Cork Airport Champions Local Food Culture as Partner of Cork on a Fork Fest

Cork Airport has announced its partnership with Cork on a Fork Fest through its Community Fund, supporting the five-day culinary celebration that runs from 13 to 17 August across Cork city.

The airport's sponsorship of the fourth annual food festival underscores its commitment to promoting the region's exceptional food heritage, with Cork being home to more artisan producers than anywhere else in Ireland. The partnership represents Cork Airport's broader strategy of championing local culture and tourism through its Community Fund programme.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, highlighted the natural synergy between the airport and the festival:

"Cork Airport is thrilled to be a partner of 'Cork on a Fork Fest', supported through our Community Fund. We never take for granted the importance of quality food to the visitor experience and with over 60% of Irish artisan producers located in the wider Cork region, we are proud of that heritage. We commend Cork City Council for this food festival, which has now formed an important part of the visitor calendar for our region."

The airport already serves as an ambassador for Cork's food culture through its Duty Free shops, which stock an extensive range of local artisan products. Travellers departing Cork can purchase iconic regional foods including Clonakilty black pudding, Tom Durcan's spiced beef, Barry's Tea, Ballymaloe relish, Durrus cheeses, Good's smoked salmon and Folláin jams, alongside locally produced gins, whiskeys and liqueurs; essentially taking a "taste of Cork" with them wherever they travel.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, praised the airport's support:

"I would like to sincerely thank Cork Airport for their support of our food festival, Cork on a Fork Fest, through the airport's community fund. As the gateway to our city and region, Cork Airport offers an exceptional welcome and hospitality experience to all who arrive, setting the tone for the vibrant culture and food scene we're so proud of here in Cork. Their continued support of local festivals like this one reflects their strong commitment to our community and to showcasing all that makes Cork City a truly special destination."

The festival, organised by Cork City Council in partnership with local hospitality businesses and chefs, features an extensive programme designed to showcase Cork's diverse gastronomy. Events include free expert cookery demonstrations at the Festival Marquee on Emmet Place throughout the festival, exclusive dining experiences like the sold-out VQ Shared Table on MacCurtain Street (Wednesday, 13 August), and family-friendly activities.

Other highlights include a small producers market at St. Peter's on North Main Street, "Bread, Beef and Butter" at The Butter Museum on Friday, 15 August, and the "Feastival" on Princes Street closing the festival on Sunday, 17 August. The programme encompasses food trails, tours, tastings, workshops and talks, catering to both serious food enthusiasts and families alike.

Cork Airport's partnership with Cork on a Fork Fest demonstrates how the airport extends its role beyond transportation, actively investing in events that enhance the region's reputation as a premier destination. By supporting festivals that celebrate local culture and artisan foods, the airport helps strengthen Cork's position as Ireland's food capital whilst providing visitors with authentic experiences that begin the moment they land.

The Community Fund partnership represents Cork Airport's ongoing commitment to supporting cultural and tourism initiatives that benefit the wider region, ensuring that whether visitors are arriving or departing, they experience the very best of Cork's renowned hospitality and food culture.