The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival has just dropped its 2026 lineup for the festival’s 22-26 October bank holiday weekend, with Yussef Dayes, Masters At Work and Boney M among the headliners — and if you’ve been looking for a reason to book that Ireland trip, this might be it.
Every October bank holiday weekend, Cork transforms. Live music spills out of pubs, clubs, and street corners across the city. It’s not just about the headline acts — the entire city becomes the venue. You’ll find sessions in tiny bars, impromptu performances on Patrick Street, and an energy that makes Cork feel completely alive.
For anyone planning a southwest Ireland itinerary, timing your visit around the festival means experiencing Cork at its most vibrant. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, Cobh, Kinsale, and the rest of County Cork before or after the music winds down.
We’d recommend booking accommodation early. Cork fills up fast when the jazz comes to town. See the full festival lineup for the complete artist list.
Originally reported by Irish Examiner
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