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Ocean to City 30th May 2026 – Its going to be EPIC!

Published

5 months ago

May 25, 2026

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Next weekend, Cork Harbour Festival comes alive – and at the heart of it all is Ocean to City, the flagship event of the festival and one of the most spectacular days of the year in Cork Harbour.

Saturday 30 May is shaping up to be our biggest, boldest and most exciting Ocean to City yet.

With record participation numbers expected, a brand new Race Hub (1-6pm) on Kennedy Quay, live music, food stalls, family entertainment and the magnificent Tall Ship NAO SANTA MARÍA docked right beside the action – this is no longer just a race. It’s a full harbour celebration!

Ocean to City 30th May 2026 – Bigger than ever

This year, more than 640 participants are taking part, with crews travelling from across Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and the USA.

From traditional currachs and rowing boats to kayaks, dragon boats and everything in between, Cork Harbour will be alive with colour, energy and activity all day long.

Whether you’re cheering from the shore, cycling between spectator points or soaking up the atmosphere at the finish line – Ocean to City is one of those events you simply have to experience in person.

Brand new Ocean to City Race Hub on Kennedy Quay

Saturday 30 May | 1-6pm | Kennedy Quay & Lapp’s Quay, Cork City

Thanks to support from Fáilte Ireland, Ocean to City now has its very own dedicated Race Hub on Kennedy Quay – transforming the finish line into a full festival destination.

Expect a full day of free entertainment and festival atmosphere, including:
• Front-row views of crews making their final push to the finish
• Live music throughout the day including DJ Stevie G, swing-jazz band The Roaring 40s, Rebel Brass and The Last Call, followed by a lively waterfront ceilidh celebration
• A port-side pop-up playground with fun and games throughout the day
• A food market with picnic benches, atmosphere and festival vibes
• Plenty of space to gather, celebrate and enjoy Cork Harbour at its best

And yes… the image above is an AI-generated sneak peek of what the Race Hub might look like before it exists in real life… but tell us this isn’t going to be epic?!

Imagine the Tall Ship, live music stage, market stalls, packed quayside crowds and dozens of boats racing to the finish – all in one place, with plenty of free fun for all the family.

Kennedy Quay is going to come alive!

And right beside the Race Hub….

Visit the Tall Ship NAO SANTA MARÍA

Moored right beside the Race Hub (Kennedy Quay) throughout the weekend will be the spectacular NAO SANTA MARÍA – a full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous ship. Visitors can explore the ship and discover what life was like at sea in the 15th century.

A special online ticket offer is available until 28 May, with limited availability and priority given to online bookings.

A perfect excuse to bring the kids, grandparents, neighbours, visiting cousins… everyone. Find out more, or buy your tickets here.

Make a weekend of it – Cork Harbour Festival

Ocean to City may be the headline event, but the entire weekend is packed with things to see and do across Cork Harbour, many for free. From music and maritime events to family activities, on-water experiences and entertainment – there’s something for everyone.

Saturday 30 May – Highlights