Cork on a Fork Festival Celebrates Cork’s Commitment to a Healthy and Sustainable Food Future

Cork is a region that eats with purpose—and Cork on a Fork Fest reflects that ethos. More than just a celebration of flavour, the festival shines a spotlight on local, seasonal produce and the people driving a more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food system.

Running from 13–17 August 2025, this year’s festival will serve up nearly 100 food experiences with a focus on food that’s good for people, place, and planet. From zero-waste tastings to farm-to-fork feasts, Cork on a Fork is a vibrant showcase of what it means to eat well and live sustainably.

Highlights include:

• A zero-mile lunch and dinner in a cowshed at Glenbrook Farm, where every ingredient is grown or reared on the farm.
   

• Community garden feasts celebrating urban food growing and food access.
   

• A producer’s bus tour, connecting festival-goers directly with Cork’s food community.
   

• Foraging adventures that reconnect people with the land
   

• A practical workshop exploring the Sustainable and Healthy Food Strategy for Cork, led by the Cork Food Policy Council
   

• Healthy Food events at Cork City Libraries
   

These experiences reflect a deeper mission: for Cork to feed itself—equitably, locally, and sustainably. The festival underscores the importance of food security, championing community-led solutions that ensure everyone has access to affordable, healthy food.

Commenting the Lord Mayor Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said, “Cork on a Fork Fest reflects the values we hold dear as a city—community, sustainability, and pride in our local hospitality businesses and producers. It’s a celebration of the people and places that make Cork’s food culture so unique, and a powerful reminder that the choices we make around food can help build a healthier, more equitable future for all.”

Cork on a Fork Festival is 100% locally driven. Everyone involved is part of the Cork food community—from farmers and fishers to chefs, businesses and market traders. The region is home to more than 60% of Ireland’s artisan producers, and their extraordinary output is centre stage throughout the programme.

Cork’s culinary story is rooted in history. As a bustling trading port and provisioning centre since the 10th century, the city has long been a leader in Irish food culture. That legacy lives on today—visible at the English Market, on the shelves of local food stores, and on the menus of restaurants sourcing direct from the land and sea.

Cork on a Fork is proudly supported by Cork City Council in collaboration with local businesses and key partners including Fáilte Ireland, Pure Cork, Cork Airport, the Cork Business Association, the IHF Cork branch, the Irish Examiner, and Cork’s RedFM.

Many events are free, while others are ticketed due to limited capacity—with some already sold out. Early booking is advised.

Explore the full programme at corkonaforkfest.ie or follow @corkonaforkfest on social media for the latest updates.