Good morning, Cork! We've got some big news today, including a major housing development that's set for Wilton. Plus, a €150 million expansion from Stryker, a few lovely new local businesses, and... Christmas already?! (Yes, really.)

In today’s Cork Current:

Let’s get to it!

Some positive housing news for you this morning! The City Council has given the thumbs-up to a significant new housing development planned for former ESB lands in Wilton, promising around 350 affordable, social, and cost-rental homes.

This scheme from the Land Development Agency is set to bring much-needed accommodation to the city, following their previous approval for a large development at the old St Kevin’s Hospital site. The Wilton plan includes 296 cost-rental apartments, 16 two-storey affordable townhouses, and 36 social housing apartments.

We all know demand for housing is massive right now, with the Daft report last week highlighting just how few rentals are currently available in Cork City. With construction expected to begin in 2026 and homes ready by late 2028, this project is another big step in the right direction to help ease the pressure. (Read More)

Some great news on the jobs and innovation front - Stryker is investing a whopping €150 million to expand its cutting-edge research and innovation centre in Carrigtwohill, with construction set to begin by year-end. This expansion will see their facility grow into a four-storey, 150,000 sq ft hub, significantly boosting their R&D capabilities.

The new four-storey building will house cutting-edge engineering labs and grow their 3D printing capabilities, helping create custom implants for tricky procedures. It’s another vote of confidence in Cork’s skilled talent and future - Mag O’Keeffe, VP of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker, put it simply: “We are here for the long haul”. (Read More)

Here’s a feel-good one for you - Cork’s beaches, harbours, and riversides are the cleanest they’ve been in nearly a decade! The latest IBAL (Irish Businesses Against Litter in case you were wondering) litter survey gave our coastline its best report in eight years, with big praise for Castletownbere Harbour and Cork Harbour at Blackrock Castle. It’s all thanks to the incredible efforts of Clean Coasts volunteers and tidy towns crews, backed by new legislation (like those bottle cap rules) and council investment.

Well, it seems Christmas has come early to Cork - like, really early! Brown Thomas has officially opened its Christmas Shop on the second floor. Despite it being August, you can now shop for trees, decorations, and all things jolly, giving those who love the holidays a chance to get a jump on the season. If you’re not quite ready for the tinsel and the smell of cinnamon, perhaps steer clear of the second floor for now!

Cork’s matcha scene just got a major boost with the launch of Moon Child, the city's newest mobile matcha bar! Find them at Mahon Point Farmer's Market (Thursdays) and Douglas Farmer's Market (Saturdays). Moon Child, started by Monica Steencamp, is all about premium matcha, with creative options like Earl Matcha and Jasmine Matcha, plus a standout Blanco Matcha featuring local O’Conaill’s white chocolate. You can learn more and follow Moon Child on Instagram here.

A new coffee trailer, Scéal Coffee, is set to open in Carrigaline this Saturday, August 30th. Amy O’Neill and her mum Geraldine are bringing Stone Valley Coffee and local treats to the community, turning a passion into a business. The trailer is ready for its soft launch from 9am-2pm this Saturday. You’ll find them on the route to Ringaskiddy. You can learn more and follow their new business on their Instagram here.

Cork founders and business owners, listen up! Ezara Ahern Easter, a seasoned PR and visibility strategist, is offering a FREE workshop, 'Get Seen: A No-Nonsense Visibility Strategy for Businesses', this Thursday, August 28th, at 4pm at Republic of Work. Spaces are limited, so if you’re interested in attending, you can book your free spot online now. (Tickets)

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: ☁️ 20°/13°
Wednesday: 🌧️ 19°/13°
Thursday: ☁️ 18°/13°

😂 Comedy Cavern: Ardal O'Hanlon: Work In Progress
Coughlan's
Tuesday 26th August | 6:30pm | More Info


🎶 The Rocky Horror Show
Cork Opera House
Multiple Dates | 8pm | More Info


💃 Ceilí Cois Locha
The Lough, Glasheen, Cork
Wednesday, August 27th | 7:30 PM | More Info


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


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


😂 Stand-up Comedy Club: Low-Key Funny
The Roundy, Castle St.
Every Wednesday | 8:30 pm | More Info


🖌️ Interior Design Masterclass - Designing with Colour
Carrigtwohill Community Centre
Wednesday, August 27th | 6:30 PM | More Info


🎩 Why Magic?
The Everyman
Thursday, August 28th | 7:30 PM | More Info


🌀 Hypnosis Show By Andrew Z
The Alibi Bar And Kitchen
Thursday 28th August | 20:00 | More Info


😂 Stand-up Comedy Club: Thursday Showcase
The Roundy
Thursday 28th August | 20:30 | More Info


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


🖼️ Maitiú Mac Cárthaigh: Residency & Exhibition
Triskel Arts Centre
Multiple Dates | 11:00 | More Info

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


🎸 Ricky Kelleher
Seventy Seven, Cork City
Tue 26th Aug | 19:00 | More Info


🍀 Trad Music & Irish Dancing
The Blue Haven, Kinsale
Tuesday 26th August | 20:30 | More Info


🔥 Fireside Folk
The Welcome Inn
Wednesday 27th August | 21:30 | More Info


🪗 Ceili By The Lee
Crane Lane Theatre
Wednesday 27th August | 19:30 | More Info


🎶 Traditional Irish Music & Dancing
Old Oak, Oliver Plunkett St.
Every Wednesday | 8:00 PM | More Info


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


🎷 115 Jazz Jam Sessions
115 Café And Wine Bar, Cork City
Thu 28st Aug | 20:00 | More Info


🪕 The 2 Drops
Old Oak, Cork City
Thu 28th Aug | 20:00 | More Info


🎻 The Turfmen Trad
The Woodford, Cork City
Thu 28th Aug | 20:00 | More Info


🎶 Ballads & Banjos
The Welcome Inn
Thursday 28th August | 21:30 | More Info


🎸 Cops and Robert
Dwyers Of Cork
Thursday 28th August | 21:30 | More Info


🎷 The Musical Brotherhood Collective
Crane Lane Theatre
Thursday 28th August | 23:30 | More Info


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

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

Thanks!

- Ben