What better way to celebrate all that the Ring of Cork has to offer, than a super festival in the year of the Gathering.  The Ring of Cork Festival will be held on Saturday May 18th in Midleton, Co. Cork and all are welcome from near and far to join in an impressive and truly unique line-up of activities, fairs and fun on the day.

Drawing from the Region’s specialties, there will be 5 key festival rings – food, craft, family fun, adventure, culture and heritage, inviting visitors to join in the fun and get involved in all sorts of interactive activities from tastings to bush craft, pottery making to surfing and learning about the history of the South and East Cork Area.

 Funded and organized by South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD), this project is also supported by South and East Cork Tourism, the body responsible for promoting the South and East Cork area to tourists and visitors.

 “We wanted to create a truly unique event that would showcase the South and East Cork area, which as well as its beauty and people, has so much to offer tourists, whether they are from Ireland or international travellers”, said Ryan Howard, SECAD.  “The artisan crafts and food producers and chefs from this area are world renowned, and our heritage from Cobh’s maritime history including Titanic and the Lusitania to the Jameson Experience at the Midleton Distillery, and family entertainment from Fota Wildlife to Trabolgan and Leahy’s Open Farm, all provide so much variety to visitors coming to the Ring of Cork area, that we have to celebrate our Region with this unique festival”.

 Comprising of 5 themed areas, each with a unique yet fun flavor, festival goers and visitors on the day won’t be disappointed. There will be live cookery demonstrations by renowned Cork chefs including food writer and cook, Lilly Higgins.  Artisan food producers and stalls from all over the South and East Cork area will showcase the finest delicacies and delights on offer in the Region. 

Tastings and market stalls will ensure that visitors really get a taste for the Ring of Cork.

emonstrations on bush craft and survival skills as well as lessons and tips on outdoor adventures from kayaking and surfing to mountain climbing will also be on offer in the Adventure ring.   For kids and families, there will be face painting and an animal petting area along with lots of fun and games. 

 Tourism Marketing Manager with the Ring of Cork, Billy Mulqueen said “We are very excited about the Ring of Cork festival and we have received fantastic support and interest to date. One of the key objectives for this festival is to make it as interactive as possible and with the plethora of food demonstrations and lessons available we would encourage all foodie, craft, heritage and culture vultures to sample the delights of South & East Cork”.

 In 2012, the Ring of Cork brand was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine, Simon Coveney T.D. on behalf of South and East Cork Tourism to attract people to the many scenic areas in South and East Cork.

 “The Ring of Cork is particularly important as it encourages visitors to explore this ring of Cork from wonderful sites of cultural importance, marine activities, scenic trips, festivals and family activities, to great food and fun.  Attracting visitors to this Region in the Year of the Gathering is a priority for the South and East Cork region”, said Billy Mulqueen, Tourism and Marketing Manager, Ring of Cork.

 The Ring of Cork includes the towns of Cobh, Midleton, Youghal, Carrigaline, and Ballincollig and their surrounding areas, and is supported by the South and East Cork Area Development organization (SECAD) as well as the town councils of Cobh, Midleton and Youghal.