An initiative designed to strengthen communities, support economic growth, and position Cork county as a leading destination for visitors throughout the year, has been launched by Cork County Council.
The Local Festival and Event Fund 2026 is a key investment in Cork County’s cultural and tourism landscape, which supports a wide variety of festivals and events across the county.
TWO STRANDS OF FUNDING
It is delivered through two distinct funding strands. Both strands will be assessed on programme quality, marketing and collaboration, delivery capacity, seasonality, visitor experience fit, and sustainability practices
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 here requires: a) The event must take place within Cork county; b) Minimum 150 projected bed nights; c) Minimum €7,500 total expenditure and d) have a high-quality programme with strong domestic tourism relevance.
STRAND B
Strand B funding is for large-scale festivals and events. It targets major events that deliver significant economic impact and elevate Cork County’s profile nationally and internationally.
Eligibility requires: a) The event must take place within Cork county; b) Minimum 1,000 projected bed nights; c) Minimum €20,000 expenditure; and d) consist of a professionally structured, high-calibre programme.
Welcoming the launch, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said that the 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.”
Supported by Fáilte Ireland, the funding announcement reflecting a shared commitment to developing high quality festivals and events across Cork county.
Applications are currently open and close on Friday, 27th February. For full details and to apply, visit Cork County Council’s website, corkcoco.ie
