Cork's Food Scene Takes Centre Stage as Cork on a Fork Returns Next Week

Cork's culinary community is preparing to serve up a feast of flavours as Cork on a Fork Fest returns for its fourth year from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th August, bringing nearly 100 food events across the city including cooking demonstrations from celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna and Michelin-starred Takashi Miyazaki.

The five-day festival, organised by Cork City Council, will transform the city into a celebration of food, flavour and community spirit. From pop-up dinners and street feasts to food trails, tastings and family fun, the programme showcases Cork's thriving food scene.

The festival reaches its peak over the weekend of 16th and 17th August when Emmet Place, outside Cork Opera House, becomes the epicentre of Cork's culinary energy. Two free marquee stages will feature back-to-back sessions with Cork's top chefs, food producers, brewers and food thinkers from 10am to 6pm daily.

Celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna headlines Saturday's programme with her Summer Alfresco demonstration at noon, featuring Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad and Lemon Possets, followed by a book signing. She returns on Sunday at noon for a Summer Italian Supper demonstration with Chilli Garlic Prawn Linguine and Roasted Peaches.

Saturday's highlight promises to be the Tripe International Showdown at 2pm, where Takashi Miyazaki from Michelin-starred Ichigo Ichie takes on Pam Kelly from the Farmgate Café in a battle over Cork's most divisive dish: tripe and drisheen. It's a playful nod to Cork's culinary heritage that's sure to divide opinions as much as the dish itself.

The Cooking Demo Stage features an impressive lineup including Aishling Moore (Goldie), Brian Murray (The Glass Curtain), and Sally Barnes (Woodcock Smokery). Sunday's programme includes community highlights such as the Down Syndrome Cork Youth Club cooking demonstration at 10am and a zero-waste cooking showdown at 5pm judged by Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy.

The Talks & Tastings Stage offers equally compelling content, from Cork's award-winning beverages showcase to practical nutrition advice. Saturday features a celebration of Cork's independent stout brewers at 5:30pm, while Sunday includes sessions on sustainable food strategies and local food resilience.

Beyond the stages, a market featuring over 30 local producers and businesses will offer tastings and sales throughout the weekend. Family-friendly activities include face painting and Play Streets on Emmet Place and Cornmarket Street, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

The festival extends beyond the weekend centrepiece, with events running from Tuesday across various venues. These events are sponsored by Fáilte Ireland's Ancient East and Wild Atlantic Way programmes, alongside Cork City Council.

Cork on a Fork is supported by Pure Cork, the Cork Business Association, IHF Cork Branch, MTU, Cork Airport and local sponsors. Full programme details and booking information for ticketed events are available at www.corkonaforkfest.ie.