Good morning, Cork! It’s all go this week - new trails to explore, housing plans popping up, Christmas lights on the horizon, and even a fond farewell to one of Ireland’s biggest bands.

In today’s Cork Current:

Let’s get to it!

Time to lace up those walking boots, Cork! Glansheskin Woods in Kilworth has just unveiled five brand-new looped trails, and they’re absolutely gorgeous. This project came together through a big local effort (and a €16,000 grant from ORIS) between Kilworth Community Council, Coillte, and the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership.

The routes range from a gentle 1.2 km stroll to a solid 7 km hike, and if you keep going, you can even reach the stunning Ballard Waterfall along the Blackwater Way. Locals have been visiting these woods for generations to paddle in the Douglas River - home to otters, salmon, and plenty of charm. Now, with fresh signposting and beautiful new paths, there’s never been a better time to explore. Don’t forget to find the Glansheskin Well on your way! (Read more)

Cork, the countdown to Corkmas is on! The city’s beloved Christmas parade is officially returning on Friday, November 14th, from 7pm to 8pm, marking the start of the festive season and the Christmas lights switch-on. The route will take the parade from North Main Street through Washington Street, Patrick Street, Bridge Street, and finishing on MacCurtain Street - with around 40,000 people expected to turn out for the festivities! (Read more)

Ballincollig could soon be growing in a big way! The O’Flynn Group has submitted plans for a huge new development at Maglin, which would see 1,150 new homes built - a mix of houses, duplexes, and apartments. But it’s not just about the housing; the plans include a childcare facility, retail areas, and plenty of open green space to give it a real community feel. (Read more)

A fascinating bit of Cork history is getting a new lease of life! Plans have been lodged to turn the site of Ireland’s first-ever Turkish Baths in Blarney into a new residential development featuring 100 homes and a crèche. The proposal from OMD(C) Ltd includes carefully restoring parts of the protected remains of the old St Ann’s Hydropathic Establishment, founded in 1843, and weaving them into a new apartment building. Cork City Council is due to make a decision by November 13th. (Read more)

Kodaline fans, listen up! The Irish rock band is heading to Cork for a massive farewell show next summer, June 19, at Virgin Media Park. This follows their recent announcement of separation after a decade of music. Tickets are available from €54.85 and go on sale this Friday, October 17, via Ticketmaster. (Read more)

Congrats to the Midleton Hillwalking Club, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary with a walk along the Midleton Greenway. The club has over 100 members from across East Cork & Cork City, and offers walks for all fitness levels - from Sunday mountain hikes to low-level strolls closer to home. They are always welcoming new members! Learn more about the club on their website, midletonhillwalkers.com.

Parents of Ballincollig, this one’s for you! A new sensory art and messy play centre called ‘Busy Doing – The Messy Place’ is opening in November. Created by Early Years Play Specialist Mairead Sullivan, it’s a dream for kids aged 18 months to 12 years- and a relief for parents who don’t fancy slime in the couch! Kids can paint, squish, splash, and explore to their hearts’ content, while Mairead and her team handle the cleanup. You can read more about the new space and opening here.

Fota Wildlife Park is closing its doors temporarily on Tuesday, October 14th, and Wednesday, October 15th, because of suspected bird flu cases. The park, which houses flamingos, penguins, and other bird species, is taking this precautionary measure following advice from the Department of Agriculture. (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: ☁️ 15°/13°
Wednesday: ☁️ 15°/12°
Thursday: ☁️ 14°/12°

🎭 Girls & Boys (15A)
Triskel Arts Centre
Multiple Dates | 18:00 | More Info


🎬 Dead Of Winter (15A)
Triskel Arts Centre
Multiple Dates | 20:00 | More Info


🎨 In Love with Light - Lorraine Mullins
Ballymaloe Grainstore
Multiple Dates | 10:00 | More Info


😂 Comedy Cavern: Richy Sheehy & Guests
Coughlan's
Tuesday 14th Oct | 20:30 | More Info


🎙️ Talk Of The Devils Live
Cork Opera House
Tuesday 14th Oct | 00:00 | More Info


😂 Comedy Cavern: Grace Petrie
Coughlan's
Wednesday 15th Oct | 18:30 | More Info


😂 Stand-up Comedy Club: Low-key Funny
The Roundy
Wednesday 15th Oct | 20:30 | More Info


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


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


🎨 Ava Hayes: Residency
Triskel Arts Centre
Multiple Dates | More Info

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


🎸 Ricky Kelleher
Dwyers Of Cork
Tuesday 14th Oct | 21:30 | More Info


🎤 Damian Lewis
Cyprus Avenue
Wednesday 15th Oct | 19:00 | More Info


🔥 Fireside Folk
The Welcome Inn
Wednesday 15th Oct | 21:30 | More Info


🕺 Ceili By The Lee
Crane Lane Theatre
Wednesday 15th Oct | 19:30 | More Info


🎶 Rob Lamberti – Perfectly George
Cork Opera House
Wednesday 15th Oct | 20:00 | More Info


🎻 East Cork Early Music Festival
Cork City & Doneraile Court
Multiple Dates | 18:00 | More Info


🎶 Sharon Shannon, Frances Black & Mary Coughlan
Cork Opera House
Thursday 16th Oct | 20:00 | More Info


🎵 David Murphy & Ether Ensemble
Coughlan's
Thursday 16th Oct | 19:30 | More Info


🎶 Cathal Fitz
Seventy Seven
Thursday 16th Oct | 19:00 | More Info


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


🎶 Ballads & Banjos
The Welcome Inn
Every Thurday | 21:30 | More Info


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

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

Thanks!

- Ben