Live Stage and Markets
Cork on a Fork Cooking Demos Stage
11.00am - 6.00pm, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August, Cooking Demo Stage, Emmet Place
Enjoy our FREE cooking demos and tastings all day at our marquee on Emmet Place. The events are MC'd by food writers Joe McNamee from the Irish Examiner, John and Sally McKenna from McKenna Guides, and Kate Ryan from Flavour.ie. Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, Ireland's Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way.
SATURDAY:
- 11am: Smokin’ Fish with Aishling Moore of Goldie and Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokery
From Kedgeree to Eggs Royale, join celebrated Cork chef Aishling Moore (Goldie) and iconic West Cork fish smoker Sally Barnes (Woodcock Smokery) for a masterclass in putting smoked wild fish on your breakfast menu. MC'd by Kate Ryan, Flavour.ie - 12pm: Summer Alfresco with Clodagh McKenna
Clodagh McKenna, one of Cork's most famous chefs, will host a cooking demo featuring Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad and Lemon Possets, followed by a book signing. A renowned chef, TV presenter, and food columnist, Clodagh is the author of eight cookbooks, including the best-selling In Minutes and Clodagh’s Weeknight Kitchen. She is a resident chef on ITV’s This Morning and has hosted five TV series. Clodagh lives on her 100-acre sustainable farm in the UK. - 1pm: Cork on a Plate with Brian Murray from The Glass Curtain and John McKenna
A cooking demo and talk with Brian Murray of The Glass Curtain, hosted by acclaimed food writer John McKenna. In this engaging session, Brian will showcase his creative flair and passion for local, seasonal ingredients while preparing one of his signature dishes. As he cooks, John will guide a lively conversation exploring Brian’s culinary journey, the ethos behind The Glass Curtain, and the evolving food culture in Cork. Perfect for food lovers and curious minds alike, this is a rare chance to experience one of Cork’s top chefs in action. - 2pm: Takashi Takes on Tripe
Michelin star chef and adopted Corkman Takashi Miyazaki, owner of Ichigo Ichie and Miyazaki, cooks up his own take on the city’s traditional dish—bringing precision, passion, and Japanese flair to a Cork classic. The event is MC'd by Irish Examiner food writer Joe McNamee. - 3pm: Young Rebel Uprising
A cooking demo showcasing Cork’s rising chefs . MC'd by Irish Examiner food writer Joe McNamee. - 4pm: Modern Vegan & Vegetarian Food with My Goodness, Paradiso and Meb’s Veg
Three of Cork’s leading vegan and vegetarian chefs from My Goodness, Paradiso and Meb’s Veg, discuss how they have pushed the dial of Vegan and Vegetarian food forward for modern times by going beyond meat and putting focus on ethical food sourcing and sustainability. Includes a cookery demonstration and tastings. MC'd by Kate Ryan, Flavour.ie - 5pm: Tastes of Home with Saoirse Ethnic Hands:
Join Saoirse Ethnic Hands for the launch of Tastes of Home, a multicultural cookbook created by migrant women living in Cork. This special event will feature live cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and storytelling from the women behind the recipes. The cookbook shares not only delicious dishes but also the memories, traditions, and personal stories that go with them. A celebration of culture, resilience, and the power of food to connect us all. Don't miss this unique culinary experience that showcases our city’s diversity in food.
SUNDAY:
- 10am: Down Syndrome Cork Youth Club Cooking Demo
Members of the Down Syndrome Cork Youth Club cooking class will demonstrate some of the dishes they have been perfecting over the past few months under the guidance of Chef Hugh - 11am: A History of French Onion Soup with Market Lane
Join Rob Fitzpatrick, head chef at the iconic Market Lane Restaurant on Oliver Plunkett St, for a fantastic demo and history of French Onion Soup. - 12pm: Summer Italian Supper with Clodagh McKenna:
Clodagh McKenna, one of Cork's most famous chefs, will host a cooking demo featuring Chilli Garlic Prawn Linguine and Roasted Peaches with honey, mascarpone and hazelnut crumb, followed by a book signing. A renowned chef, TV presenter, and food columnist, Clodagh is the author of eight cookbooks, including the best-selling In Minutes and Clodagh’s Weeknight Kitchen. She is a resident chef on ITV’s This Morning and has hosted five TV series. Clodagh lives on her 100-acre sustainable farm in the UK. - 1pm: Cork on a… Stick! A Cork Cook-Off, with a Twist!
