 30th August 2024. This unique event will be a night of non-stop fun and creativity, with live bands playing a variety of genres, DJs spinning the latest tracks, international storytellers, burlesque performers, and comedians and theatre groups providing plenty of laughs.
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sceitimini-festival-2024-tickets-866620333747
Clonakilty International Guitar Festival (September 13th – 22nd)
The Clonakilty International Guitar Festival (CIGF), a ten-day celebration of guitar music, returns for its 20th year from September 13th to 22nd, 2024. Held in the charming seaside town of Clonakilty, West Cork, this award-winning festival will feature some of the world’s greatest guitarists in a range of free shows across various venues, transforming the entire town into a musical stage.
With a special focus on inclusivity and sustainability, the CIGF program includes performances at local nursing homes, community groups, hospitals, and schools.
Tickets available here: https://clonguitarfest.com
Cork Folk Festival (October 3rd – 6th)
With over 150 musicians performing in over 20 venues across the city, the 43rd edition of the Cork Folk Festival celebrates the diverse styles of fiddle, concertina, accordion, flute, and song that make Irish folk music so special. These four days of family-friendly music, song, and dance will feature performances by some of Ireland’s finest traditional talent, such as Mary Black, and workshops, films, and open-air events are included in the program.
Tickets available here: https://www.corkfolkfestival.com
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (October 24th – 28th)
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival needs no introduction. This internationally acclaimed event draws jazz aficionados from all over the world to experience a lineup of world-class musicians, from emerging talents to jazz legends. With performances taking place in iconic venues such as the Cork Opera House, The Everyman, Triskel Christchurch, and Cyprus Avenue, as well as pop-up events and late-night jam sessions, the city comes alive with the sound of jazz for five spectacular days.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is Ireland’s biggest and longest established jazz event and has taken place annually since 1978.
Tickets available here: https://guinnesscorkjazz.com
Your Cork Symphony Awaits at the Montenotte Hotel
The Montenotte Hotel isn’t just a place to rest your head after a day of festival-hopping; it’s an experience in itself. After a day of musical exploration, you can relax and indulge in gourmet cuisine at our Panorama Restaurant, sip delicious cocktails in our one-of-a-kind Glasshouse bar, or unwind with a pampering session in our Bellevue spa.
So, what are you waiting for? Let the Montenotte Hotel be your conductor, and let Cork’s music scene be your orchestra!