Cork-France EU Presidency Programme

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1^st July

(7.00 pm)

Presentation on the Hauts-de-France Region, with a quiz and tasting, to celebrate the new Cork-Boulogne-sur-mer ferry route.

1^st - 6^th July

Photo exhibition from the Hauts-de-France region (with the support of the "Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel en Hauts-de-France".

7^th July

(7.00 pm)

Presentation on Nice and its surrounding area, with tasting, to celebrate the Cork-Nice route.

Exhibition by Stephen Doyle celebrating equality, inclusion and Cork's LGBTQ+ community.

‘In between a place to be and where we are’

Stephen Doyle

This body of work was inspired by the LGBTQ+ community in Cork, specifically members of the Gay Project and LINQ. The paintings feature individuals from both groups engaging with one another in built safe spaces. The works were created during a 2023 artist-in-residence programme as part of Cork Pride and were initially painted in public on Sullivans Quay. Over a period of a few months the artist came to the site to complete the work plein air. While on public display, the work was stolen and later recovered by Gardaí. The work was then completed in the artist's studio. They now form part of the Cork City Council Art Collection.

“By developing this body of work in a public space such as this, it mirrors the level of vulnerability we feel existing as ourselves walking the streets. Yet we will continue to strive, we will continue to push forward unapologetically and establish our identities and broaden our safe spaces until they encompass the streets we once feared to walk.”

Free screenings (in French, with English subtitles)

Free screenings (in French, with English subtitles) organised by AF de Cork and the Cork French Film Festival, as part of Bastille Day Festival, in partnership with the French Embassy and Institut Français:

- 11 July, 6 pm, at AF de Cork: Monsieur Aznavour (Mehdi Idir & Grand Corps Malade, 2024)

- 13 July, 6 pm, at AF de Cork: Sarah Bernhardt, la Divine (Guillaume Nicloux, 2024)

- 15 July, 2 pm, at the Cork City Library: Eugénie Grandet (Marc Dugain, 2021)

- 15 July, 6 pm, at the UCC Film and Screen Media Department, Kane Building, Room B10b: La Cérémonie (Claude Chabrol, 1995)

Cobh/Ploermel Twinning

Association Bastille Day

Celebration

24 French visitors will visit Cobh for the week 11/07 – 18/07 as part of the Twinning visit programme. A celebration of Bastille Day on July 14^th will showcase Irish culture for the visiting delegation. 

Celebrating the  connections between Ireland and France, and in particular Brittany where the delegation comes from. 

The Bastille Day Ireland Film Festival

As part of the Bastille Day Ireland Film Festival, the French Embassy—in association with Alliance Française de Cork, the Cork International Film Festival, and UCC—brings an exciting selection of contemporary French films to Cork.

Come and experience French cinema, language, and culture through this series of free screenings, featuring a special programme of shorts for the family.

This programme celebrates our shared love for storytelling and the longstanding friendship between France and Ireland, marking Cork’s pairing with France during the Irish Presidency of the EU Council.

All events free

Full programme to be announced soon: https://ie.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/bastille-day-ireland-2026

Máirtín Ó Direáin (1910-1988) was one of the foremost Irish-language poets of the twentieth century but he also wrote a remarkable piece of prose about his childhood and formative years on the Aran Islands. His distinctive voice brings readers close to island life while exploring universal themes of belonging, memory, and artistic creation. His collection of Irish-language essays Feamainn Bhealtaine was published in 1961 and has now been translated into English by Mícheál Ó hAodha and published as Spring Seaweed: Feamainn Bhealtaine.

In his memoir Jaguarman, award-winning Dutch writer Raoul de Jong explores the land of his Surinamese father, the history of his ancestors and his search for the jaguarman. Following international acclaim, Jaguarman is now published for the first time in English.

Join Belgian author Evelien De Vlieger to find out everything you ever wanted to know about chickens with her book Cluck, The Eggstraordinary Story of Chickens, (translated by Michele Hutchison). Jan Hamstra's beautiful linocut illustrations bring all the amazing chicken facts to life. Find out about chickens' dinosaur origins, how to categorize their feathers and how to say cock-a-doodle-doo in 20 languages! Take Evelien’s chicken quiz and design and draw your own bird. Older children can also make a tiny chicken book from a single sheet of paper.

15^th July

(2pm)

Eugénie Grandet (Marc Dugain, 2021)

French drama, based on the 19th-century novel by Honoré de Balzac.

