New events revealed for Cork on a Fork

As part of the extended programme for Cork city’s greatest food festival a long table shared feast for 100 people will take place on Pembroke Street - home to some of the best eateries in the city!

The Grand Dame of Cork will be central to that and will also host a cocktail masterclass with Rebel City Distillery and a Traitors inspired dinner this August.

As Cork on a Fork Fest returns to Cork city from 12 to 16 August, The Imperial Hotel has announced these extra events as part of the festival programme.

From an immersive dining experience inspired by the television phenomenon ‘The Traitors’ to a hands-on cocktail masterclass and a spectacular long-table lunch outside their doors, The Imperial Hotel has a full programme of events for the week.

The festivities begin at The Imperial on Thursday 13 August with The Faithfuls at The Grand Dame, an immersive dining experience that blends a themed dinner with interactive gameplay, secret alliances and unexpected twists. As courses unfold, so too does the mystery, with guests challenged to uncover the traitors in their midst before deception wins the night.

On Saturday 15 August, Fitzgerald’s Bar will partner with Rebel City Distillery to celebrate Cork’s thriving craft drinks scene. Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail, guided tasting experience and behind-the-scenes insights from the distillery team before stepping behind the bar themselves to create and enjoy two signature cocktails. Accompanied by locally sourced light bites, the Rebel City Distillery x Fitzgerald’s Bar Masterclass offers a relaxed and interactive way to discover the skill and creativity behind some of Cork’s best-loved spirits.

The celebrations continue on Sunday 16 August with The Pembroke Street Table, which will see chefs from the street collaborate on a 3-course lunch, which is sure to sell fast. More than 100 guests will gather around a shared table on Pembroke Street for an afternoon of exceptional food, live music and atmosphere. The menu will showcase dishes created by Helena’s at The Imperial, Orso Kitchen, Arthur Mayne’s, The Old Town Taqueria Café and The Bookshelf, highlighting the concentration of culinary talent found on one of Cork city’s most vibrant streets.

General Manager Lorraine Gavigan said: “Cork on a Fork Fest is a wonderful celebration of everything that makes Cork’s food scene so special – the people, the producers, the creativity and the sense of community. We’re delighted to once again be part of the programme with experiences that bring together great food, local drinks and memorable moments. Whether you're solving mysteries over dinner, learning the art of cocktail making with local flavours or joining fellow food lovers around a shared table, there’s a real sense of occasion and community throughout the festival.”

Now one of Ireland’s leading food festivals, and recently voted the No. 1 Summer Food Festival in Europe by renowned international travel site Big 7, Cork on a Fork Fest will see more than 150 events take place across Cork city between 12 and 16 August.

The festival celebrates the region’s exceptional food culture through chef-led dining experiences, producer events, food trails, demonstrations, tastings and unique culinary experiences in venues throughout the city.