Good morning, Cork! If you’re reading this, thank you. You’re one of the very first to subscribe (this is our first edition, after all!). So I just wanted to start today with a big thank you to all 46 of you - well, 45 really (Hi Mum!) - who have subscribed so far. I really appreciate it, and I hope you find value in this newsletter!


In today’s Cork Current:

Let’s get to it!

Get ready for some serious 'awws' because Fota Wildlife Park has welcomed a tiny new resident who's making headlines – the park's first-ever baby drill monkey!

This little primate is a massive deal for conservation efforts, being the first of its kind ever born in Ireland as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme. The young drill is the offspring of 9-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona. Lead Ranger Teresa Power said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce the birth of this baby drill, it’s a first not only for Fota Wildlife Park but for Ireland as well. The drill is an incredibly rare and endangered species, so it’s a real privilege to be part of the conservation and care of the species.”

While the baby is currently staying close to his mum, Fota is inviting the public to help choose his name, so if you, or the kids, have a knack for naming, this is your chance! You can even win a year-long Conservation Annual Pass to the Park. You can suggest a name for the new little fella on Fota’s website here.

Great news for sun safety in Cork! Free sunscreen dispensers are now available in Marina Park, Meelick Park, Clashduv Park, and Fitzgerald’s Park, thanks to Cork City Council and HSE Southwest. This initiative encourages sun-safe behaviour and helps reduce the risk of skin cancer, making it easier for everyone to stay protected. It’s part of the Healthy Ireland SunSmart campaign, which promotes five key behaviours to protect against harmful UV rays: Slip on clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.

You can read more here

Cork Airport is advising passengers to factor in extra travel time due to major overnight resurfacing works at the Kinsale Road Roundabout.

Starting today, August 5, the key junction will experience overnight closures from 8:30 PM to 6:00 AM, Monday to Saturday, for approximately five weeks. While daytime traffic flow won't be affected, those travelling to or from the airport during these hours should expect diversions and potential delays. Local diversions will be clearly signposted.

The Jack Lynch Tunnel's southbound bore will also be closed for maintenance every night this week from Monday to Thursday (4-7 August), from 22:00 to 05:00 each night.

The much-anticipated revival of the former Roches Stores building on Patrick Street is gaining momentum, with the popular cosmetics chain Rituals posting a listing on its website, confirming its new boutique will open at 12-17 Patrick Street, the address of the former Roches Building.

This exciting development marks a significant step in breathing new life into the historic building, which has been empty since 2020. Purchased by Intersport Elverys in 2023, the site is currently undergoing renovations to create multiple retail units. An opening date hasn’t been announced yet.

Today: 🌤️ 20°/11°

Wednesday: ☁️ 18°/15°

Thursday: ☁️ 21°/11°

💃 Ceili By The Lee
Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St.
Wednesday, August 6th | 7:30 pm | More Info


🎭 Master Debators
Fred Zeppelins, Parliament St.
Wednesday, August 6th | 9:00 pm | More Info


🎸 Rory Gallagher: 'The Continental Op' - The Global Musician
Cork Public Museum, Fitzgeralds Park
Multiple Dates | More Info


🎶 Lyrics, Vinyl & Visuals: Rory Gallagher, The Man and His Interests
Cork Central Library, Grand Parade, Cork
Multiple Dates | More Info


🎨 Cork Craft Month
Cork Craft & Design, 27a St Patrick's Woolen Mills, Douglas
Multiple Dates | More Info


😂 Stand-up Comedy Club: Thursday Showcase
The Roundy, Castle St.
Thursday, August 07th | 8:30 pm | More Info


🎭 Stones In His Pockets By Marie Jones
The Everyman, MacCurtain St.
Multiple Dates | More Info


🚜 Mahon Point Farmers Market
Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Every Thursday | 10AM - 2PM | More Info

🎵 The Lee Sessions Trad Trail
Multiple Locations
Every Tuesday | 6:30 pm | More Info


🎵 Cry Before Dawn (Ep Launch)
Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St
Tuesday, August 7th | 7:00 pm | More Info


💃 Tides Of Tradition
Actons, Kinsale
Every Wednesday | 7:00 PM | More Info


🎷 115 Jazz Jam Sessions
Cyprus Avenue
Thursday, August 7th | 9:00 pm | More Info


🎼 Claddagh Quartet & Encore | Concert In Aid Of Alone
City Hall
Thursday, August 7th | 7:00 PM | More Info


🎤 Fanny Lumsden
Coughlan's, Douglas St.
Thursday, August 7th | 7:30 PM | More Info


🎶 The Insiders
Cantys, Pembroke
Every Thursday | 9:00 PM | More Info

That's it for today Cork, thanks for reading! See you again Thursday, when we’ll cover all the local events for this coming weekend.

Thanks!

- Ben


P.S. I’ll always be looking for ways to improve the newsletter, so if I’ve missed an event you think should be included, or if you’ve any ideas for making this newsletter better, just reply and let me know. Thanks! 😀