Returning for 2025, three chefs compete to design, cook and present their take on a Cork Pinxtos. Who will be crowned the 2025 Cork on a Stick champion? Pamela Kelly (The Farmgate Café), David Deveraux (51 Cornmarket) and Rebeca Recary Sanchez (St Francis Provisions) will each put their best fork forward to present a single tasty bite using a Cork ingredient they love! MC'd by Kate Ryan (Flavour.ie) - 2pm: Street Food Showdown:
Get ready for a sizzling street food showdown as some of Cork’s most exciting culinary talents go head-to-head in a live cook-off. Darren O’Connell of Kay’s Kitchen and Jerome Williamson of EcoFish will bring their unique style to the table, transforming fresh, local ingredients into bold, street food-inspired bites. Expect fire and flair as these chefs battle it out. MC’d by Joe McNamee, Irish Examiner senior food writer. - 3pm: A Celebration of Irish Ingredients and Chennai Flavours with Meeran Manzoor
Chef Meeran Manzoor of the Michelin-recommended restaurant Rare 1784 at the Blue Haven will present a captivating cooking demonstration that explores the vibrant flavours of Chennai, thoughtfully paired with local, seasonal Irish produce. This elegant showcase highlights the rich connection between Irish ingredients and spice, brought together in a refined culinary expression. - 4pm: The Cheese makers of Cork
A talk and tasting celebrating Cork’s rich cheesemaking traditions, hosted by renowned food writer Sally McKenna. Artisanal cheesemakers Dan Hegarty of Hegarty’s Cheese, Jeffa Gill of Durrus Cheese, and Helene Willams from Coolea cheese will discuss how they have created a space for Cork to become a renowned cheese destination, and what is to come. Discover why Cork is a world-class destination for farmhouse cheese, as Sally highlights the cultural and emotional value of this beloved food. - 5pm: Rescue The Plate with FoodCloud
In partnership with FoodCloud, join us for the final marquee event of the festival as we turn Food “Waste” into Food “Ace” with two of Cork’s leading Zero Waste chefs, Ali Honour and Orla McAndrew. Ready, Steady, Cook-style, our chefs will be tasked with making delicious dishes using a surprise bag of would-be food waste rescued from some of our festival restaurants with a winner chosen by a surprise Guest of Honour!
FREE. All welcome. No need to book.
Cork on A Fork Talks and Tastings Stage
11.00am - 6.30pm, Saturday 16th August, Talks & Tastings Stage, Emmet Place
Saturday:
- 11.00am: Cork’s Food Revolution: Innovators Shaping the Future
Join us for an exciting live podcast recording featuring three of Cork’s most innovative food entrepreneurs. Hosted by Sharon Noonan, presenter of The Best Possible Taste—Ireland’s longest-running food and drink podcast. - 12.15pm: Liquid Gold - A Celebration of Cork’s Blas na hÉireann Award-Winning Beverages
Join Sharon Noonan, host of Best Possible Taste, Ireland’s longest-running food and drink podcast, for Liquid Gold, a captivating conversation celebrating Cork’s success at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. Sharon will be joined on stage by Fallon Moore from Blas na hÉireann to spotlight some of Cork’s most acclaimed drink producers— from speciality coffee and craft beer to traditional mead and water kefir. - 2.00pm: Cork Tapas with O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill with John McKenna
Join in as Victor Murphy and Maire O’Mahony from O’Mahony’s will chat with food writer John McKenna on stage to discuss what are Cork Tapas and how the cuisine of Cork has evolved over time, with a few tastes to go with it. - 3.15pm: In Gut Health – Eat and Drink Your Way to a Happy and Healthy Gut
Fibre and fermentation are two easy ways to increase the health of our gut microbiome which is key to ensure overall health in body and mind. Join Paul Cotter, a leading scientist from UCCs APC Microbiome (featured in the Netflix documentary “Hack Your Health – Secrets of your Gut”), and Cork-based makers of gut-friendly drinks Sauer, BKultured and Phyterberry to find out how easy it is to feed your gut for better health. MC'd by Kate Ryan, Flavour.ie - 4.15pm: Raw Treats Demo and Stretches with The Yoga Tree
Join Hazel from The Yoga Tree for a hands-on Raw Treats Workshop, where you'll learn to create delicious, nutritious snacks using wholesome, plant-based ingredients—no baking required! Perfect for anyone looking to add healthy indulgence to their daily routine. - 5.30pm: Splitting the C – A Celebration of Cork’s Independent Stout Brewers
Join Kate Ryan (Flavour.ie) for a cheeky take on Cork’s stout brewing traditions through the eyes – and tastebuds – of five of Cork’s independent stout brewers. Rising Sons, Original 7, Eight Degrees Brewing, 9 White Deer and Blacks of Kinsale state their claim for why Splitting the C is better than any other letter of the alphabet! Taste some fierce great stouts, too.
