Cork may be known for its rich history, culture and charm, but its emerging claim to fame is the calibre of its culinary fare. At the centre of it all is Cork on a Fork Fest, a five-day celebration of the city’s unique and ever-evolving food culture that begins today.

Behind the scenes of this now iconic event is Niamh Murphy, a proud Cork native and the enthusiastic festival manager whose passion for her city and its flavours is enough to drive anyone into a food frenzy.

“I was born and reared in Cork,” says Murphy with pride. That deep local connection made her a natural fit when Cork City Council launched the festival in 2022, aiming to spotlight the city as a haven for food and drink lovers. Murphy’s agency, ETC (Events, Tourism & Communications), was acquired to bring the vision to life and create a dedicated food festival for the city.

“ETC specializes in the development and promotion of festivals and events,” she explains. “As a proud Corkonian, I was excited to be part of something that would showcase our incredible gastronomy and attract food lovers to the city.”

Three years later, the festival is thriving, with Murphy at the helm. “I oversee all aspects of programming, working closely with businesses across Cork City. The festival has gone from strength to strength, and it’s an honour to continue being part of its growth.”

As festival manager, Murphy’s role is both broad and bustling. “In addition to programming, I handle event management and the promotion of the festival. The team at Cork City Council is fantastic; they work hand in hand with us.”

While challenges may crop up, the rewards remain mouth-watering. “Like any growing festival, we could always do with more sponsors,” she admits. “But there’s great camaraderie, a real buzz around the city and a strong sense of pride in what we’ve achieved. It’s an incredible week where Cork’s food community truly comes together.”

The festival’s community-driven ethos is key to its success. “As organizers, we see ourselves as facilitators – the program is shaped by the trade itself,” says Murphy. That spirit of collaboration extends to a wide network of stakeholders, from Fáilte Ireland and Pure Cork to Cork Airport, the Cork Business Association and, of course, the city’s beloved hospitality businesses.

At its heart, Cork on a Fork Fest is focused on encouraging connections. “It celebrates our gastronomy, culinary heritage, multiculturalism, sustainability and strong sense of community,” Murphy explains. “We’ve made it accessible and inclusive, with a mix of free and ticketed events to appeal to both locals and visitors.”

What began as an initiative to promote outdoor dining and nightlife has grown into the largest food festival in the county, with more than 70 events planned for this year. “We get a brilliant mix of locals and visitors, all with a shared love of food,” she says. Attendees can expect everything from exclusive dining experiences and immersive food trails to cooking demos, live talks and a fun-filled children’s program.

Additional highlights include a spectacular long-table dinner on MacCurtain Street, where 22 chefs and 40 wait staff – all championing local producers – will serve 450 guests. “Plus, we’ll have a free 150-seat demo marquee and lively markets at Emmet Place all weekend,” Murphy adds.

The impact on local producers has been tangible. “Many have told us the festival helped them get listed permanently on menus,” she shares.

“It’s all about inspiring people to connect with their food, with the land and with one another.”

Looking ahead, the possibilities are as palatable as the food itself. “I can see it becoming one of the city’s biggest festivals — on par with the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival,” says Murphy. “Cork has already outlined its ambition to be named a World Region of Gastronomy, and with over 60 per cent of Ireland’s artisan producers based here, that ambition is well within reach.”

No doubt, the festival’s success has boosted Cork’s status as a far-reaching “foodie” capital. “Talented chefs from all over the world now call Cork home and are helping to redefine traditional Irish cuisine in exciting ways,” she says. “There’s also a growing commitment to sourcing local ingredients, which is easy when you have the English Market right in the heart of the city.”

Whether you’re a fussy first-timer or a seasoned culinary connoisseur, Cork on a Fork Fest is a must-taste event that captures the spirit, spice and soul of one of Ireland’s most delicious destinations.

@corkonaforkfest