Booking by email: lending_library@corkcity.ie

Bastille Day Ireland Film Festival is an initiative of the French Embassy in Ireland, presented in association with Alliance Française Irish network, Institut français, European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Libraries, dlr Libraries, Cork City Library, University College Cork, Cork French Film Festival, and Cork International Film Festival.

Discover the full programme of Bastille Day Ireland here: https://ie.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/bastille-day-ireland-2026

All films in French with English subtitles

Ulrike Draesner and Rebecca Braun at West Cork Literary Festival

Ulrike Draesner is one Germany’s most acclaimed poets and novelists. Channel Swimmer tells the story of Charles, an Oxford scientist on the eve of retirement, who decides to counter his wife’s mid-life dream of an expanded marriage with his own: swimming the English Channel – at least once in his life. Translator Rebecca Braun will join us in person for this event and author Ulrike Draesner will join us remotely from Germany via a live video link-up.

Agnes Lidbeck’s novel All My Love, translated from Swedish to English by Nichola Smalley, is a quietly unsettling exploration of class, friendship, and societal and political change.

16^th July

(6.00pm)

Artist Stephen Doyle in conversation with Michael Waldron on his work ‘In between a place to be and where we are’

Join artist Stephen Doyle and curator Michael Waldron for a special conversation exploring Doyle’s painting, ‘In between a place to be and where we are’, recently acquired by Cork City Council for its art collection

The discussion will trace the journey of this significant artwork, exploring themes of community, representation,identity and belonging. Stephen Doyle will reflect on the origins of the project, the communities who inspired it, and the experience of creating the paintings en plein air on Sullivan's Quay during the artist's residency with Cork Pride.

The diptych paintings portray members of The Gay Project and LINQ coming together within spaces of safety, connection and community. Their creation in a highly visible public setting echoed the vulnerability of existing openly and authentically in public space. In 2022, the artwork was stolen before being recovered and ultimately returned, adding another chapter to its remarkable story.

Reflecting on the project, Stephen Doyle says:

"By developing this body of work in a public space such as this, it mirrors the level of vulnerability we feel existing as ourselves walking the streets. Yet we will continue to strive, we will continue to push forward unapologetically and establish our identities and broaden our safe spaces until they encompass the streets we once feared to walk."

Using the artwork as a starting point, Stephen Doyle and Michael Waldron will explore the evolving meaning of safe spaces, how these spaces have developed over time, and what the future might hold. Now part of the Cork City Council Collection, In between a place to be and where we are enters a new chapter, continuing to inspire conversations about visibility, belonging and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel seen, valued and safe.

https://StephenDoyleArtistTalk.eventbrite.ie

Join Swedish author Mats Strandberg and discover Frank The Monster, his gripping adventure series about trying to belong. A boy-turned-cuddly werewolf discovers his identity and finds his pack of misfit monster friends. These spooky-cute chapter books offer horror with heart to entice young readers and build a bridge to independent reading. Come along for an afternoon of storytelling and the chance to draw your own monster.

Friends and Lovers is the second novel by French author and journalist Nolwenn Le Blevennec translated by Madeleine Rogers). Three friends, all exhausted young mothers living in Paris, escape to Tunisia for a New Year’s getaway. Three years later, they reunite for another holiday, this time at a remote, disused lighthouse off the coast of Brittany

 Dutch author Eva Meijer joins us with their novel Sea Now, an urgent and lyrical portrait of a country underwater and a satirical look at governmental ineptitude in the face of climate change.

Shared Hands A series of craft workshops facilitated by six European makers based in County Cork will be given at Greywood Arts in Killeagh. Makers include Ann Mechelinck; Lina Pavlova, Sabina Lucas, Roser Perez, Zivile Zeniauskaite and Aelís Harris

The MS Europa, operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, will anchor in Kinsale for the day and passengers will be tendered into Kinsale Pier. Passengers will be treated to traditional Irish entertainment on the pier. This ship primarily caters to German-speaking passengers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but they also welcome international travelers with English-speaking hosts, menus, and excursions.

 14th August

(7.00pm)

French & Cork Cheese Tasting Experience

Join Cork-based French cheesemaker Jean-Baptiste Enjelvin for a special presentation and tasting exploring the craftsmanship and flavours of French and Cork cheeses. Event organised by Alliance Française de Cork with the support of On the Pig's Back.

