Cork Week 2026 Under Way in Crosshaven With Record Fleet and Family Fun

Cork Week 2026 got under way in Crosshaven on Monday 6 July, with racing continuing daily until Friday 10 July. More than 120 boats and 6,000 sailors and spectators are taking part in the week-long regatta, which combines world-class racing with a packed programme of family activities and evening entertainment.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club, the world's oldest yacht club, is welcoming crews and visitors from around the globe for the event. Crosshaven is set to come alive throughout the week, with action on the water complemented by entertainment and festivities ashore. Nearby harbour villages across Cork are also expected to be busy, offering additional vantage points for those hoping to catch the racing.

Cork Week 2026 was officially opened on Sunday 5 July by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Guests at the ceremony included County Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Bernard Moynihan; Cork City Lord Mayor, Councillor Damian Boylan; a number of local councillors; Admiral Denis Byrne; and Rob Foster, Vice Admiral of RCYC and General Manager.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin:

"It is a pleasure to officially open Cork Week 2026 here at the oldest sailing club in the world - the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Events like this that attract visitors from around the world are very important for Ireland, as they are an opportunity to showcase our beautiful marine resource, particularly here in Cork Harbour, the second biggest natural harbour in the world. This event is a huge part of Cork harbour's history that we are all very proud of."

Families got an early taste of the nautical fun at Family Day, held at the Royal Cork Yacht Club's waterfront. The event offered free activities for younger visitors, including face painting, balloon modelling, pirate games, a Play Zone, and a Coastal Market. Many families also took the opportunity to visit Camden Fort Meagher, enjoy coastal walks, and take in the Pipers Fun Fair.

This year's racing programme features two major championships: the Etchells European Championships 2026 and the Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) Championships. Other highlights include the Harbour Race on Wednesday 8 July, and the Beaufort Cup for international uniformed service personnel, which runs throughout the week and includes an overnight race around the Fastnet starting on Monday 6 July.

Onshore, the Royal Cork Yacht Club has lined up a full week of entertainment, with live music each afternoon featuring resident musician Phil Holbird, alongside sailing-related activities and a range of retail, spares, and sail-repair facilities. Red FM's Ciara Revins will close out the week with a live broadcast from the club on Friday 10 July, from 12pm to 4pm.

The evening line-up begins on Monday with the Heineken Après Sail Welcome Party at 4pm. Tuesday brings "Fastnet Tuesday", a Mount Gay Après Sail session with the Crosshaven Music Collective, also from 4pm. Wednesday is Cork Week Ladies' Day, a charity lunch in aid of Crosshaven RNLI hosted by Red FM's KC with special guest Reggie, featuring music from The Loungeman and Phil Holbird and band; the day continues with a Murphy's Après Sail featuring The Loungeman at 4pm and a Mid-Week Party in the marquee at 7pm. Thursday's entertainment includes The Busker and a Ginger Ale Après Sail at 4pm, followed by the traditional Cork Week John Paul Construction BBQ Bash at 7pm and DJ Trevor at 10pm. Friday closes the week with a Murphy's Après Sail at 4pm, the Prizegiving and Closing Ceremony at 5pm, and a Closing Party at 7pm.

Dining options at the Royal Cork Yacht Club include a range of food trucks and stalls, open daily from 3pm, while the Bistro menu will be served in the RCYC Dining Room each evening from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

Recommended viewing points for spectators include Camden and Church Bay in Crosshaven, the new Haulbowline Island Amenity Park in Ringaskiddy, and the promenade in Cobh.

Bus routes 220 and 220X run directly from Cork City to the Royal Cork Yacht Club, while parking is available on-site for those driving.

Cork Week 2026 is supported by Cork County Council, Port of Cork, Musto, Heineken, Barry & Fitzwilliam, CH Marine, John Paul Construction, Smart Club Solutions, Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Arachas Insurance, and the National Space Centre, with Red FM as media partner.

For the full entertainment schedule, see corkweek.ie/cork-week-2026-entertainment-schedule. More at corkweek.ie.