See Cork city in a new light after dark as First Friday’s initiative launched

02/04/2026

Cork City Council is proud to launch First Fridays – a new initiative that will animate the city with markets and events on the first Friday of each month throughout the summer.

Inspired by the success of Culture Night, First Fridays invites residents and visitors alike to discover and engage with the city's rich cultural offerings - after dark - on the first Friday of each month from April to September.

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. 

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.

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

“By extending this kind of activity into the evening, we are creating more opportunities for people to live, work, visit and enjoy the city centre,” the Chief Executive said. 

“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.”

First Fridays will run on the first Friday of each month, starting this Friday, April 3, and will take place each first Friday until September.

The programme brings together cultural institutions, businesses and community organisations to create a regular evening of culture and creativity, with a focus on the city centre. The inaugural First Friday programme this Friday will include:

Night Market — Cornmarket Street

Cornmarket Street will come alive with a vibrant night market, offering a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Elizabeth Fort — Extended Evening Opening

Elizabeth Fort will remain open until 8pm, offering an opportunity for visitors to explore the historic fort's grounds and enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable city landmark as the sun goes down.

The Butter Museum — 'Butter Supper Club'

The Butter Museum in Shandon is extending its opening hours to 7pm. The evening's centrepiece is the Butter Supper Club — a traditional butter making demonstration and tasting at 6pm, featuring Cuthbert’s delicious brown soda bread. It promises to be a truly unique Cork experience not to be missed. Tickets for the Butter Supper Club are available on a first come, first served basis at the museum. Due to limited capacity, online booking is not available.

Blackrock Castle Observatory — Evening Opening

Blackrock Castle Observatory will remain open until 8pm offering visitors a chance to explore one of Cork’s most iconic and atmospheric landmarks on the banks of the River Lee.

Ms Collins said there are plans to add more events to the First Fridays programme next month, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Cork City Council has invited any businesses or cultural institution with an idea for an after-dark or night-time economy event to engage with it on potential collaboration.

You can get more details on the wide range of events taking place in Cork City here: Pure Cork - Official Tourism Website for Cork, Ireland.