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Ready to jazz up your trip to Ireland? On the last weekend of October, you can do just that at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival!
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is an annual music event held in Cork. It brings together famous musicians from around Ireland and other parts of the world for a series of performances and celebrations.
This year is the 44th annual Cork Jazz Festival. It's set to bring new events, collaborations, venues, and parties!
Cork is a charming city with picturesque neighborhoods, friendly people, and local pride. It's known internationally for its food and music scenes, making it the ideal setting for Guinness's annual jazz festival!
Wondering what happens during the Cork Jazz Festival and how you can participate? Explore this guide to learn more!
What Is the Cork Jazz Festival?
The Guiness Cork Jazz Festival is one of Ireland's flagship cultural events. It draws attention from both the jazz community and enthusiasts of all kinds of music.
Situated in the vibrant city of Cork, this annual event has become an essential mark on the calendar for jazz lovers and tourists alike.
If you're going to Ireland, I definitely recommend stopping in as the citizens of Cork take immense pride in hosting this event. Their warmth and hospitality are palpable throughout the festival's duration.
Each year, the festival brings together hundreds of the biggest names in jazz, including renowned international and local artists, showcasing an extensive range of styles, from traditional and Dixieland jazz to bebop, fusion, and avant-garde.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is also committed to the growth and development of jazz music. The event frequently features workshops, masterclasses, and Q&A sessions with musicians, allowing both budding artists and the curious public to learn from the very best in the field.
But there's more! The festival's cultural significance goes beyond music. It plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy, fostering international relations, and highlighting Cork's status as a thriving cultural hub.
Various street performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals often accompany the main musical events, enriching the overall cultural experience.
Cork Jazz Festival History
The first-ever Cork Jazz Festival took place in 1978 as a marketing event for the Metropole Hotel. Since then, it's grown in size and popularity and has become a massive city-wide event.
Past acts at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival have included famed performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Now the festival attracts thousands of guests!
Cork Jazz Festival 2024
This year, the Cork Jazz Festival is celebrating its 46th year! In 2022, the festival welcomed over 100,000 visitors, a record-breaking amount. But this year, the festival is planning to be bigger and better, attracting an even larger crowd.
During the 2024 Cork Jazz Festival you'll be able to experience more ticketed shows, extra dates, and an extended music trail through the city. On top of this, the festival team is preparing additional attractions like:
- Pop up events
- Late night parties
- Boat trips
- Collaborations
- Marching brass bands
When is the 2024 Cork Jazz Festival?
2024 Cork Jazz Festival will take place between October 24th and October 28th. Renowned jazz musicians will perform at numerous venues across the city, such as headliner Gregory Porter!
The full schedule of events is available on the festival's website.
What's the Lineup for Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in 2024?
There's going to be a fantastic lineup of both local and international musicians, but unfortunately they're not released yet. Stay tuned!
The full lineup, and any last-minute changes, will be found at the official Cork Jazz Festival website.
How Do Tickets Work for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival?
Tickets for this iconic Ireland event are sold separately for each event and performance.
Book Event Tickets on the Site
If you're interested in attending a specific performance or event during the Cork Jazz Festival, you can find tickets through the festival's website.
You'll then be directed to the specific venue's website, where you can purchase the tickets.
Some Events Are Free of Charge
A great bonus for travelers is that many Cork Jazz Festival events are completely free!
The Big Fringe offers unique, free events to the public. Pubs and other locations across the city host free concerts and other events.
Even once the official lineup is done for the day, the festivities will continue!
Where is the Cork Jazz Festival?
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2024 will be held in several locations across Cork, Ireland. Over 80 venues are set to participate in the official lineup. Some of the major performance venues include:
- The Everyman Theatre
- Cork Opera House
- The Metropole Hotel
- Live @ St. Luke's
- St. Peter's Church
- Cyprus Avenue
- Triskel Arts Centre
Plus, various pubs and other locations in Cork join in on the fun, hosting their own concerts and events.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is truly a city-wide event that gets the whole community and plenty of tourists involved!
Cork Jazz Festival Accommodation
If you're planning to attend the Cork Jazz Festival, you must find a good home away from home in Cork. You'll want to stay somewhere that's well-located and comfortable while you're partying it up in Cork.
Great Cork Hotels
Sometimes it's nice to travel in style and spoil yourself. Have a look at these great hotels in Cork that are ideal for easy access to the Cork Jazz Festival.
The Metropole Hotel
The Metropole Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in Cork, Ireland. It's also home to the Cork Jazz Festival's Jazz Festival Club, a popular festival event featuring an impressive lineup of musicians!
You can attend a live event and rest up for the next day's festivities in the same place!
The Imperial Hotel
Another well-known Cork hotel is the Imperial Hotel.
This hotel is well-located in the center of the city and within walking distance of most Cork Jazz Festival performances and events.
Fantastic Hostels in Cork
Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Check out these awesome hostels are also great home bases for exploring the Cork Jazz Festival!
Sheilah's Cork Hostel
Sheilas Cork Hostel is located close to the city center and is within walking distance to most places you'll want to explore in Cork.
Clean and friendly is the overall impression that most travelers leave with after staying in this cheery, Irish home away from home.
Bru Bar & Hostel
The Bru Bar & Hostel is a vibey spot that sports its very own pub on the ground floor.
If you choose this as your festival home, then you'll be right in the heart of Cork festivities before you even walk out the front door!
Because the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is so popular and attracts many tourists from around the world, be sure to book your accommodation ASAP!
Getting to Cork, Ireland
The first step in getting to the Cork Jazz Festival is making it to Cork, Ireland.
Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, after Dublin. It's located in southwest Ireland in the province of Munster.
The Cork Airport is just 10 minutes outside of Cork City center. It offers flights to and from destinations around Europe and North America.
Alternatively, you could also fly into Dublin Airport and then take a ferry or bus to Cork.
Hoping to get to Cork without breaking your budget? Be sure to read our guide on finding the cheapest flights and make sure you're booking the cheapest flights available on the market with SkyScanner!
SkyScanner helps you find the cheapest flights available so that you wouldn't have to pay more for flight tickets and save that money for more things to do or food to eat!
So Many Reasons to Visit Ireland
Whether or not you decide to attend the Cork Jazz Festival, there's so much to see and do on a trip to Ireland!
Wondering how to make the most out of your visit? Read our guide to the 7 top things to do in Ireland.
While you're in Ireland, don't miss out on exploring the country's famous capital, Dublin! This city is a popular tourist destination – and for good reason.
Check out our Dublin guides, which include information about museums, hostels, landmarks, and top things to do, as you plan your visit.
Plan Your Trip to Ireland With Pilot!
With so many options, it can get a little overwhelming trying to plan a trip and keep tabs on your itinerary. But we have a solution for you!