Cork Opera House and Masters of Tradition present Martin Hayes with Cormac McCarthy & Special Guests

As part of Cork Opera House’s 170th anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to welcome the world renowned fiddle player, Martin Hayes to curate a very special evening of music that shines a spotlight on Cork’s deep and dynamic traditional music heritage.

In collaboration with Masters of Tradition – the internationally renowned Bantry-based festival where Hayes serves as Artistic Director – this one-night-only event will be a singular celebration of Irish traditional music, curated through the unique vision of one of its greatest living exponents.

Martin Hayes, known for his soulful and transcendent fiddle playing, will lead an evening that blends orchestral grandeur with the intimacy and authenticity of traditional session music. The Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Tom Crowley, will be joined on stage by Hayes’ long-time collaborator, the acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Cormac McCarthy. They will be accompanied by special guests drawn from Cork’s incredible pool of traditional musicians, all renowned for their connection to Cork and contribution to the city’s cultural tapestry.

Through original arrangements and special performances, this concert will celebrate Cork not only as a city steeped in musical history, but also as a vibrant hub of living tradition. Join us for an unforgettable evening that honours the past, celebrates the present, and signals toward the future of Irish traditional music.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Peppa Pigs Big Family Show

Based on the much-loved animated preschool TV series, Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones as Peppa’s family prepares for the arrival of a new baby.

With a new arrival on the way the whole family is busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover, and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need your help to get everything ready before the big day. There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?

For over 15 years, audiences have been thrilled to see Peppa and friends live on stage in seven hugely popular tours, with over 2.5 million fans joining in the fun and games in the UK alone. Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! is once again produced by leading children’s theatre team Fierylight. The production will be directed and co-adapted by Richard Lewis who has directed all previous Peppa Live shows.

Join Peppa and Friends on their latest new adventure for preschoolers. It’s the perfect family treat.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production contains Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: GA

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Onoir

Contemporary Irish folk group Onóir formed in 2020, when Donegal musicians; Tom McHugh, Declan Gaughan, Deane Connaghan, and Diarmaid McGee, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad; “The Auld Triangle”, the video went on to be seen by over 3 million people worldwide. These talented musicians with distinctive vocal styles are setting new standards with incredible musical arrangements and harmonies that mark them out as unique. Their debut album was released in March of 2024.

Onóir are getting ready to blow your mind… This is a night not to be missed. As they put their unique stamp on the timeless ballads and folk songs that we all love. But be prepared for a few pleasant surprises as they delve into americana, heart rending soul and a little bit of country. In addition to top quality vocals there’s going to be some fun and laughter along the way.   

Onóir are selling out venues in record time as their impassioned audiences are taken on a musical odyssey. From their new take on traditional Irish songs all the way through to, up tempo modern Irish classics. From tears to laughter, enjoy the onstage chemistry, excitement, and banter in a show that you will remember for a long, long time. 


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Karen Underwood – To All The Men I’ve Loved Before (Over 18’s)

Karen Underwood returns to the Cork Guinness Jazz Festival in the Cork Opera House Green Room celebrating the men that she has loved from birth until today. To All The Men I’ve Loved Before is a tribute to the men and the music who have shaped her life.

“I had a father who loved me, who worked hard and who sang when he could have cried. He gave me the gift of music. In that music there are so many stories that I can’t wait to share with you. He was the first man that I loved. My dad also taught me how I should be loved.”

Karen is a compelling storyteller and If you love the music of Sammy Davis, Bob Dylan, Nat King Cole, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Gregory Porter, Stevie Wonder and many more book your ticket now to avoid disappointment. Join Karen and her and her friends, Gary Beecher (piano), Davy Ryan (drums), David Whitla (bass) and Eoghan Regan (guitar) for a night to remember.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lightning, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Strictly 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

The Three Amigos

They may have already cemented their roots as one of Ireland’s top concert acts but Jimmy Buckley,Robert Mizzell and Patrick Feeney have no intention of resting on their laurels. Instead they are exploring additional avenues in the country music sphere to such an extent that they continue to transport their already renowned stage shows to a new high.

This invariably triggers excitement, enjoyment and praise in equal measure from concert audiences as they digest a show which never fails to impress.

This promises to be the case once more when the Three Amigos and their talented backing band hit the concert scene again in the early part of 2026. Their devotion to their task is boundless while their vitality, enthusiasm and sheer professionalism rarely fail to captivate their followers.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Al Porter – Algorithm

Following up his Sold Out tour in 2023/24, Al’s back with AL PORTER ALGORITHM where his unique brand of exciting, energetic and fun loving comedy meets his most relatable stories ever!

Why does Instagram think he needs to get assessed? Can you learn to love renting in a house share? Can his parents deal with empty nest syndrome? Why is his brother the golden child? And much more!

