Cork on a Fork Fest is set to transform the city into a foodie paradise from 13th to 17th August, offering everything from outdoor banquets on MacCurtain Street to dining in a cow shed at Glenbrook Farm.
The five-day festival celebrates Cork’s reputation as Ireland’s food capital, showcasing the region’s exceptional producers, innovative chefs, and centuries-old culinary traditions. With the city home to 60% of Ireland’s artisan producers, visitors can expect a feast that truly represents the best of local food culture.
This year’s programme promises something for every taste and budget. The headline VQ Shared Table event will see 450 people dine al fresco on MacCurtain Street, with 20 local businesses collaborating on a menu packed with regional produce. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Farm to Fork Chef Collaboration at Glenbrook Farm offers just 60 guests the chance to watch chefs Pamela Kelly from Farmgate and Chris Braganza, The Spice Genie, create a zero-mile menu in an authentic farm setting.
Perhaps most exciting for food history enthusiasts is Supper by the Fountain, which will see the ground floor of Cork’s historic English Market transformed into a dining space for the first time ever. All ingredients will be sourced directly from market traders, creating a truly local dining experience in the heart of the city’s food heritage.
The festival extends beyond formal dining with an extensive free programme. Over 25 chef demonstrations and talks will take place at the Emmet Place Festival Stages throughout the weekend, featuring everyone from Michelin-starred chef Takashi Miyazaki to popular television chef Clodagh McKenna.
Adventure-seekers can join the exclusive Producers Bus Tour through East Cork, offering behind-the-scenes access to some of the region’s finest food producers. Meanwhile, sustainability enthusiasts will appreciate the Afternoon Tea on the Train, where FoodCloud chefs transform surplus ingredients into gourmet treats served aboard a moving train.
Cork’s drinks scene receives equal attention, with workshops, tours, and tastings highlighting the region’s award-winning distilleries and breweries. These events offer visitors the chance to explore how local spirits and craft beers complement the area’s renowned food offerings.
The festival organisers emphasise that this is more than just a food event: it’s a celebration of the people, places, and practices that make Cork’s food scene world-class. From Atlantic seafood and artisan cheeses to traditional specialities like spiced beef and tripe and drisheen, the programme showcases the stories behind every ingredient.
Cork on a Fork Fest is organised by Cork City Council in partnership with local businesses and supported by Fáilte Ireland, Pure Cork, Cork Airport, Cork Business Association, the IHF Cork branch, the Irish Examiner, and Cork’s RedFM.
While many events are free, ticketed experiences require advance booking due to high demand, with some already sold out. Full programme details and booking information are available at corkonaforkfest.ie.