Cork City Council Announces First Fridays Event line-up for August
05/08/2026
Cork City Council is delighted to announce a new list of events for the latest First Fridays event, on this Friday, August 7.
This month, First Fridays will take in an art talk in Nano Nagle Place, a discussion on the solar eclipse in Blackrock Castle Observatory, readings in St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a dance party in the Cork Butter Museum and a night market on Cornmarket Street.
As part of the initiative, limited edition cards featuring unique Cork graphics and a QR code to help collect opinions on nighttime in Cork have been made available. The collectable cards are available at participating venues across the city.
The first card issued in June featured the Blackrock Castle Observatory with the second card issued for the July event featuring all things golden in the city. This month, ‘the fountain’ takes centre stage. The Sir John Benson designed monument was erected in 1860, where Tuckey Bridge once stood.
The full line-up for this weekend’s event is listed on https://www.purecork.ie/whats-on and includes:
Art Installations Talk with Eoin Turner
Join sculptor Eoin Turner for a special First Fridays talk exploring his work at Nano Nagle Place and the inspiration behind the striking glass sculptures that have become an integral part of our site.
Known for his intricate sculptures incorporating glass elements, Turner's work explores the delicate balance between fragility and durability. During this engaging conversation, he will reflect on the creative journey behind the sculptural installations surrounding Nano Nagle's tomb, as well as the lantern sculpture.
Speaking about the work, Turner describes the lantern "a metaphorical symbol of light and hope in the heart of our city."
This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the ideas, craftsmanship, and legacy that continue to shape one of Nano Nagle Place's most distinctive features.
August 7th | 6pm | Global Hub, Nano Nagle Place | 5 Euro donation fee
Book your spot here: https://explore.nanonagleplace.ie/tickets/#events
Solar Eclipse Talk
As the Blackrock Castle Observatory prepares for the upcoming major eclipse, they will be running a solar eclipse talk by Frances McCarthy, Astronomy and Science communicator, followed by a special planetarium show with solar eclipse content. The event is free to attend but due to a limited seating in the theatre and the planetarium it will be ticketed through the Observatory website - https://www.bco.ie/solar-eclipse/
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
On Friday August 7th at 6pm, St. Fin Barre’s will have readings by two locally based writers, Judy Kravis and Bláithín Mac Donnell in the beautiful and historic surroundings of St Fin Barre's Cathedral.
We are really excited to announce this as it is the first in the cathedral’s August reading series, I’ll be your Mirror. All sorts of authors, poets and storytellers have been invited to read at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral every Friday in August at 6pm. After the readings, the cathedral will remain open until 9pm.
Everyone is welcome and entry is free (with the option of making a small donation to the arts programme).
Cork Butter Museum
On Friday 7th August, we will DANCE at (a bit after) Lughnasadh, celebrating one of the cardinal points in the Celtic calendar when the harvest traditionally begins. We will hold a rambling house with singer songwriter Ger Wolfe and friends. The night will be hosted by Maria Gillen, an award-winning storyteller and set caller who will curate the night’s songs, stories and sets as we welcome harvest time at The Butter Museum.
First Friday Market on Cornmarket Street
Cornmarket Street will come alive with a vibrant night market, offering a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city from 5pm to 9pm.
Elizabeth Fort — Extended Evening Opening
Elizabeth Fort will remain open until 8pm, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the historic fort's grounds after hours and enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable city landmark.