SUNDAY:
- 10.30am: Eating Well As You Age
Get Expert tips and advise from HSE Health Protection Dietician Fiona Rush - 11.30am: Workshop on the Sustainable and Healthy Food Strategy for Cork with Cork Food Policy Council: Influence local food policy and help create a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system for Cork.
- 1.00pm: Italy in Cork with Da Mirco and John McKenna
A Talk and tasting with Mirco Fondrini of Da Mirco and food writer John McKenna, as they explore the soul of Italian cuisine through the lens of authenticity, simplicity, and seasonal cooking. In this warm and insightful conversation, Mirco will share his journey from the Italian Alps to Cork’s bustling food scene, reflecting on what it means to cook with heart—and why food is always about more than what’s on the plate. Guests will enjoy small bites during the talk. - 2.30pm: Talking recipes with Cork’s Blasta Book authors
Blasta Books burst onto the cookbook scene in 2022 and changed the face – and voice – of Ireland’s food story and becoming an instant cult classic. Join this enlightening chat with Cork’s Blasta Book authors Aishling Moore (Goldie x Whole Catch), Caitlin Ruth (Caitlin Ruth Food x Funky), Orla McAndrew (OM Catering x Larder) and Eman and Izz Alkarajeh (Izz Café x Jibrin) for how food and stories are changing how we eat. MC'd by Kate Ryan,Flavour.ie - 4.00pm: The Journey of Five Farms and Bakestone with Tastings
Hear about the journey of Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, a local producer that embodies the true spirit of farm-to-table craftsmanship. Crafted from single batches of fresh cream blended with premium Irish whiskey within 48 hours of collection, this authentic liqueur captures the essence of West Cork. Sourced exclusively from five family-owned farms in the region, every step of the process—from mixing to bottling—takes place locally in Cork, making it a true rebel county creation. Tastings will be offered at this talk. Over 18s only.
FREE. All welcome. No need to book.
MARKETS
English Market Cooking Demo with Cork Chef Orla McAndrew
1.00pm - 2.00pm, Thursday 14th and Saturday 16th August, Outside the English Market on Grand Parade
FREE (No booking required)
Cork on a Fork Food Market & Play Street
11.00am - 5.00pm, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August, Emmet Place (outside The Crawford Art Gallery)
Get a taste of Cork's incredible produce and local businesses at the Cork on a Fork Food Market. There will be live music and family fun with giant games and free face painting during the day. A Cork City Council event, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, Ireland's Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way.
FREE ENTRANCE No booking required.
Food, Fun and Farm at the Cornmarket St Market (Coal Quay)
11.00am - 3.00pm, Saturday 16th August, Coal Quay Cornmarket Street
Pop down to the Cornmarket Street (Coal Quay) Market, enjoy light bites on the street and everyone can have lots of fun with a pop-up Rumleys Farm, facepainting and giant Jenga, connect four, corn hole, balance board games, colour catcher games, tug of war and more, with our Let’s Play Cork play leaders. Note: this is not supervised play and parents are responsible for children. Play street and facepainting from 11am-1pm.
FREE (No booking required)
Small Producer's Market, in partnership with On the Pig's Back
2.00pm - 7.00pm, Saturday 16th August, St. Peter's North Main St
An On the Pig's Back curated market that brings together some of the region’s most beloved artisan producers. Sample a mouthwatering selection of local Cork cheeses & Charcuterie including the best of cheesemakers, charcuterie producers, biscuits, crisps and crackers etc.
All welcome. Free entry. No need to book.
Ticketed events will also take place in this space throughout the day. See Saturday Tab for more.
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