Experience the city in a new light

A new initiative to animate Cork city with markets and events on the first Friday of each month has been launched.

The First Friday’s Initiative from Cork City Council will run throughout the summer from April to September.

It will feature a range of cultural and other activities for members of the public to enjoy.

Fiona Collins, the Night Time Economy Advisor with Cork City Council, said the council is delighted to pilot the initiative over the coming months.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to give people a chance to explore Cork city and everything it has to offer after 6pm. Our city is vibrant and full of life, and we want everyone to experience that,” she said.

The Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, encouraged people to experience the city centre in a new light, beyond traditional daytime hours.

“This initiative is another example of our commitment to a renewed focus on the city centre — strengthening footfall, animating our streets throughout the day and night, and reimagining how the city functions after dark, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and ensuring the city centre remains a dynamic and attractive place for everyone day and night,” she said.

The initiative launched last Friday 3 April, which saw a number of offerings.

A night market took place on Corkmarket St, and offered a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city. The Butter Museum in Shandon extended its hours until 7pm. At 6pm, the museum ran the Butter Supper Club - a traditional butter making demonstration and tasting.

Elizabeth Fort extended its hours until 8pm.

Finally, Blackrock Castle Observatory remained open until 8pm, and offered visitors the chance to explore one of Cork’s most iconic and atmospheric landmarks on the banks of the River Lee.

First Fridays is a Cork City Council initiative, delivered through its City Centre Directorate and supported by the Night Time Economy Programme, as part of the city council’s renewed focus on the city centre. The initiative is also being supported by Fáilte Ireland.

The Night Time Economy Programme is funded through the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

First Fridays will run on the first Friday of each month until September.

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