€10 | French & Cork Cheese Tasting Experience

17^th August

Heritage Talk regarding Cork’s European Connections

A lecture highlighting the marvelous and fascinating connections that exist between the County of Cork and Europe. Given that County Cork has been paired with France for the Presidency there will be a good focus on connections with our neighbours across the Celtic Sea.

21^st August

(6.30pm)

The Gilbert Baker Flag: Safety & the LGBTI+ Community Panel Discussion

Cork City Council is honoured to welcome the Gilbert Baker Flag, one of the most recognisable symbols of the global LGBTI+ movement and a powerful representation of pride, visibility, and inclusion.

To mark its arrival in Cork, the Council invites members of the public to join us for a panel discussion exploring safety and the lived experiences of the LGBTI+ community in Cork City and beyond.

The discussion will take place in the atrium of Cork City Hall, where two recently acquired paintings by acclaimed artist Stephen Doyle will also be temporarily displayed. Together, these significant cultural works provide a fitting backdrop for a conversation about visibility, community, belonging, and the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for all.

Our panel will bring together voices from community organisations, public bodies, and those working directly to support and advocate for LGBTI+ people. Through an engaging discussion, the panel will explore:

• What safety means for LGBTI+ people today.
• Progress made in creating more inclusive communities.
• Current challenges facing LGBTI+ individuals and families.
• The role of local authorities, community organisations, and the wider public in promoting safety and inclusion.
• Building a city where everyone can live openly, safely, and with dignity.

Join us as we mark the arrival of the Gilbert Baker Flag in Cork and engage in an important conversation about safety, inclusion, and belonging in our city.

https://SafetyandLGBTICommunityDiscussion.eventbrite.com

22^nd  August

(1:30pm)

Heritage Week:

Francis Moylan

Francis Moylan was among the most distinguished Irish students to attend the Irish College in Toulouse, one of several seminaries established in France for Irish clergy in the seventeenth century. Born into a prosperous Douglas family in 1735, Moylan was educated in Paris and Toulouse before his ordination in 1761. After a period serving in Paris, he returned to Cork, becoming parish priest of the South Parish and later Bishop of Kerry.
Two centuries ago, Moylan played a central role in overseeing the construction of Cork’s Catholic Cathedral, his career reflecting the deep educational and cultural ties between Cork and France. This talk will be delivered by Victoria Duffy, a PhD researcher from Ulster University.

A lecture highlighting the marvelous and fascinating connections that exist between the County of Cork and Europe. Given that County Cork has been paired with France for the Presidency there will be a good focus on connections with our neighbours across the Celtic Sea.

28^th  August

(12- 4pm)

Urban Mirror: Mapping Food, Space and the City

Over the course of a Friday afternoon, this outdoor workshop offers participants the chance to engage with the topic of food and architecture through the medium of freehand drawing. How does food shape everyday life in the city? Which spaces connect back to food, are influenced or formed by their relationship to food? From dining spaces both indoor and outdoor to markets, shops, kiosks, cafes etc,
this short workshop invites participants to create a collective map of Cork city centre through the lens of food, with the aim of finding new ways of understanding and reading the urban environment. We will
provide and use paper doilies as our drawing material, collaging these together to piece together one large group drawing over the course of the afternoon.

The workshop uses the artwork Urban Mirror at Coal Quay in the heart of Cork city as the base of operations. The artwork, created by plattenbaustudio as part of a public art commission in 2023,
includes a civic-scale steel outdoor table, with the ability to seat up to 60 people. The scale of the table provides the space to make a large scale collective map as part of the workshop, while the act of
gathering and drawing on the table activates the public space around it, literally creating space at the table for us to engage with questions about the city.

Details: The workshop will take place outdoors so please bring weather-appropriate clothing. In the case of bad weather we will revert to an indoor location close by. All workshop materials will be provided (paper, pens, pencils, clipboards), but you are welcome to bring your own drawing equipment if you want. Coffee, tea and buns will be provided.

Exchange project between German and Irish artists, initiated by the Artists' Association Furstenfeldbruck, Sarah Walker Gallery, and the Cill Rialaig Arts Project.

French Collection & Exhibition

20 years ago, Enfants Francophones de Cork, a local organisation run by enthusiastic parents opened a weekly French corner in the children’s library, the City Library. Sophie Carton, a French teacher, and librarian – carefully selected 1500 French children’s books, which have now, been made available again to Cork Readers since the World Book Fest 2024. Hundreds of children have already benefitted from this collection, which includes classics such as Tintin, Asterix and fairytales by Tomi Ungerer, Claude Ponti and Elzbieta… The books came home to The Children and Young People’s Library, The City Library, donated by EFC – Enfants Francophones de Cork, this World Book Fest 2024. Launched by Professor Mary Noonan, Head of the French Department in UCC, joined by Sophie Carton EFC, and Storyteller, Antinea Tinous, with readings by French speaking children – the French Book Collection for Children is available to all.

