Cork Rocks for Rory Returns with Expanded Programme This June

Cork City Council is set to bring the banks of the Lee alive again this summer, as the Cork Rocks for Rory festival returns for its second year with an expanded programme celebrating the music and legacy of legendary Cork guitarist Rory Gallagher.

Building on the success of its 2025 debut, this year's event features a free open-air concert in Fitzgerald Park on Sunday, 14 June 2026, running from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Curated by Sheena Crowley of Crowley's Music Centre, the venue where Rory famously purchased his iconic Fender Stratocaster, the concert will feature performances by Tres Hombres, The Crew, Hot Guitars, and Dying Breed. Refreshments will be available on the day.

Three new exhibitions will also run across the city from 11 June, developed in collaboration with the Rory Gallagher Estate and showcasing previously unseen memorabilia, personal effects, and rare photography.

At Cork City Library, the exhibition Recalling Calling Card runs from 11 June to 4 July, marking the 50th anniversary of Gallagher's 1976 album. It features rare and never-before-seen images by renowned music photographer Michael Putland, alongside handwritten lyrics and production notes from the album's creation.

Cork City Hall's Atrium hosts On the Boards of Cork City Hall: Rory Gallagher & His Band in Concert 1974, also from 11 June to 3 July, featuring previously unseen photographs by Cork photographer Pat Galvin, who had backstage and on-stage access during Gallagher's celebrated January 1974 concerts. Rory's first guitar and a rendition of his 1961 Fender Stratocaster will also be on display.

Cork Public Museum opens its contribution, Concerts of the Continental Op, on 14 June, the anniversary of Gallagher's passing in 1995, with the exhibition running to 4 July. New memorabilia, instruments, and an audiovisual installation will highlight Gallagher's legacy as a live performer.

Eoin Gallagher, Rory's nephew, said:

"We are honoured to support Cork City in continuing to celebrate Rory Gallagher's legacy. His life and work continue to inspire new audiences and appreciation worldwide. For the Rory Gallagher Estate, it is a pleasure to assist his hometown showcasing Rory's music influence and cultural impact to local and international visitors this summer."

City Librarian David O'Brien commented:

"Cork Rocks for Rory enters its second year with a variety of events and an outdoor concert at the Museum. It's wonderful to build on the success of the inaugural event in 2025 and the City Library, Museum and City Hall will all play a part again working with the Gallagher Family to remember and celebrate the Legacy of Rory Gallagher."

Museum Curator Daniel Breen added:

"Cork Public Museum is reaffirming its commitment to collecting, exhibiting, and promoting the life and legacy of Rory Gallagher, celebrating both his music and his global influence. This year's exhibition focuses on Rory as a live performer, featuring newly acquired memorabilia and an immersive audiovisual installation. Rory's enduring appeal is rooted in his powerful, mesmerising stage presence and his remarkable ability to connect with audiences whenever and wherever he played. With this new exhibition, the museum hopes to capture and share some of that unmistakable 'live' magic with visitors."

The public is also encouraged to explore the established Stompin' Ground City Walking Trail, which takes in locations of significance to the Cork musical legend. Maps are available from the City Library.

Cork Rocks for Rory is organised by Cork City Council in association with the Rory Gallagher Estate. All events are free to attend.