One of few Irish comics ever nominated for a Perrier Award (like Tommy Tiernan and Dylan Moran before him) Al’s 2023/24 show “Now” was critically acclaimed with reviews like, “Gloriously upbeat! No self pity… Irrepressible stand up storytelling (Chortle ★★★★) and ★★★★ “Dazzling…Brilliant and very funny” (The Scotsman)

AL PORTER’s ALGORITHM is trying to find a formula for living in a world on fire! Just like online, in life, you’ll see more of what you pay attention to and Al’s always on the look out for the upside!

With Special Guest Sinéad Quinlan.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Strictly 16+.

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Declan O’Rourke

In October 2004, amongst a thriving Dublin music scene Declan O’Rourke’s debut album Since Kyabram was released. In its first week, Since Kyabram entered the charts at no.5 and over the following two years achieved gold, platinum and twice platinum status.  The album held within it a collection of songs which have grown in popularity over the years. Galileo, Sarah, No Place To Hide, We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea and Marrying The Sea are amongst the titles which led to Award nominations and plaudits from Paul Weller, Eddi Reader, Paul Brady and Snow Patrol.

Speaking about the upcoming shows Declan O’Rourke says

To celebrate and release Kyabram all over again, this time with a deeper dive inside the tapes, is going to be such a trip. Being fully immersed in the music once more for just a handful of special 20th-anniversary concerts will also be very exciting! Since Kyabram is a record I’m very proud of, both as an introductory body of work and a collection of songs individually. After 20 years I’m still hugely nostalgic for it and love that it has become a favourite for many others.”


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Joanne McNally

‘Pinotphile’ follows the runaway success of Joanne’s smash hit ‘The Prosecco Express’ – a show that set off on its maiden voyage in initial previews back in 2019 before becoming a critically acclaimed global riot – touring across UK, Ireland, Australia, Dubai, Canada and the US – where media giant Variety tipped Joanne as one of its comedy ‘Ones to Watch’. Back home, Ticketmaster IE crowned the show its ‘Comedy Event of the Year’ following an unprecedented 78 show run at Dublin’s Vicar Street.

Since then, McNally has been keeping herself busy by ruining men’s lives (and her own) – still single, still unfertilised, and laden with irreverent, ridiculous and hilarious war stories, join Joanne for a wild ride in ‘Pinotphile’, as she navigates situationships, revenge, frenemies and rejection in her ‘terrifyingly funny’ (London Standard) and ‘joyously nuts’ (Irish Examiner) trademark style.

One of podcasting’s best loved names, Joanne is the co-host of the award-winning ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me’ alongside best friend Vogue Williams – since launching in 2021, the podcast reaches over 2.5 million listeners per month and has toured across the world, culminating in an extraordinary run of 5 sold out nights at Dublin’s 3 Arena.

Elsewhere, Joanne also hosts the hugely popular BBC Sounds format Joanne McNally Investigates – with two series under her belt – ‘Who Replaced Avril Lavigne?’ and ‘Do Furbys Spy On Us?’. A primetime TV regular, Joanne is best known for her riotous appearances on Taskmaster, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Big Fat Quiz of Everything, and many more.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Mack Fleetwood

Europe’s premier tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Europe’s premier tribute to the supergroup Fleetwood Mac, bring you on a magical musical journey from the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling band that still tour today. Bewitching their audience with authentic renditions of all the fan-favourite and classic Fleetwood Mac hits. Mack Fleetwood’s love of the material and musical prowess shines through each song.

You can expect to hear songs like ‘Dreams,’ ‘Go Your Own Way,’ ‘Rhiannon’ and ‘The Chain’. Other popular choices often include ‘Say You Love Me’, ‘Little Lies’ and ‘Gypsy’.


SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lightning, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Culture Night 2024: Immersive Experimental Sound Experience

Join us at Cork Opera House for a unique auditory adventure.

This late night event is a chance to be invigorated by new and experimental sounds.

Step into a world where the walls are allowed to speak. An immersive experimental audio experience. Hosted in a venue rich with history, each room offers a unique sonic journey. Specially created for Cork Culture Night by composer Kevin Terry, this experience is designed to transport you to another realm, where every intonation resonates deep within.

As you wander through our spaces, you’ll encounter sound-worlds composed from the acoustics of each room. Some rooms feature walls dating back to 1855. The sound interacts with the architectural nuances, creating an experience where every pulse and murmur is something that has been hanging in the air since the buildings construction.

Perfect for night owls and sound lovers. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in a world where every room tells its story through sound.


This event has been created as part of a Masters by Research studentship with UCC and Cork Opera House by Kevin Terry.

Terry holds a first class MA in Composition from MTU (2020) and has received multiple awards for his work including the West Cork Chamber Music Composition Prize (2021), the IMRO/ Feis Ceoil String Orchestra composition prize (2021) and the Jerome Hynes Young Composers’ Award (2019).

Kevin’s MRes project will develop a multimedia work in response to Cork Opera House incorporating sonic, architectural, and historical perspectives of the building as source material.

Learn more about Cork Opera House and UCC’s creative partnership Creating Together.


AGE GUIDANCE: Strictly 18+

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.