Launch of a free French Booklet/Portfolio for Cork post-primary School Exchanges with France, with the support of the Cork City Council, the AIPLF, and the French Embassy.

Launch of a free French Booklet/Portfolio for Cork post-primary School Exchanges with France, with the support of the Cork City Council, the AIPLF, and the French Embassy.

Support of the French Duo Rattrape's performance

Support of the French Duo Rattrape's performance as part of the UpDown Circus Festival.

Cork County Council presents workshops and discussions with 8 European Artists living and working in County Cork. Venues and times TBC

French music and French poetry

Drama : Samuel Beckett

French Film festival screenings

Cork School of Music playing classical French instrumental.

To mark the EU Presidency, Local Studies is opening its Newspaper Archive to highlight contemporary reporting on major European developments, including Ireland’s accession to the European Communities. This focused display offers a snapshot of EU‑related events and public debate as they unfolded at the time.

Film Screening:

Opera on screens

project led by the Rennes Opera for a screening of Jacques Offenbach’s opera “Robinson Crusoe” in your city

On 21 September 1601 a Spanish fleet of twenty-eight sail occupied the port at Kinsale with about 3,300 men under general Don Juan del Águila. This led to their siege in Kinsale by British forces and eventually the Battle of Kinsale. This history talk/ walking tour focuses on the Spanish aspect of this decisive siege and battle.

Public Library Open Day -

 Mary Elemes ‘I got things done’ with Anne Twomey

Mary Elmes, a Cork‑born Trinity scholar, devoted her life to humanitarian work during the Spanish Civil War and later in France during the Second World War. Based in Perpignan as head of the Quaker delegation, she used her position with remarkable courage to rescue hundreds of Jewish children from deportation, actions that led to her arrest by the Gestapo in 1943. After the war she settled in France, speaking little of her wartime efforts, and was posthumously honoured as Ireland’s only ‘Righteous Among the Nations’. This talk explores her extraordinary life and the international legacy of a Corkwoman who made her greatest impact abroad.

Dragon of Shandon / ROGU residency

West Cork Feelgood Festival

An exploration of Hygge the Danish approach to wellness and wellbeing.  This event is organized in association with the Sindssyg God Søndag wellbeing festival and the Municipality of Middelfart in Funen, Denmark.

'Projection Gourmande' 

French Dinner & Film

10^th October

(8.00pm)

Folk Festival gala concert

Concert celebrating 100 years of traditional music and European links.

French Film Festival special edition

Exhibition focusing on the history of European films at the Cork Film Festival.

Conference on historical links between France and Ireland.

Irish musicians Cormac McCarthy and Aoife Ni Bhrian join forces with Estonian folk ensemble, Duo Ruut (Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi) exploring  contemporary reimagining of folk music traditions in Ireland and Estonia

Symposium on French-inspired cultural spaces and urban regeneration.

In Dec 1796 of a French fleet of 43 ships carrying 15,000 soldiers attempted to land in Banty to support an Irish republican revolution by the United Irishmen. Poor weather ended their plans and wrecking their ships and forcing others to return to France. This started a chain of events that would impact life in West Cork for the next 100 years and laid the seeds for revolutionaries such as Michael Collins. Special guided tour throughout Dec.

Storytimes in European Languages using recognisable stories such as the Little, Goldilocks, Hansel and Gretel.

Book displays of European authors such as Asterix, Beaty and the Beast, Madeline, 20,000 leagues under the Sea.

 Displays of traditional fairy tales of European origins – Hans Christian Anderson, Brothers Grimm, Sinead de Valera.

Presentation by Local Studies Librarian Rory Bunce. 

Monthly quizzes exploring French culture including literature and cinema.

Reading and literacy are at the heart of what libraries do, and book clubs—accessible to every library user—are a key element of the national library strategy to support reading and reader engagement. Every Cork library branch has a book club: within this context, a focus on French literature provides a strong thematic link. Showcasing French fiction—whether in the original language or in translation—will complement this international engagement and highlight the library’s role in supporting cross-cultural exchange.