Festivals are a key driver of economic growth, according to the results of the latest Cork Chamber Economic Trends survey, with annual events offering an important boost to Cork’s economy each year.
The survey measured business sentiment and economic outlook among Cork Chamber members at the close of Q3 2025. Cork’s business community was also asked about the city’s night-time economy and events offering.
The Q3 2025 Economic Trends survey found that 94% of respondents expressed confidence in their business from an overall financial perspective. Confidence in the Irish economy remains high at 73%. And for those citing a lack of confidence in the economy, rising business costs were the number one concern.
DINING OUT THE TOP REASON FOR SOCIALISING
Dining out emerged as the most popular reason for spending time in Cork city centre, cited by 70% of respondents. Attending arts and cultural events, as well as live music performances, is also a key reason for spending time in the city.
“Maintaining and enhancing safety in Cork city centre will be critical to further improving Cork’s night-time economy and events offering,” Rob Horgan, Cork Chamber President, said. “Survey results indicate that Garda visibility, public realm design and the availability of public transport are the most important factors influencing the feeling of safety in the city.”
“With a range of events and festivals planned for the rest of the year in Cork, the outlook for the local economy is good. According to the survey results, providing more dedicated events spaces in Cork would support local businesses, attract more visitors to Cork and strengthen the region’s overall competitiveness by attracting investment and talent, and the Cork Events Centre must be a key priority for the region’s future development,” he concluded.
CONFIDENCE HIGH, BUT RISING COSTS A CONCERN
Confidence in the Irish economy as a whole remains high at 73%, however rising business costs emerged as the top concern for future economic growth among respondents.
The Cork Chamber Economic Trends survey is sponsored by PTSB.
