Cork County Council Launches Enhanced Local Festival and Event Fund 2026

28^th January 2026

Cork County Council Launches Enhanced Local Festival and Event Fund 2026

This funding programme supports a wide variety of festivals and events across the county

Cork County Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Local Festival and Event Fund 2026, a key investment in Cork County’s cultural and tourism landscape. The fund is supported by Fáilte Ireland, reflecting a shared commitment to developing high‑quality festivals and events across Cork County. 

This enhanced initiative is designed to strengthen communities, support economic growth, and position Cork County as a leading destination for visitors throughout the year. 

The Local Festival and Event Fund 2026 is delivered through two distinct funding strands:

• Strand A – Small/Medium Festivals and Events: Designed to strengthen local identity and attract domestic visitors, with grants of up to €6,000 available.

• Eligibility:

  1. Event must take place within Cork County

  2. Minimum 150 projected bed nights

  3. Minimum €7,500 total expenditure

  4. High-quality programme with strong domestic tourism relevance

• Strand B – Large-Scale Festivals and Events: Targeting major events that deliver significant economic impact and elevate Cork County’s profile nationally and internationally.

• Eligibility:

  1. Event must take place within Cork County

  2. Minimum 1,000 projected bed nights

  3. Minimum €20,000 expenditure

  4. Professionally structured, high-calibre programme

Both strands will be assessed on programme quality, marketing and collaboration, delivery capacity, seasonality, visitor experience fit, and sustainability practices.

Welcoming the launch, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said, “Festivals and events are a central part of Cork County’s visitor economy and of what makes the county a strong and distinctive destination. They support local enterprise, sustain employment and generate economic activity that benefits towns and villages across the county. Cork County Council is taking a strategic approach to supporting festivals and events that are well planned, professionally delivered, and deliver clear value for communities and the wider economy. This enhanced fund supports a sustainable festivals and events sector that strengthens Cork County’s tourism offering and helps to extend the tourism season across the year.”

Applications open on Thursday, the 29^th of January, and close on Friday, the 27^th of February. For full details and to apply, visit Cork County Council’s website, corkcoco.ie.

ENDS