Good morning, Cork! West Cork has 40 free events this May bank holiday weekend. Your couch doesn't stand a chance.


In today’s Cork Current:

Let’s get to it!

Get ready to jazz up your May Bank Holiday weekend! Ballydehob in West Cork is set to host its 20th edition of the Ballydehob Jazz Festival from April 30th to May 4th.

This community-led event has become a major cultural fixture, attracting thousands for five days of incredible live music, circus acts, dance performances, and visual art. The Festival Hall is pulling out all the stops with five headline concerts, including the premiere of Paul Dunlea's Loch Trasna Suite and new work by Olivier Award-winner Benji Bower.

But the magic doesn't stop there! The village-wide Music Trail features over 40 free performances across pubs, cafés, and outdoor spaces, ensuring music fills every corner. Add in street arts, a children’s circus school, giant puppets, and the unforgettable Jazz Funeral Parade, and you've got a festival that’s truly for everyone.

You can see the full programme of events on ballydehobjazzfestival.org

Bantry has been waiting a long time for a proper arts venue, and it looks like it's finally on the way! West Cork Music has submitted a planning application for a new arts venue and education hub in the town. The project will feature a state-of-the-art 250-seat auditorium, alongside dedicated spaces for music education, workshops, and community performances.

Nearly €1 million has already been raised from donors local and international. Planning still has to go through, but the momentum behind this one feels real! (Learn More)

Tyndall National Institute, is set for major growth and a hiring spree with the launch of its 'Tyndall 2030' strategic plan. The roadmap includes hiring around 170 new staff over the next five years, boosting its workforce to over 750, and increasing annual income to more than €80 million. Tyndall aims to solidify Ireland's position as a global leader in semiconductor innovation, investing heavily in talent development with new principal scientists, senior researchers, and postgraduate students. (Read More)

Two Cork playgrounds are getting a significant upgrade thanks to a national funding scheme. Carrigtwohill Playground will receive €20,516, and Pophams Playground in Farranree will get €18,578, totalling almost €40k. The funds will go towards installing accessible play equipment, such as seesaws and sensory features, promoting fun for children with diverse needs. (Read More)

Meet Mochi 🧡 And just try not to fall in love with that smile! This handsome lad is a Chow x Pomsky mix and just over two years old, with the kind of fluffy good looks that turn heads on every walk. Despite being found as a stray Mochi hasn’t let it dull his shine. He’s described as a very friendly dog, and judging by that happy face, we believe it.

If you’re interested in adopting Mochi, please apply via the CSPCA website.

Nail enthusiasts rejoice! Nails Now, the popular Irish salon chain, is opening a brand-new luxury walk-in nail bar at 86 Oliver Plunkett Street on May 8th. They aim to offer speedy, high-quality manicures with an elevated experience, expanding the brand's successful model into a dedicated luxury space. (Read More)

Need a moment of calm in the city centre? Here's Health on Oliver Plunkett Street has launched a new sauna and cold plunge experience. Sessions start at just €15 during off-peak times, with peak times at €20, providing a fantastic opportunity to unwind and refresh without breaking the bank! (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: ☁️ 17°/7°
Wednesday: 🌤️ 19°/11°
Thursday: 🌧️ 15°/10°

🎨 Kim Crowley: Residency & Exhibition
Triskel Arts Centre | Ongoing | More Info


🎬 Amélie [25th Anniversary]
Triskel Arts Centre | Tues – Wed | 20:00 | More Info


🎬 The Love That Remains (15a)
Triskel Arts Centre | Tues – Wed | 18:00 | More Info


🎵 Cork International Choral Festival
Multiple Venues | April 29 - May 3 | More Info


🎷 Ballydehob Jazz Festival
Multiple Venues | April 30 - May 4 | More Info


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

🎭 Bláithín agus an Beithíoch
The Everyman | 8pm | More Info


😂 Comedy Cavern: Christopher O'Leary & Guests
Coughlan's | 20:30 | More Info

🎬 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
The Everyman | 7:30pm | More Info


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

🎤 The Bookshelf Live with Ryan Tubridy
Cork Opera House | 8pm | More Info


🎭 Killian Sundermann: Killian Dollar Baby
The Everyman | 8pm | More Info


😂 Stand-Up Comedy Club: Thursday Showcase
The Roundy | 8pm | More Info


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

🎸 James McLnerney
Dwyers Of Cork | 9:30pm | More Info


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

🎤 2026 Opening Gala Concert (Cork International Choral Festival)
Cork City Hall | 8:30pm | More Info


🎻 Ceili By The Lee
Crane Lane Theatre | 7:30pm | More Info


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

🎶 Fringe Concerts: Choirs At Griffith College
Griffith College | 11:00 | More Info


🎶 Fringe Concerts: Choirs At Goldie Chapel
Nano Nagle Place | 13:00 | More Info


🎶 Fringe Concerts: Choirs At St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral | 14:00 | More Info


🎷 115 Jazz Jam Sessions
115 Café And Wine Bar | 8pm | More Info


🎤 Jo Blonde
Wavelength Rooftop (Cyprus Avenue) | 9pm | More Info


🎸 Waveflyer
Fred Zeppelins | 8pm | More Info


🎵 Ballads & Banjos
The Welcome Inn | 9:30pm | More Info


🎻 The Alkove
Coughlan's | 7:30pm | More Info

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

Thanks!

- Ben