Two sets of Martin twins, Anna, Lily, Eve, and Grace Martin at the launch of the CORKMAS drawing and colouring competition that will be held in the city libraries until 8 October. Children across the city are being asked to get creative to be in with a chance to have their artwork featured on Cork’s bus shelters this November and December. The Corkmas campaign is aimed at celebrating and growing Cork’s unique cultural, hospitality and retail offering at Christmas. Photo: Darragh Kane

Kids called to deck the bus shelters

Liudmyla Bortok

Published: Wed 17 Sep 2025, 1:03 PM

Last updated: Wed 17 Sep 2025, 1:11 PM

Children across Cork are being asked to get their crayons, markers and imagination ready – because Cork City Council wants them to ‘deck the bus shelters’ this Christmas.

For the second year in a row, little artists aged 4–11 are invited to take part in the festive project as part of CORKMAS, the city’s big celebration of Christmas.

It’s simple: pick up a CORKMAS artwork sheet from your local library, or draw your very own Christmas character.

Then drop it back to the library before 8 October for a chance to see it displayed in a bus shelter in Cork city. Last year, 27 lucky children saw their creations brighten up the streets. There were Santas delivering presents, a festive Shandon Tower and Bells, even the Tree of Remembrance captured in colourful drawings. Each design added sparkle and cheer to Cork’s bus shelters during the season.

The CORKMAS programme will be unveiled in the coming weeks, showing the best of Christmas in Cork – from food and shopping to music and culture.

So, children of Cork, sharpen those pencils and spread some festive magic. Who knows? Your artwork could be lighting up the city this Christmas. For details on the project and upcoming events, visit the Cork City Council website or ask in your local library.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.