Cork City's Non-Fire Night Returns to Seven Locations for St. John's Eve
Cork's Non-Fire Night returns on 23 June with seven family-friendly events across the city, including Ballincollig for the first time.
Communities across Cork city, supported by Cork City Council, volunteer residents, community partners and fellow service providers, are preparing to celebrate St. John's Eve with this year's Non-Fire Night summer programme on Tuesday, 23 June.
Seven community locations across the city will host Non-Fire Night celebrations, up from six in 2025, with Ballincollig joining the programme for the first time. These family-friendly evenings offer a healthy, fun alternative to traditional Bonna Night bonfires, with activities including face painting, music, crafts, games, play sessions and children's fun rides at each venue.
St. John's Eve has long been associated with summer solstice traditions, with bonfires historically lit to honour the sun and to symbolically protect communities. Today, Cork City Council notes that bonfires cause significant environmental damage, polluting the air, destroying green spaces and posing real risks to public safety.
Non-Fire Night reimagines the spirit of the occasion through creativity, music and shared enjoyment, providing a safer and more sustainable way for people of all ages to mark the date. The events are organised in close partnership between Cork City Council's Community Team and local committees.
This year's seven venues and times are: Colmcille Park, Mayfield (4.30pm to 7.00pm); Comeragh Green Space, The Glen (4.00pm to 6.00pm); Kilmore Road Park, Knocknaheeny (4.30pm to 7.00pm); Pophams Park, Farranree (4.00pm to 7.00pm); Clashduv Park, Togher (5.30pm to 7.30pm); Loughmahon Park, Mahon (5.00pm to 7.00pm); and Innishmore Park, Ballincollig (5.00pm to 7.00pm).