Good morning, Cork! Today I learned what a solar carport is — and Cork Airport is about to have Ireland's largest one! Plus 200 new jobs, 452 homes, and Quinn the collie looking for his forever home. Let's get into it.

In today’s Cork Current:

Let’s get to it!

Exciting news for Baile Bhuirne and rural Cork! A €10 million digital hub has officially opened its doors at the newly renovated Coláiste Íosagáin, a historic Gaeltacht boarding school.

This initiative, led by Údarás na Gaeltachta, is set to create a substantial economic boost for the community, starting with 200 full-time jobs and a projected increase to 320 positions. The hub will serve as a crucial innovation centre for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and businesses, with over 45 companies expected to operate from the campus in its initial phase. The project's significant investment comes from a €3.4 million Rural Regeneration and Development Fund grant, €2.7 million from Enterprise Ireland, and €3.8 million from Údarás na Gaeltachta. (Read More)

Cork Airport is set to become a leader in sustainability with the announcement of Ireland's largest solar-powered carport, a €200 million capital project in conjunction with Greenvolt Next.

This installation, planned for the Holiday Blue car park, will not only shelter up to 3,696 parked cars but also generate a significant portion of the airport's electricity needs, aiming for 20% renewable energy. The project, expected to be completed by August 2027, will feature 1.7 MW of power generation from 3,696 solar panels, producing an estimated 1.5 GWh of clean energy annually.

Plus, the project includes an expansion of the Holiday Blue car park with 669 extra spaces! (Read More)

A major housing development, comprising 452 homes, has been formally proposed for Water-Rock in Midleton. Developer Sean Walsh's plans submitted to Cork County Council outline a phased approach, including 219 houses (detached and terraced) and 233 apartments spread across 20 three-storey blocks and four taller ones. The project is set to include crucial resident amenities, a creche, and significant site development works, such as wastewater management, surface water attenuation, and solar panels.

This development is a key part of the Water-Rock Urban Expansion Zone's vision to eventually accommodate 2,500 homes, three schools, and a neighbourhood centre. The council's decision on this expansive project is expected by May 26, 2026. (Read More)

Heads up, northside residents! Uisce Éireann is carrying out essential works on Thursday night, from 8 PM to 2 AM, which could affect your water supply. Areas like The Glen, Blackpool, and Old Youghal Road are expected to see disruptions as part of their National Leakage Reduction Programme. You can check water.ie for updates. (Read More)

Fancy putting something on for Cork this September? Culture Night 2026 is happening on September 18th and Cork County Council is looking for event proposals. Last year drew 18,000+ people across the county — so if you've got an idea, get it in before the June 1st deadline. Submit proposals online via www.corkcoco.ie.

If you’re in the market for a walking companion with good looks and a great attitude, Quinn is ready to apply.

At 8 months old and 14.6kg, this collie-sized cutie is full of beans, eager to please, and always up for an adventure. He’s a friendly, social chap who loves his walks and would benefit hugely from some training to help channel all that youthful energy. A little effort, a lot of reward — and one very handsome best friend at the end of it.

If you’re interested in adopting Quinn’s, you can apply via the adoption application form on their website at the end of their profile.

Cork's beloved Marina Market just got even tastier with the arrival of two new food vendors! Street Frites is bringing Belgian-style chips with a global twist – think cheesy chips with local cheddar, Korean kimchi fries, or Mexican beef options. You can visit their Instagram here.

If you're after something healthier, Local Roots & Co. has opened a soup-and-sandwich spot focusing on seasonal ingredients from Irish growers. They're serving up wholesome sandwiches and soups, all aiming to showcase the best of Cork's local food scene. (Read More)

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things I thought you should know. I'll always let you know if something's sponsored.

Today: 🌧️ 12°/11°
Wednesday: 🌧️ 13°/8°
Thursday: ☁️ 13°/10°

We’re trying a new events layout this week so it might feel a little new. We hope you find this new layout easier to navigate!

🎭 FRIENDS! The Musical Parody
Cork Opera House | Tues 14th–Sun 19th | More Info


🍽️ Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
The Everyman | Tues 14th–Sun 19th | More Info


⚖️ Murder Trial Tonight IV: Death of a Landlord
The Everyman | Tues 14th–Wed 15th | More Info


🎻 The Lee Sessions Trad Trail
Multiple Locations, Dates and Times | More Info


🎬 Sound of Falling
Triskel Arts Centre | Tues 14th–Wed 15th | Various times | More Info


🎬 D is for Distance
Triskel Arts Centre | Tues 14th–Wed 15th | Various times | More Info


🇮🇪 This Is Ireland
LHQ, County Library | Tues 14th–Fri 17th | From 09:00 | More Info


🎨 Kim Crowley: Residency & Exhibition
Triskel Arts Centre | Until Sun 19th | From 11:00 | More Info


🎧 Sonic Experiments From Within UCC Library Archives
The Boole Library UCC | Until Sat 18th | From 09:30 | More Info

😂 Comedy Cavern: Daniel Lukas & Guests
Coughlan's | 20:30 | More Info


📚 Famous Paintings And Their Hidden Histories: Spring 2026 Lecture Series
Triskel Arts Centre | 11:00 | More Info

😂 Stand-up Comedy Club: Low-key Funny
The Roundy | 20:30 | More Info


😂 Crüe Comedy
Fred Zeppelins | 21:00 | More Info

🎭 The Artistry of Frank Sinatra
The Everyman | 20:00 | More Info


🎨 April Artists Afternoon
The Everyman | 1.30pm–3.30pm | More Info


😂 Stand-up Comedy Club: Thursday Showcase
The Roundy | 20:30 | More Info


🎨 An Exhibition Of New Paintings By Colm Murphy
St. Peters Cork | 10:00 | More Info


🥦 Mahon Point Farmers Market
Mahon Point Shopping Centre | Every Thursday | 10am–3pm | More Info

🎤 Cathal Fitzpatrick
Dwyers Of Cork | 21:30 | More Info


🎤 Inspiration (Open Mic Night)
The Poor Relation | 20:00 | More Info

🎤 Mary Bragg
Coughlan's | 19:30 | More Info


🎤 Ciaran Quigley
Dwyers Of Cork | 21:30 | More Info


🎤 Cosy Club
Sin É | 21:00 | More Info


🔥 Fireside Folk
The Welcome Inn | 21:30 | More Info


🎧 Panic At The Disco
Intermission Bar | 23:00 | More Info


💃 Ceili By The Lee
Crane Lane Theatre | 19:30 | More Info

🎷 115 Jazz Jam Sessions
115 Café And Wine Bar | 20:00 | More Info


🎸 Noah Hayes
Fred Zeppelins | 20:00 | More Info


🎤 Mary Bragg
Levis Corner House, Ballydehob | 19:30 | More Info


🎤 Jawbone
Sin É | 21:00 | More Info


🎤 The Insiders
Cantys | 21:00 | More Info


🎤 Ballads & Banjos
The Welcome Inn | 21:30 | More Info


🎤 Will O' Halloran
Dwyers Of Cork | 21:30 | More Info

That's it for today Cork, thanks for reading! Let’s chat again on Thursday!

Thanks!

- Ben